Total reward and engagement in the NHS – Institute for Employment Studies

NHS Employers is highlighting four aspects of total reward and engagement with relevance for health service organisations, based on a review of evidence carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies. Health service employers are encouraged to take a broader view of total reward, for example, by promoting the less obvious, or non-financial benefits of working for the NHS, including ‘a great working environment’ and management support.

Employers in the sector should also communicate the reward offering through total reward statements. NHS Employers points out that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to reward and that organisations should consider carrying out detailed employee survey work in addition to the standard NHS staff survey which is carried out annually. Employers should not be afraid to be innovative in changing reward, but need always to consider the evidence and actively involve staff in any restructuring, it suggests.

‘The Relationship Between Total Reward and Employee Engagement: An evidence based review”, Institute for Employment Studies, May 2016. For more information please visit: www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/pay-and-reward/reward/total-reward-in-the-nhs