advocate magazine autumn 2018

advocate the magazine from the UK’s leading business advisory

Bupa’s CEO: “Why I champion women in business” page 16.

millions of women baffled on breast health advice page 22.

cover feature

Duke of Cambridge and Mind launch online Mental Health at Work gateway page 14.

advo are technology award winners page 12.

advo and ellenor news page 10.

Employee Benefits

HR & Training

Issue #27 autumn 2018

Payroll

Private Clients

advogroup.co.uk | who we are

who we are and what we do... advocate magazine is produced by advo group and published quarterly. advo is an award winning business advisory with a focus on people and technology.

Our aim is to deliver essential services with added value, a philosophy to be different and invaluable.

Our business technology platforms are standalone or linked, delivering corporate style benefit management and communication to SMEs and small corporates, a unique proposition.

Our clients have dedicated account managers with smaller portfolios allowing active account management, and better understanding of client needs.

As an IIP Gold employer we continually update staff knowledge to ensure we can integrate and apply the best of new thinking.

For general information, and/or to join our online community, please follow http//issuu.com/ advogroup.

Speak to us for: • • • • • •

UK and overseas employee benefits employee benefit and payroll technology platforms staff wellbeing and wellness programmes HR consultancy and support payroll & auto-enrolment solutions private client protection insurance

t: 01622 769210 e: info@advogroup.co.uk w: advogroup.co.uk

carly gregory hr business partner advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk |02

advo supports

advogroup.co.uk | what’s inside issue #27

“what’s inside issue ” #27 raising money for ellenor

Welcome to the Autumn 2018 edition of advocate, advo’s quarterly magazine.

advo hr’s has looked at team building and reward incentives and gives tips on success and the best approach. We also In this issue we bring you up to look closer at the issue of staff date with recent advo news and working when ill and a launch take a closer look at a few of the of a new mental health guide recent stand out issues. designed for managers.

It is always pleasing to get a pat on the back for good work done and so we are delighted that our Peers continue to recognise the advo approach and use of technology as standing out from the crowd. Over the last few months advo’s people and technology have received a number of accolades and recognition. Last month at the UK Broker awards advo won the technology category despite tough competition from the rest of the insurance industry, to be recognised for using technology to make the client experience better. More information on advo awards is on page 10.

We have also included an interview with Bupa’s CEO, Evelyn Bourke on her work championing women in business.

In health news we focus on the upcoming flu season and its effects and highlight the confusion that exists over woman’s health advice.

Remember that all editions of advocate magazine are free to read online at issuu.com/ advogroup.

meet the advo team For more information visit www.advogroup.co.uk

larry bulmer

gill mateo

kevin crew

colin boxall

it director

commercial director

lucy pearce

Larry founded advo in 1997 and leads the group across all advo companies

Gill joined advo in 2006 becoming Operations Director in 2013 overseeing the smooth running of advo.

Kevin oversees our award winning online service and is further developing staff, HR and Payroll platforms.

Colin joined advo group’s board in 2008 and has over twenty five years sector business experience.

Lucy oversees advo’s connected proposition bringing together payroll, hr and employee benefits.

lbulmer @advogroup. co.uk

gmateo @advogroup. co.uk

kcrew @advogroup. co.uk

cboxall @advogroup. co.uk

lpearce @advogroup. co.uk

ceo

operations director

head of sales & developement

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 03

advogroup.co.uk | contents

contents

ISSUE #27 | autum 2018

advo news Page 06

| advo news roundup

Page 10

| ellenor news

Page 10

| advo at the awards

Employee Benefits news Page 22

| clarity on the Pensions Dasboard

Human Resources news Page 07

| team building tips

Page 18

| trick or treat: reward incentives

Page 20

| working when ill

Page 26

| mental health at work guide

advo news roundup page 6.

Interviews and comment Page 16

| Bupa CEO: why I champion women in business

Health & other news Page 24

| nasty miserable flu

Page 28

| woman baffled on ‘breast’ health advice

interview with Bupa’s CEO on women in business page 16.

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 04

advogroup.co.uk | contents

advo and ellenor news

advo at the awards

page 10.

page 12.

nasty miserable flu

confusing breast health advice

page 18.

page 22.

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 05

advogroup.co.uk | advo news

advo new faces

CONGRATULATIONS to Charlene, Bianca, ‘Cricket’, Sophie and Simon who have all passed their exams to become fully fledged advonians. A big welcome to all!

Simon, Cricket and Bianca are employee benefit account managers and Sophie and Charlene join the administration team.

new role

advo welcomes back Nadiya Gregory who had taken time away to start a family but returns as Business Development Manager. Nadiya is working with our telesales team to identify companies that would be suited to the advo approach. Previously managing a team of Employee Benefit Account Managers Nadiya has considerable business experience and has already started to make an impact on how advo presents itself to new business contacts.

