Employers are recognising the importance of employee support, with plans to increase benefit investments.
- 43% of businesses intend to enhance their investment in employee benefits over the next year.
- Concerns exist over some employers choosing direct funding approaches, risking inconsistency and inequality.
- 44% of companies plan to extend workplace support accessibility to more employees.
- Effective communication is crucial, with 43% of employers aiming to boost the engagement with available benefits.
Employers are increasingly acknowledging the necessity of supporting their workforce, as evidenced by 43% of them planning to increase their investment in employee benefits in the coming 12 months. This shift highlights an understanding of the positive impact such benefits can have on staff well-being and productivity.
While this development is promising, there is concern from industry experts, such as GRiD, about 37% of employers opting to fund support for their staff directly. Investing in comprehensive packages through established providers can offer consistent and equal quality support for all employees, avoiding the pitfalls of an ad-hoc approach, which may lead to uneven distribution of resources and potential inequality.
Furthermore, research reveals that 44% of employers are looking to widen their support to cover more of their staff. Given that health challenges do not discriminate by job role or level, offering a broader benefits package can help in reducing staff turnover and enhancing overall productivity within the organisation.
The effectiveness of these benefit programmes significantly hinges on how well they are communicated to employees. GRiD’s research suggests that 43% of companies plan to invigorate engagement with employee benefits, with 40% making access easier through applications and online platforms, and another 40% intending to amplify the communication regarding available support. Regular and effective communication ensures that employees are aware of and can utilise these benefits when needed.
GRiD’s spokesperson, Katharine Moxham, emphasizes the positive outlook for employee support, recommending that employers consistently consult with experts to ensure their benefit offerings remain competitive and apt. This advice is grounded in research conducted by Opinium among 500 HR leaders in UK businesses.
Increasing investment in employee benefits is a positive trend, but strategic spending is essential for maximum impact.
