Three steps for effective employee recognition
Reward and recognition is fast becoming embedded in many companies’ cultures, so if you don’t offer reward and recognition, you really should! It’s no longer just a nice thing to do for your employees, if used properly it can maximise engagement and motivation in the workplace. If you think your company would benefit from a Reward and Recognition programme or if you already run one, we’re here to help. Head over to our blog, to find out more.
Have you carried out a Basic Earnings Assessment?
For those employees who joined your childcare voucher scheme on or after 6 April 2011, you must carry out a Basic Earnings Assessment each year. It’s your responsibility to make sure an estimate of your employees' relevant earnings amount is completed for the 2018-19 tax year.
Tax-Free Childcare - your latest update
Closure of childcare voucher scheme delayed by six months
With the advent of the government’s Tax-Free Childcare initiative, the childcare voucher scheme was due to close to new entrants on 6 April 2018. However, ministers announced on 13 March that they are to delay the closure.
Education Secretary Damian Hinds made the concession during a Commons debate. Speaking in Parliament, Mr Hinds said: "I can confirm that we will be able to keep the voucher scheme open for a further six months to new entrants."
Read our blog for more information.
Filling the childcare voucher gap after the scheme closes
Childcare can be a major source of stress for many working parents, and can also impact employers through absenteeism and poor productivity. Now is the time to start thinking (if you haven't already) about how you will fill the gap that will be left by childcare vouchers.
In the media, there's an increased spotlight on some very hot topics including, female leaders, flexible working, diversity and inclusion and health and wellbeing. This is the perfect opportunity to evaluate where this fits into your overall employee engagement strategy and, if needs be, implement some changes.
Government says shared parental leave take-up could be as low as two percent
Despite around 285,000 couples qualifying for shared parental leave each year, actual take-up could be as low as two percent. That's if they even know about it, half of the general public aren't aware it even exists.
The announcement came as part of a new drive to encourage more parents to take up the opportunity of shared parental leaving during their baby's first year.
The message promoted by employers should be clear - parents can share childcare and still maintain a successful career with shared parental leave.
I want to ride my bicycle
With the snow hopefully behind us and Easter and sunshine on the horizon, it’s time for your employees to get on their bikes! As one of the most popular employee benefits out there, our cycle2work scheme helps your employees stay healthy and save money on a new bike. Spreading the cost over 12 or 18 months, employees can save up to 42% on the cost of a bike and safety accessories. You’ll save full Employer’s National Insurance (NI), and improve your green travel plan. Take a look at our website for more information or you can email us.