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 06

(inside) c

advo’s Ellie saltana is featured in the Business magazine. The magazine fe of employee benefits. advo is featur technology for SMEs that now can g The James Caan Your Business mag businesses and is available to read o You can read the advo magazine o EMP/YOURBUSINESSSUMMER2018/ind

advogroup.co.uk |advo news

meeting new insurer United Healthcare will be a familiar name to our US clients as they are one of the major providers of health insurance in the USA but they are mostly unknown in the UK. In September United Healthcare Global launched their new International health Insurance proposition to UK specialist brokers at the Four Seasons central London hotel. David Powell, CEO Global Solutions was joined by other senior UnitedHealthcare Global employees to deliver an overview of their proposition.

Hosting the event was Debra Searle MVO, MBE (pictured with advo’s Commercial Director).

Debra is an inspiring individual winning Gold World Championship medals for GB, launching four successful companies, a BBC presenter, published author and the youngest ever trustee of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. She also successfully rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The evening also featured an interview with members of the UnitedHealthcare Professional Cycling Team who have competed in many major cycling competitions around the globe.

The event was interesting and informative outlining where United Healthcare believe their proposition of a more proactive approach pre -overseas posting separates them from competitors. advo will be working with UnitedHealthcare Global where their proposition is a match for clients with global employees.

cover girl

e 2018 edition of James Caan’s Your eatures an editorial on the importance red focussing on the availability of give parity to their PLC counterparts. gazine is posted out to over 100,000 UK online with a circulation of 1.2 million. on: http://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/ dex.php#/248

support for vision

VSP invited UK and Irish brokers to the Haymarket Hotel London for a Product Evolution Focus Group involving honest feedback on the current proposition and future product development. The day was attended by VSP’s senior management from the UK, the USA and Europe.VSP delivers vision care and are unique in delivering a standalone vision insurance. They are very popular in the USA where a large proportion of employers offer a vision benefit. Their UK proposition covers the costs of vision examinations and vision correction. The Brokers who attended were overwhelmingly positive about the VSP proposition and expect vision insurance to take its place alongside dental insurance in popularity as a UK staff benefit.

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 07

advogroup.co.uk |advo updates

advo staff day

team buil

In August advo staff took advantage of a team ‘Friday’ in Southampton where payroll teams mixed with employee benefits and HR. A day on one of the amazing Solent Forts included a barbeque lunch on the ‘roof lawn’ with treasure hunts and lazer quest competitions and relaxation was followed by a late night on the Southampton waterfront.

Our recent teambuildi about the benefits and of events provided the objectives behind the

Our advo hr advisors have value of team building eve tips on how to make a suc

The advantages of spendin days are: • • • • • •

Increased collaboratio Encourages good com Enhances creativity Can increase motivatio Increases morale in the Developing skills such a organisation, conflict re solving.

• Identifies a team’s stren • Identifies hidden poten

In order for a team building are a number of things you needs to be something ev is too physical, it may fill so and concern weeks before

• Make sure it happens d encroach on employe more likely employees they may have other c • Set a budget.

• Set objectives/commo • Consider travel, how w need to go? How long employees coming fro • Eating – you will need t during the day and co requirements.

• Go out of the office – a phone/emails.

• Make it fun! Employees • Receive feedback.

Meet after (within the next points that may have com creative and establish as a

Jamie Tuffield picks up the prize in the girls vs boys treasure hunt

advocate summer 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 07

advo has a large number o working year and tries to fi the majority of employees

Gill Mateo, advo’s Operat

“The days can be a challe your normal work but we h in creating a supportive te

advogroup.co.uk | advo: best people

lding tips

ing day got us thinking d value of these types ey have a purpose and arrangements.

e outlined the benefits and ents as they see it and offer ccess of the event.

ng time hosting team building

on within the business mmunication

on and productivity e office as communication, planning, esolution and problem

ngths and weaknesses ntial

g day to be a success there u should consider.The activity veryone can take part in. If it ome employees with dread ehand.

during work hours so it doesn’t ee’s personal time and it is will be available otherwise commitments.

on goals. will you get to wherever you g will it take? Where are om? How much will this cost? to feed your employees onsider any dietary

away from distractions like the

s will be more engaged.

t 2 weeks) with any action me from the event. Try and be a regular event.

of events throughout the find activities that appeal to that everyone can enjoy.

tions director commented:

enge to arrange on top of have found it pays dividends eam culture.”

advo: the‘best people’ jag dosanjh account manager advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 08

advogroup.co.uk | ellenor news

ellenor news advo’s Vicky Davis ‘Marshelling’ the walkers

ellenor twilight walk ellenor’s Twilight Walk took place on Friday 21 September with an incredible 1,161 walkers taking part in a 12km walk.

This year’s Twilight Walk was a record breaking year with an increase of 48% ‘walkers’ over 2017.

