We are looking at how we can attract and retain good staff. Other than the usual perks of pay, holiday, pension etc., what else should I consider?

Q – We are looking at how we can attract and retain good staff. Other than the usual perks of pay, holiday, pension etc., what else should I consider?

A – The first thing to consider is the profile of your workforce and what might be worrying them.?

In addition to many of the “expected” or “traditional” benefits (i.e. pay levels, holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, etc), other ways to create a positive working environment entail providing support for financial and mental wellbeing, and encouraging healthy lifestyle practices.?

Many of your competitors may have attractive schemes that provide financial support when an employee suffers ill-health, or help employees make their pay go further by offering retail discount savings, cash-back on certain medical expenditure and private medical insurance.

It’s the underlying support these schemes provide that can really make the workplace a “better place to be” and help meet the immediate needs of employees.

Many of the insurance-based schemes provide 24-hour support in relation to financial and emotional wellbeing areas, worldwide access to “remote GPs” (via video conference links) which enable them to get an appointment with a GP much faster and offer a more immediate solution to certain medical conditions.?In the event of ill-health absence, early intervention can help the employee get back to work or support the management of a difficult period.?

Studies show that most employees believe they will need to work for a larger employer to get these levels of support and benefits. But the market has evolved and smaller SMEs are offering this depth of support within their reward packages.?

A well-constructed benefit programme that meets your employees’ needs and is clearly aligned with your firm’s culture could be a differentiator in keeping or attracting staff.?

This article was originally published in the East Anglian Daily Times on Monday 19th December 2022.