A whole raft of initiatives, including the launch of a salary-sacrifice, cycle-to-work scheme and introducing a wellbeing programme providing on-site physiotherapy, stress management training, lifestyle coaching and wellbeing days, was what impressed judges about Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's efforts to reshape its employee benefits package. And, not only does the completely revamped scheme engage and retain workers better than before, but it has also saved the trust £44,000.
As well as investing in perks for working parents and carers (the tax efficiencies have allowed employees to save up to 40% of the cost of childcare, for example), what particularly impressed the judges was its newly created 'The Hub' - an area adjacent to the staff restaurant, where employees can use their free time to access the internet for their own purposes to aid relaxation and work-life balance.
The trust combined the addition of new perks with robust communication (including pensions advice), metrics and a feedback programme so staff were fully aware of the options available to them. This has provided benefits planners with invaluable data about any changes that might need to be made in the future.
Wellbeing was primarily introduced to tackle absenteeism and, since the project was launched, sickness absence has fallen to 3.45% -which makes it the best of its type in London.
The judges liked the strategic approach the trust took by implementing initiatives based on long-term goals. They were also impressed with metrics used to measure return on investment success.
FINALISTS
Abbott
Capgemini
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