Emma Bowles, ellenor’s Senior Events Fundraiser commenting on the evening said “The walkers had a brilliant evening, despite the high winds, and the feedback advo’s Vicky Davies was on hand received has been excellent. as a volunteer ‘Marshaller’ to The Twilight Walk would not be guide and support the walkers possible without our amazing throughout the evening. volunteers! We have already

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 10

had lots of positive feedback regarding the volunteers, saying how helpful, supportive and encouraging they all were on the night. So thank you!”

Now in its 11th year the ellenor Twilight Walk has raised a staggering £211,000.

advogroup.co.uk | ellenor news

accumulator challenge

advo’s Amy Jones (centre) and Colin Boxall receive £50 from ellenor’s Katherine Barnes.

advo has accepts the ‘Accumulator Challenge’ from ellenor.

The Accumulator Challenge is a local initiative where businesses compete against each other to raise as much as possible for ellenor. ellenor hands over £50 note and over four months the aim is to find ways of increasing it as much as you can. Ellenor says “You can be as creative as you dare to be, as long as you keep it safe and legal!”

Katherine Barnes, ellenor’s fundraising manager visited

advo house to hand over a crisp £50 note so advo can start its challenge. Amy Jones said “advo has made plans to hold a number of events. The plan is that each event adds to the initial total allowing funding for more elaborate fund raising events. The first quick win was a staff family and friends raffle of the £50 note which raised £149 More news on the other events will follow.”

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 11

advogroup.co.uk | advo at the awards

advo at the awards advo has received considerable recognition from its peers this year for both the quality of its people and in-house technology. advo has been fortunate over the years with recognition within the health insurance industry for a job well done.

This year advo has been recognised by a wider audience including the whole insurance market with more

international and technology awards as well as domestic.

In addition to the long established health and advisory industry awards including Cover Excellence, Health Insurance and Corporate Advisor and Workplace Savings

and Benefits awards advo has been singled out in the wider insurance awards such as the prestigious UK Broker awards and Insurance Times awards.

International include CEO Today magazine, Global 100 and ACQ5 Global.

advo advisors singled out Three of advo’s advisors have been singled out for recognition at this year’s Health Insurance awards.

At the Health Insurance industry’s premier awards draw near Lola Muddiman, an advo account manager is praised for her work and is recognised in the ‘Best Group Risk Intermediary category for her work with clients managing group health insurances and wider wellbeing. Lucy Pearce is also praised for work organising staff dental benefit schemes Sue Smith, advo’s Head of Private clients, is recognised in the category of the UK’s ‘Best Individual Intermediary’ for supporting clients to ensure they have the most appropriate cover at the best price while being on hand to support through a claims crisis.

The Health Insurance Awards are the health insurance

industry’s ‘Oscars’ recognising those intermediary firm and insurance companies that stand out from the rest.

all clients intermediaries. I’m really looking forward to the night and fingers crossed for a win!”

This year the event is in its 20th year and to help celebrate comedian Jimmy Carr will be returning to the stage after first appearing at the event in the late 1990s. Jimmy will be handing out awards to both Insurers and Intermediaries at a gala black time dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane on 18 October 2018.

When Sue Smith was asked how she viewed being a finalist in her category she said “ I am absolutely delighted to be singled out by my peers as a finalist for the ‘best individual intermediary’. I am totally committed to offering the best possible personal service to advo’s individual clients and am thoroughly enjoying my role. It is therefore very pleasing to have this work recognised. Thank you to advo for your continued support”

Lola Muddiman commenting on her recognition as a finalist said “I’m really excited to be shortlisted in my category and for advo to be recognised for the hard work we do, especially with wellbeing being a hot topic at the moment for

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 12

advogroup.co.uk | advo at the awards

advo recognised for use of technology to improve customer experience advo is against some tough competition in this year’s Digital InsurTech Awards as the only broker against a range of international insurance companies.

Now in their sixth year, the prestigious Digital InsurTech Awards recognise organisations and individuals in the insurance technology industry who are leading and adopting advances to improve their business and the experience of their customers.

In recognising advo as a finalist the judges said that they “have considered you [advo] to be a strong contestant for the Customer Experience Award – Consumer due to the strong evidence in garnering trust, brand loyalty, and better connect with your customers, through the adoption of new development and innovation.”

Open to intermediaries and insurers the ‘Customer Experience Award – Consumer’ will be awarded to the organisation that can demonstrate how the adoption of a new development or innovation has helped it better connect with its customers. advo are finalists alongside insurance giants Aviva, AXA Insurance and Zurich Insurance.

platforms and staff portals.

Commenting on advo’s success as a finalist Kevin Crew advo’s IT Director said “I am very proud of my team and the way they work so closely with all other parts of advo to allow our customers to get the most from the service we offer. I believe we are unique in the way we blend our technology with the expert advice advo people deliver.”

advo uses its own in-house technology to manage payroll, HR support and employee benefits through linked management

advo at the Cover Excellence Awards advo are a finalists for Employee Benefits Intermediary of the Year at the 2018 Cover Excellence Awards.

