The Covid-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have changed what benefits employees value the most and what employers offer. Organisations that balance their own needs with that of their employees are likely to succeed in attracting and retaining talent. With the right approach, employers can build a supportive and inclusive work environment in both a hybrid setting as well as a formal workplace. Research published by LinkedIn in April 2023 revealed that there has been an 154% increase in job adverts that mention culture and values, while those that include flexibility and wellbeing rece ..read more

PR and communications agency Zen Communications has implemented a dedicated menopause policy as part of its commitment to holistic employee wellbeing. The agency introduced the dedicated policy in order to provide an inclusive, supportive and nurturing place of work for employees affected by peri-, during, and post-menopause. Its aim is to promote awareness and educate other members of staff about what menopause is, the symptoms it may present and the potential impact it may have on other members of the workforce. The policy will also set out guidelines on how Zen will support employees going ..read more

The government has launched a consultation on non-discretionary tax-advantaged employee share schemes, including sharesave schemes and share incentive plans (Sips) as part of its aim to improve and increase their usage. The government is interested in hearing from stakeholders about whether the schemes are attractive to lower income earners in order to ensure this group is able to take advantage of these. It wants to gather feedback on scheme participation and find out how these can be improved and simplified for both employers and staff, so they can be used as a tool to drive economic growth ..read more

Guest services firm Portico has introduced the first phase of an enhanced employee benefits package for its 1,000 employees. The first phase of the package, which has been designed to reward success and place wellbeing and satisfaction at the heart of the organisation, will give employees access to enhanced health and wellbeing services, including annual health checks and digital GP services. In addition, nutritional and mental health consultations, a bikes-for-work scheme and discounted gym membership will be available. Portica has also introduced peer-to-peer recognition, thank-you vouchers ..read more

Workplace stress is never off our radar, and with so many factors to consider, it’s a topic we’re returning to again, this time focusing on how physical wellbeing benefits can help reduce employee stress levels. An Industry Review There are multiple factors that impact employee stress levels, including external and personal circumstances. However, there’s also a difference between industries, which you’d expect given the varying nature of roles and responsibilities. Unsurprisingly, the healthcare industry is at the top with an overall high-stress level of 11%, but it shares that spot with the ..read more

Ink Innovation, a technology provider for the travel industry, has appointed Judith Whittaker chief people officer. In this role, Whittaker will be responsible for leading the human resources team, ensuring that the organisation attracts, develops and retains the best talent in the industry, and will work closely with the leadership team to support its strategic goals and create a culture of excellence and inclusion. Whittaker has more than 18 years of global human resources experience in both specialist and generalist roles in UK public and private sector organisations, contributing to buildi ..read more

Outsourced payroll solutions and worker benefits provider HIVE360 has launched two new solutions as powerful alternatives to the traditional umbrella providers. Delivered through HIVE360 Plus, and developed specifically for recruitment businesses with volumes of temporary workers on PAYE payroll, the new solutions are HIVE360 Umbrella Plus and HIVE360 PAYE Plus, which are ‘a new generation of protection and support for agency payroll’, according to HIVE360. “Both of theHIVE360 Plus solutions represent a new era for the recruitment sector, as we now offer them far more choi ..read more

Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com Global mining technology business Weir Group has been recognised for its workplace mental health support commitment in Churches, Charities and Local Authorities’ (CCLA) Corporate Mental Health benchmark – UK 100. The benchmark assesses 100 of the largest listed UK businesses on their global approach to workplace mental health and ranks them across several pillars, including management commitment and policy, governance and management, leadership and innovation, and performance reporting and impact. Weir Group, which employs 12,000 workers in more than 60 cou ..read more