TOTAL REWARD STATEMENTS
Westminster PCT scores NHS first with launch of online employee benefits
Westminster Primary Care Trust (PCT) has launched an online employee benefits scheme branded It's All About You in conjunction with thomsons online benefits.
The scheme highlights the value of the non-cash benefits provided for staff. Westminster PCT plans to continue to develop this service to include a paperless annual leave planner.
While online benefits schemes have become increasingly common in the private sector, Westminster's is believed to be the first of its type in the NHS.
Total reward statements
It's All About You provides each member of staff with a personalised web site which includes a total reward statement detailing the value of their salary and core benefits such as pension, training and holiday entitlement, together with access to detailed information on all their benefits and how they operate.
Employees also have the ability to purchase tax-efficient benefits online and a range of voluntary benefits, including discounted eye and dental care, shopping and holidays.
The site also contains
The service is available on the internet via a secure login and password, with 24-hour access. It is also available through the PCT's intranet.
Why the scheme was introduced
It's All About You forms part of a long-term strategy to improve recruitment and retention at the Trust. Karen Broughton, director of human resources and corporate affairs, said: "We're situated in the centre of London, surrounded by other PCTs and hospitals, not to mention private health services. We needed a competitive advantage to attract good staff, and non-pay related benefits are one way we can do this."
She added: "Staff can see and access all their benefits every minute of every day and can therefore save themselves money every day. They'll also save themselves time, for example, by being able to request annual leave online.
One of the other key reasons for setting up the service is to make staff more aware of what benefits are already on offer and their value. "Staff were saying they didn't know what they were entitled to, or how much their whole remuneration package was worth," said Karen Broughton. "Now they can look online at a breakdown of their package, including salary, London weighting and add-ons such as how much the PCT spends on their training and development, annual leave and pension. This adds up to thousands of pounds more than their base salary and staff have a better idea of the true cost of the Trust's investment in them."
Implementation and communication
During the set-up of the service, PCT staff were consulted on what further benefits they would be interested in. The results include a home computing initiative in which staff can buy a computer tax-free and pay for it from their salary. A similar tax-free scheme is available for staff to buy childcare vouchers and also bicycles.
Staff have been made aware of the scheme via newsletters, brochures, roadshows, one-to-one meetings and the provision of a telephone helpline.
The verdict
Karen Broughton reckons the response from the PCT’ s 1,000-plus staff has been "incredibly positive".
The site will be constantly changing and staff have an opportunity to make suggestions as to what kind of benefits they would like to see in the future and how to improve the site/and or the products offered. Work is already being done to find a way to offer cheaper mortgages, for example.
Want to know more?
Westminster Primary Care Trust (PCT) is the NHS body responsible for health services in Westminster. The PCT came into being in April 2002 and employs just over 1,000 staff.
thomsons online benefits was founded in 2000 to "revolutionise the way that benefits are administered and communicated". Further information can be found at www.thomsonsonlinebenefits.com
Posted 6 January 2006