The Cover Excellence Awards aim to highlight the “insurance firms and intermediaries who have continued to innovate and serve the protection, life and healthcare space to the highest standards during 2018.” advo are finalists in the category for recogition for

the Best Employee Benefit consultancy. Commenting on the announcement of advo as finalists advo’s Commercial Director, Colin Boxall commented: “It is always pleasing to get a pat on the back for doing a good job from the Industry you work in. It is good to have confirmation that

the advo approach stands out from the crowd.” advo were fortunate to have won the title of Employee Benefits Firms of the Year in 2016 and again in 2015.

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 13

advogroup.co.uk |technology award

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 14

advogroup.co.uk | technology award

advo are technology award winners

At the Insurance Industry’s 2018 Broker Awards advo scooped the Digital technology award despite tough competition.

At an event at The Brewery, London, the UK Broker Awards were hosted by comedian Tom Allan who delivered a very amusing take on the insurance industry and life in the UK. The UK Broker Awards’ ‘Digital Broker Award’ recognises insurance ‘broking firms that have integrated technology to improve their client experience.

Colin Boxall, advo’s commercial director who picked up the award said “we are absolutely delighted that our focus on using technology to improve the ‘working lives’ of our clients has again been recognised by our peers. The use of our own technology in conjunction with highly competent and motivated people is a powerful proposition.”

comedien Tom Allan and Close Brothers Premium Finance’s CEO Sharon Bishop present the Digital Broker Award to advo’s Colin Boxall

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 15

advogroup.co.uk | champion women in business

Bupa CEO Evelyn Bourke: Why I champio women in business Evelyn Bourke, Bupa’s Group CEO outlines why she is so passionate about ensuring an organisation has the culture to ensure people can reach their full potential.

“I have long had a personal passion for helping people reach their full potential, regardless of gender, race, where they came from or sexual orientation. I feel I was lucky to get the education and support that enabled me to succeed in my chosen career. That’s why over the years, I have offered my support and encouragement to many talented women so they can do the same.

I feel truly honoured to be named amongst the top global leaders championing women in business in the 2018 Financial Times and HERoes list. I’d also like to congratulate our UK CEO David Hynam, who’s been named among the Top 50 Male Executives in this year’s list.

As the CEO of an organisation, you are the custodian of the company including the talents and progression of its people. And I am extremely proud of the fact that at Bupa we have a strong culture and heritage in employing women at all levels.

Currently, 50% of our Board is female, including me and the CFO, surpassing Lord Davies’ recommendation of 33% female representation by 2020, for the third year in a row. Women also make up 41% of the Bupa Executive Team.

We are proud supporters of The 30% Club, and earlier this year we signed the UK Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter – a pledge that underlines our commitment to gender balance in our organisation.

But I’m not complacent and I am committed to continuing to move this agenda forward.

“My personal mission is to ensure talented women continue to take on key roles across Bupa, particularly general management roles where women are typically less represented.”

Outside Bupa I spent two years as a Non-Executive Director of Opportunity Now, a businessled charity focusing on gender equality. And I regularly speak at events which support women in their careers.

Earlier this year, I had the honour of being part of a panel discussion entitled ‘Managing in the age of #MeToo’ at The Times CEO Summit.

Our discussion focused on the best way to manage a diverse workforce and promote equality.

I shared four things with the panel which I believe make a

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 16

real difference in retaining fem talent: have great role models and sponsorships to help build confidence, offer flexible work avoid presentism, invest in me health and wellbeing, and refl on what’s happening and wh whether it’s success or failure – to keep learning.

I strongly believe that championing diversity and inclusion in the workplace – which includes female representation – not only mak business sense, it makes comm sense. It enables everyone to their best self to work, and not so would be a shocking waste talent.”

advogroup.co.uk |champion women in business

on

male s d king to ental flect hy – –

kes mon bring t doing e of

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 17

advogroup.co.uk | trick or treat

trick or treat?

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 18

advogroup.co.uk | trick or treat

advo hr considers the effects of bonuses and reward incentives on employees and how they should be managed by the company to ensure a positive impact.

Bonus schemes and employee rewards strategies fulfil a number of key business and HR objectives, these include: • Improving business performance (e.g. productivity, sales or profits); • To focus employees’ efforts on key objectives such as customer service, quality and ontime delivery; • To increase employee motivation by establishing a clear link between pay and performance (at an individual or team level); • To support stakeholder ideals by allowing employees to share in the success of the business; • To encourage change within the organisation; • To create the desired workplace culture by rewarding teamwork and good attendance; • To help focus employees throughout the organisation, to work towards the shared goal.

Bonuses and reward incentives can have a very influential impact on employee’s behaviours, if carried out correctly they can be positive but if they are not implemented and communicated well they can also be detrimental. While money can influence employee behaviour, it may also encourage the wrong types of actions but careful monitoring and well thought out rules will overcome this problem.

