Managing employee reward and sickness absence
Benenden Healthcare has commissioned a number of research studies into the role of employee reward and recognition packages in managing total reward and sickness absence.
- Benenden Healthcare’s research into sickness absence rates with SOLACE Enterprises explored the methods used by local authorities to manage employee sickness absences
- Benenden Healthcare’s Total Reward research explored how much public sector workers understand about the importance of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
Also of interest is the 2009 ‘The Feeling’s Mutual’ research which explored the concept of mutuality in today's marketplace and it's value to businesses and consumers.
Measures used to reduce sickness absence
The research was based on information provided by local authorities who responded to a request for information about measures to reduce sickness absence and thus reduce costs. Specific case studies relating to six councils were explored.
Common themes included:
- The need for accurate and timely data
- Counselling services
- Education and training
- Role of line managers
- Trigger points.
The research explored areas of difference between the approach councils use and the methods they deploy to reduce sickness absence, ranging from traditional absence management, to employee wellbeing schemes and attendance management.
Find out more. Read the Executive summary on sickness absence rates (Pdf) from Benenden Healthcare and SOLACE Enterprises.
Public sector awareness of total reward schemes
Research from Benenden Healthcare Society revealed that 80 per cent of public sector workers have never heard of total reward packages, despite recognition that a holistic approach to health and wellbeing could significantly improve staff retention and increase productivity.
The research, conducted among over 1000 public sector employees, revealed a number of variations in awareness of total reward schemes and the perceived responsibility for health and wellbeing management within organisations. Among the findings:
- Workers in the civil service appeared to be better informed about the benefits of total reward schemes, compared to local authority and NHS staff;
- The role of HR managers, rather than line managers, in health and wellbeing management, was recognised more among local authorities rather than NHS or civil service staff;
- More women than men do not to understand the total reward concept;
- Twenty-seven per cent more 16-24 year olds thought that the scheme referred only to monetary rewards than respondents aged 55 and over;
- Awareness of the importance of total reward schemes to employee motivation was greater at senior management level, as was the cost of sickness absence.
The research revealed some major opportunities to drive more benefits out of existing total reward schemes. It showed that employees think wellbeing has a significant impact on productivity.
Find out more. Read the Executive summary on Total Reward, Health and Wellbeing
from Benenden Healthcare.
Consumer desire for mutually beneficial relationships
Research undertaken by Benenden Healthcare revealed that the public is beginning to regard its relationships as a manifestation of traditional values: such as trust, respect, reciprocity and mutuality. These values, already upheld by Benenden Healthcare, are creeping into the customer decision making process when choosing service providers.
Summary of research findings:
- Since the recession 24 per cent of adults place an importance on traditional values such as ‘trust’ when it comes to all relationships;
- This is particularly important for women and those aged 35 – 44 with three quarters saying so (75 per cent);
- 97 per cent agree that mutual co-operation in business dealings is vital;
- Over one in every ten UK adult would end a business relationship if there was a lack of respect;
- Just under two thirds of UK adults in employment say that their outlook has changed since the start of the recession (65 per cent);
- Almost a third of adults in the UK feel that the economic downturn has made them take security into consideration to a greater extent when choosing a service provider (e.g. bank, healthcare provider) or utilities supplier (31 per cent); and
- Despite the economic climate, over a third of adults in the UK believe that customer service matters the most when it comes to choosing/staying with their bank/building society (36 per cent).
To find out more, view the full The Feeling’s Mutual research report from Benenden Healthcare.
You can also listen to our exclusive The Feeling's Mutual Interview
with Marc Bell, Benenden Healthcare's Director of Marketing and
Business Development, and renowned social commentator Mal Fletcher.
Just click on the play button above for access to the MP3 file.