Can employee benefits help combat recruitment challenges?
It’s no secret that Cumbrian businesses are currently facing significant staffing challenges in an extremely competitive jobs market.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 8,699 active job postings in February this year, which is 743 fewer than in January. However, this is still a significant increase of 68% compared to three years ago, just before the first pandemic lockdown. This suggests that businesses need to offer more than just a competitive salary to attract top talent.
One step many businesses have taken to attract and retain the best employees is to expand their employee benefits package. Perks including the option to work from home and flexible working hours, which were once seen as luxuries, are now expected as standard.
Some businesses are going further, offering benefits which support employees’ mental and physical wellbeing and financial support as the current cost-of-living crisis continues to impact individuals and families. Westfield Health highlight in their Wellbeing trends 2023 report, that employees are now more likely to want their employers to show genuine concern for their wellbeing.
As well as helping with recruitment, offering employee benefits can also result in cost savings for businesses. Providing health and wellbeing support can reduce the number of sick days taken, while flexible working hours can increase productivity and decrease absenteeism. Additionally, offering benefits can improve morale and motivation, resulting in a more engaged and committed workforce.
While working on our refreshed membership package for 2023, we listened to our members who were facing these demands and incorporated solutions we think will have a huge impact.
As of 1st April 2023, Chamber membership comes with employee benefits as standard. These include Chamber Healthy Extras for businesses with up to 99 employees, which gives your staff access to offers and savings on a huge range of goods and services from hundreds of leading high street and online retailers. As well a 24-hour advice and information helpline for confidential guidance on medical, legal or domestic issues from qualified counsellors, legal advisors and nurses.
Employees can also access the Employee Wellbeing Plan, an online portal containing factsheets, videos, podcasts and training plans aimed at helping them put their physical and emotional health first. This service is available to all member businesses regardless of the size of their workforce.
With these new services, your employees will see their money go that little bit further, receive guidance on how to lead a healthier life, and get expert support just by picking up the phone.
To find out more about all Chamber membership has to offer, email us on info@cumbriachamber.co.uk and book in for a free consultation today.
© Cumbria Chamber of Commerce