The pros for employers are: • Motivated employees, as bonuses have to be re-earned: • Less impact on employer e.g. costs that are linked to basic salary levels, such as overtime rates; • Able to maintain competitive salaries without necessarily inflating the annual pay bill; • Flexibility to be able to reduce payments during economic downturns; • Inspire employees to perform well, and can contribute to employee retention.

Cons for employers: • Employees who feel unappreciated or undervalued might seek employment elsewhere; • Create hostility in the work environment, some employees might never meet the requirements of the incentive program; • Resentment might develop as these employees watch their co-workers exceed and outperform them; • High performers might feel taken advantage of by lazy, unproductive workers; • Overtime, employees may come to expect additional cash, rather the bonuses acting as a recognition for performing above and beyond the norm; • Employers must be careful any bonus or reward strategy does not discriminate against any employees and is achievable and accessible to all in the same role.

It is therefore important a company has a well-defined reward strategy that is communicated with the employees regularly with the employees engaged in the strategy.

The company needs to understand the employee’s activities so it can assess how to manage performance and set realistic but challenging targets within an agreed time frame. The amount needs to be meaningful and ‘matter’ to the employee, whilst manageable from a company’s perspective.

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 19

advogroup.co.uk |working when ill

Last year 9 in 10 UK workers ca Research from group risk insurer, Canada Life, highlights that workplaces are suffering from persistent presenteeism as up to 28 million employees may be coming into work when ill.

• Nearly half (47%) of all employees Canada Life surveyed didn’t take a sick day in 2017, with one in five (19%) believing they would be perceived as weak if they did; • A quarter (25%) said their workload was too great for them to take time off; • For those that did take time off, the average number of sick days taken in 2017 rose by 57% from 2.8 in 2016 to 4.4 in 2017 Presenteeism remains a pervasive admitted they didn’t feel secure problem in UK office culture, as enough in their role to take a sick nearly half (47%) of employees day. surveyed reveal they didn’t take a sick day in 2017 according to our new research.

(19%) believe they would be viewed as weak, 17% believe they would be perceived as lazy and

While there has been a small decrease in the number of employees not taking a sick day from 2016 (54%), the tendency to come into the workplace when suffering from a minor illness persists, as nine in ten (88%) admit they go into the office.

The reasons why employees were reluctant to stay at home when ill For those concerned about how varied. Over half (53%) stated that their colleagues would even though they were unwell perceive them, one in five they felt it did not warrant a day off. A quarter (25%) said their workload was too great for them to take time off and one in ten (9%)

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 20

15% believe they would be viewed as inconsiderate. However, positive perceptions were also popular with 17% of workers believing they would be viewed as sensible or genuine and 15% as honest.

advogroup.co.uk | working when ill

ame into work despite being ill Figure 2: Top 10 perceptions people think their colleagues would view them as if they take time off

Number of sick days rises as presenteeism takes its toll For employees who took time off when unwell, the average number of days taken rose in 2017, from 2.8 to 4.4.

Overall, the number who took this amount of time off remained fairly static, at 30% in 2016 and 28% in 2017.

The majority of those who took time off for illness in 2017 were out of the office for between one and five days.

However, around one in twelve (8%) took between 11 and 20 sick days in total – the highest proportion since 2015.

Employees want help to take preventative measures Employees say their wellbeing would improve with flexible working, a positive attitude towards the issue and increased workplace support.

Three in ten (28%) say flexible working options would help with

both their physical and mental health and this was particularly popular amongst women, with one third (33%) agreeing.

A similar number of workers (27%) also said a more positive workplace attitude towards health and

wellbeing would help, while a fifth (19%) said better workplace support (for example, Employee Assistance Programmes) would be beneficial.

The Employee view Canada Life canvassed the opinions of employees across the UK to understand their thoughts on the topic of workplace presenteeism. When asked about the perception of taking a sick day, one employee responded: “I

am always viewed with scepticism if I take time off and I return to a massive workload.”

While the topic of how seriously employee wellbeing is taken by their employer generated this

response from another respondent: “[Illness is] taken seriously, but we’re a small company and there’s no cover.”

The insurer view Paul Avis, Marketing Director at Canada Life Group Insurance, commenting on the report said

honest and sensible. To reduce presenteeism, these positive perceptions must be encouraged so workplaces can reduce any “Presenteeism is a vicious stigma attached to taking time off. cycle; the drive to remain in “Failing to take a sick day the office can cause illness to can have a significant impact spread or end up leading to on business performance as employees fail to recuperate a longer recovery time.” properly. As well as changing “It is encouraging to see that many perceptions, employers can offer employees view those taking much more to support staff when time off for illness in a positive they are unwell. way, being described as genuine,

“Early Intervention Services are available alongside Group Income Protection products and include proactive absence management interventions to facilitate a return to work when employees are fit and able to do so. Employee Assistance Programmes are also provided at no extra cost and provide daily practical support as well as communicating an employer’s commitment to their staff’s health and wellbeing.”

advocate autumn 2018| advogroup.co.uk | 21

advogroup.co.uk |advo payroll

advo payline:salaries simplified

“

employers must offer a workplace pension and automatically enroll eligible workers our solution simplifies the whole process

andy henderson, advo payroll manager

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 22

�

advogroup.co.uk | more clarity on pension dashboard

more clarity on the Pensions Dashboard

In a recent statement the Government reaffirms its commitment to the development of the Pensions dashboard.

