technology that can help them extend employee pay, boost team morale and promote physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Ferns added: “Unfortunately, many solutions proven to impact engagement have been out of reach for most small businesses due to the costs and lengthy contract requirements. It’s not been a level playing field, and we have set out to fix that.”


Shelley-Anne Douglas, HR Projects Officer at Viper Innovations, noted: “Finding one platform that supports our people


in so many different ways made sense – especially at this time when maximising the return on investment is so important. “The wellbeing content has something


for everyone and the recognition and social wall is a great way to strengthen our culture and celebrate our people. Our staff have also enjoyed using the discounts app to make savings on a variety of everyday items.”


Jamie Mackenzie, Director at the employee benefits service, Sodexo Engage, agrees that there’s never been


a more important time for businesses to focus on employee engagement and wellbeing, and he’s been putting that into practice in his own firm. “Our most significant initiative is the


celebration of our ‘Hidden Heroes’,” he said. “We understand that many of our employees are currently going above and beyond, both at work and at home, and deserve to be recognised for their efforts. “From volunteering their


time, to being redeployed to areas of the business that have been especially affected by the pandemic, we believe it’s important to shout about the great work the team is doing.


26 SME magazine


“ Organisations need to be thinking about what drives participation, improves engagement, reduces attrition, and creates an aligned


culture across the organisation” Jon Maddison, Achievers


“There is enormous value in regularly


showing appreciation for a job well done, but it’s important to note that people feel recognised in different ways. A simple ‘thank you’ from a manager works for many, whilst others want to have their good work recognised in front of their peers. The most important point is to listen to your team and understand what motivates them on a day-to-day basis. “It’s also important to recognise the mental toll the current climate is having on everyone. Having dedicated


support for wellbeing is crucial


if you want everyone performing at their very best. By supporting your teams with the right tools and incentives to encourage mental and physical wellbeing, you are showing genuine concern and a willingness to invest in your workforce. This helps everyone feel valued and


appreciated, giving reassurance that their contribution to the business isn’t going unnoticed.”


Jennie Doyle, Head of Marketing at Health Shield, said: “Our research has found the biggest barrier to success - cost aside - is


time, along with doubts that employees would use the services provided. To counter this, it’s advisable for employers to partner much more closely with their benefits and wellbeing service providers to ensure the communication support they need to ensure engagement. “On the subject of cost, it’s telling that SMEs pay an average £1,078 per employee per year on one-off rewards such as celebrations and vouchers. For a fraction of that cost, they could be providing a


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