The clarification was welcomed by the pensions industry and employer organisations as the Government was previously seen as wavering on its previous commitment to produce a Pensions Dashboard.

statement also warms that ‘we should not underestimate the complexity of the challenge’ but does confirm that there will shortly be a report published on the findings from the Feasibility Study.

Commenting on recent The statement from Guy confirmation that the Government Opperman, the Parliamentary supports the pensions dashboard Under Secretary of State for and commits to legislating where Pensions & Financial Inclusion necessary, Director General of the reaffirms the Government’s Association of British Insurers (ABI), intention to continue to work with Huw Evans, said: the financial service industry to “The Government will help out create an ‘industry-led dashboard, millions of savers by keeping facilitated by government’. The its promise to help deliver the

pensions dashboard. This vital tool will allow everyone to find their pensions and see them together online, enabling people to keep track of their funds and work out if they are saving enough for retirement.

The ABI, leading a cross-industry group of pension providers and schemes, has already delivered a great deal of the work needed to turn the dashboard into a reality, including a working prototype, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration.”

what is the Pensions Dashboard ?

The Pensions Dashboard is a system which would allow savers to view all of their pension savings, including the State Pension, in a single online place of their choosing. Given the success of auto-enrolment,

which has created 9 million new workplace savers, and that the average worker will change jobs 11 times, this sort of tool is essential to help savers keep track of and manage their savings, and plan

effectively for retirement.

You can see a demo for how it could work at this website: https://pensionsdashboardproject. uk/saver/about-the-pensionsdashboard/

what is the pensions and insurance industry doing to make it happen?

The ABI project managed the successful creation of a prototype pensions dashboard on behalf of HM Treasury, which was unveiled in

March 2017. This project was funded by the industry and supported by tech firms working on a pro bono basis, with around 80 people

contributing to the work. The ABI has since provided Government with a blueprint for how to turn it into a real life service.

why is Government involvement needed?

The creation of a pensions dashboard was originally announced by the then Chancellor George Osborne in 2016, who said it would be up and running in

2019. Lessons from overseas show that the best way of providing a comprehensive service is to make participation compulsory, so all schemes get their data up to the

necessary standards. This requires legislation. The scheme must also be appropriately regulated and funded, to ensure consumers trust it and want to use it.

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 23

advogroup.co.uk |nasty flu

nasty miserable flu!

Flu vaccination provides 85% protection against influenza advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 24

advogroup.co.uk |nasty flu

For any of you who have had the flu you know how awful it is and so with the ‘flu season’ soon upon us many employers offer flu jabs to help control absence.

So what is flu?

Flu, short for influenza, is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It can be very unpleasant, but you’ll usually start to feel better in about a week. You can catch flu all year round, but it’s especially common in winter. It’s not the same as the common cold and the symptoms

tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer.

Flu vaccination provides 85% protection against influenza.

The main symptoms of flu include a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4f) or above, tiredness and weakness, headaches, general aches and pains and a dry, chesty cough.

advo runs onsite nurse-led flu clinics with Doctorcall, the Harley Street medical specialist, who are the largest provider of on-site flu vaccinations in the UK.

changes to advo’s flu vacinantion programmes this year For the 2018/19 flu season advo will be offering the quadrivalent flu vaccine. This superior vaccine means that each patient is protected against more strains of flu than ever before. It has now become official policy to use the quadrivalent flu vaccine in the UK. There are two important influenza A strains and two important influenza B strains. Trivalent vaccines provided cover against viruses from both A strains and

one B strain. A quadrivalent vaccine which covered the second B strain became available several years ago but was not considered cost effective. However, over the past few years, the additional cost of quadrivalent vaccine has come down and other countries adopted it.

When, in the 2017-18 season, a flu epidemic arose from the B strain that was not included in

the trivalent vaccine, a decision was taken in the UK to change to quadrivalent vaccine which is now the internationally accepted vaccine of choice.

Full details of advo’s flu clinics can be found online on http://news. advogroup.co.uk/advo-onsite-fluvaccination-clinics/

However even if you don’t have the flu jab there are other ways you can reduce the risk to everyone of catching flu in the office.

Those employees who have heavy colds or the flu should stay away from work. Colds and flu are airborne diseases which are easily spread so it is best for everyone to stay at home and only come back to work when you are feeling better.

to 15 times an hour and even more if we have a cold.

Germs are spread by people using their hands on door knobs, stair railings, telephones etc… It seems the germs can live for up to 3 hours on these surfaces.

Lead a Healthy Lifestyle - Eating a balanced diet, exercising and getting enough sleep will help to boost your immune system so that Low Fat Yoghurt – reduces you can fight off colds and flu. susceptibility to flu and colds by 25% because of the bacteria Wash your hands often – ‘an Keep your Distance – if you come which stimulates the immune oldie but a goodie’ – washing into contact with someone who system. your hands on a more regular has a heavy cold or flu then try to basis especially after coughing, keep your distance so that you Keep a geranium on your desk sneezing or blowing your nose will don’t catch it, but its probably – the leaves emit phytoncides help to lessen the risk of spreading best to tell them why though!!! that kill air borne bacteria. germs.

Some odd ones: Sneeze into your and a myth............. Vitamin C – it Try not to touch your face as on arm - not your hand. appears that it has little effect on average we touch our face up preventing colds.

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 25

advogroup.co.uk |mental health at work

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advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 26

advogroup.co.uk |mental Health at work

of workers have perienced poor mental alth in their current job

rch comes as the Duke of Cambridge and Mind launch ntal Health at Work gateway to help workplaces improve eing.

workplace wellbeing by the mental health charity Mind has revealed that poor mental health at work is alf (48%) of all people surveyed saying they have experienced a mental health problem in their current job.

workplace wellbeing h charity Mind has mental health at work half (48%) of all people ey have experienced a lem in their current job. than 44,000 employees only half of those who oor mental health employer about it, many as one in four UK in silence.

revealed as a new h at Work ‘gateway’ is he Duke of Cambridge. rom The Royal Together and 11 other reated the UK-wide ource for both employers

together information, nd training that e to improve wellbeing es the mental health

Manager confidence, in turn, is closely linked with whether employees feel able to disclose. Those staff who felt their manager supported their mental health or could spot the signs that someone might be struggling were far more likely to say they would be able to talk about their mental health at work.

start. The new online Mental Health at Work gateway will change that”.

Separate research by the CBI found that two in three (63%) of businesses saw workplace health and wellbeing as an important issue, but most find it difficult to take practical actions because they are unclear about what works.

Now is the time for a step change in how we think about mental health at work. All employers need to make it a focus and support their staff.

Employers are taking mental health and wellbeing increasingly seriously, but need the resources and support to help them do it.

“Over the last few years employers have begun to take staff wellbeing more seriously and we know that many are doing great work around mental health in the workplace.

“It’s clear from our research that when employers support their managers properly, it can make a big difference to the whole organisation. The gateway gives managers the tools they need.”

“Even small changes to policy, approach and workplace culture can make a really big difference to the mental health of those around us. No matter the size of your workplace, and no matter where you work, Mental Health at Work can help you find what you need to start or continue your journey to better workplace wellbeing for everyone.”

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said: “We are really proud to be involved in this the survey has revealed piece of work, which offers a one-stop shop for anyone looking to improve mental gers proper support wellbeing in their workplace and support difference. Managers Mental Health at Work can be found at staff with mental health problems. oyer supported their mentalhealthatwork.org.uk. ctively built their skills We know that employers want to do more members with mental and are starting to see mental health as ere far more likely to omoting staff wellbeing. a priority, but often don’t know where to

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 27

advogroup.co.uk |baffled about ‘breast’ health advice

millions of women in the UK baffled on ‘breast’ health a

Six million women in the UK declare they don’t know how to check their breasts staggering 80% of women are unclear on what could increase their risk of breas a closer look at the facts and the commonly held myths.

Amongst the proportion of women who know how to check for signs of breast cancer (77%), only 14% say they feel very confident in what they are doing.

The figures by Bupa Health Clinics are released to mark October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to demystify fact from fiction when it comes to breast health and help improve the confusion women have.

Amongst the findings, a quarter (24%) think stress increases the possibility of being diagnosed with breast cancer – however, there is no evidence to suggest this is true.

In addition, over two million women believe wearing deodorant and over half a million believe wearing fake tan can play a part in the probability of being diagnosed with breast cancer. However, all of these beliefs are unfounded.

A third of women (32%) also falsely believe that turning 40 will increase the chances of developing breast cancer, but in reality, it’s

those over the age of 50 that are more at risk.

Despite not being informed on all aspects of breast cancer, women are checking themselves, and doing so on average three times a month. Dr Petra Simic, Medical Director, Bupa Health Clinics, says that while there is no longer a consensus on how often women should self-examine, it is important that they are familiar with what their breasts look and feel like, so they can identify if something feels different or if there has been a change.

Dr Simic says: “There’s a lot of health information online, particularly around breast cancer, but some is contradictory advice which is fuelling women’s confusion.

This means millions of women are avoiding important health checkups or not taking the right precautions - and in turn potentially missing crucial diagnoses and treatment.

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 28

“Being an ‘armcha really damaging to and wellbeing. With concerns, especial key is spotting and early. It’s important assessments with a if you’re unsure on

“Whether they feel or think they don’t important that wom appointments if the

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air expert’ can become o a woman’s health h the majority of health lly breast cancer, the treating problems t to have regular health clinical expert, especially any area of your health.”

l embarrassed, scared have the time – it’s men don’t avoid medical ey have concerns.

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advogroup.co.uk | baffled about ‘breast’ health advice

The six things that women falsely believe increases their chances of breast cancer are: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Being over 40 (32%) Using sunbeds and /or sunbathing often (32%) Stress (24%) Breast augmentation (13%) Wearing deodorant (9%) Wearing fake tan (3%)

Information overload smears health advice for women The report by Bupa Health Clinics also found information overload is leading millions of women to believe health myths, which could potentially damage their health and wellbeing.

According to the report, as many as two million women believe that you only need to have a smear test if you’re sexually active – however in the UK, all women aged between 25 and 64 are recommended for cervical screening.

In addition, almost a quarter of women (23%) falsely believe an abnormal smear test indicates a high risk of cancer.

pregnant nor should you exercise while on your period; and that cranberry juice cures urine infections.

As many as 60% of women admitted they found their health difficult to understand and of those, over a quarter (28%) said frequently changing advice and conflicting information from friends is the cause.

So big is the problem, four million women are avoiding the doctor because they are so embarrassed by their lack of knowledge about female health.

To help women separate fact from fiction, Bupa Health Clinics will host a However, in fact it often means there Female Health Facebook Live Q&A have been changes caused by the event on 19 October 2018 with Bupa human papilloma virus (HPV), a group GP Dr Samantha Wild, who will be of viruses commonly spread during answering questions specifically about sex – though over three quarters (78%) female health. of women in the UK were unable to identify that HPV is transmitted For more information and to submit through sexual activity. your question for the Facebook Q&A, visit the Bupa Health Clinics Other common myths include the Facebook page. menopause only occurring over the age of 50; that you can’t get

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 29

advogroup.co.uk | thanks for reading

find every copy of advocate magazine online at issuu.com/advogroup issue #26 summer 2017 In the summer issue we highlight the relaunch of our hr support service which now includes an online absence management platform ahead of the Summer CIPD Software exhibition where we showcased our joined up payroll, employee benefits and hr proposition. Best Doctors’ European Director outlines how they add value to group risk policies and advo’s commercial director talks about his own experiences.

We have an exclusive interview with Bupa Global’s UK sales director who outlines the challenges of an international insurer and how they can support HR with overseas placements. In addition we look at workplace stress and the NHS in its 70th year and how it compares to other healthcare systems around the world.

issue #25 spring 2018 I In the Spring edition Jamie and Amy who both successfully completed their Marathons, a fantastic achievement as both also smashed their fund-raising targets.

You can read all about their marathon motivation in this issue. advo’s Operations Manager, Lucy Irvine talks about why she is so passionate about the Working Forward initiative and why advo is a member. We also take a closer look at staff benefits and the financial case for implementing a wellness programme, why dental should be considered an important part of staff benefits and the expected increase in demand for health insurances. We also consider employee engagement and how SMEs can replicate the approach of their PLC counterparts. In health related matters we look at testing for prostate cancer and the little talked about cancer, bowl cancer.

issue #24 winter 2017 In this edition, we look at how the partnership with our chosen charity, ellenor, has become part of the advo daily life. We announce the 2017 ‘advonian’ of the year and other award winners, and focus on two marathon runners who are taking to the streets of Brighton and London. There is a closer look at what benefits work for employers and In keeping with the benefits theme we highlight an important benefit often overlooked, eyecare, and how it can better support your overall health. With one of the biggest structural and organisational changes coming in 2018 with the implementation of GDPR we ask whether it is a force for good or just more red tape, advo’s operations director also gives her 5 tips on how to make the transition easier.

don’t miss a copy, subscribe to our issuu channel... its 100% free! advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 30

advogroup.co.uk | the advo group

advogroup empowering people solutions

advo: solutions for the future, delivered today, protecting tomorrow. an award winning advisory delivering linked services

advo benefits: advise | engage | reward

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advo online simple and secure advo online gives small to medium-sized employers a useful tool to manage and communicate employee benefits effectively

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payroll & auto-enrolment we make running payroll and payrolling of benefits simple helping clients to remain compliant ensuring employees and their benefits are paid correctly and efficiently

HR & training services all the protection and advantages of an in-house HR and training team ensuring compliance with legislation while supporting best employee practice and performance

advo sis (success in systems) award winning and innovative, our technology is designed, built and managed in-house enabling us to provide clients with good value systems for both employer and employee

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private clients award winning advisors of personal protection both UK and overseas recognised for quality of advice and ongoing service each and every year

advo has a reputation for cost control, innovation and customer service excellence. Having been recognised as the UK’s ‘best’ advisory firm by our peers on numerous occasions we have the best people supported by linked technology that gives control.

advocate autumn 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 31

advogroup empowering people solutions

Head Office advo house St Leonards Road Maidstone Kent ME16 0LS t: 01622 769210 e: info@advogroup.co.uk w: advogroup.co.uk

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