advocate the magazine from the UK’s leading business advisory
have a merry hr Christmas page 24. advo awarded the gold standard page 10. exclusive Vitality interview page 16.
cover feature
advo’s big night out page 12.
Issue #28 winter 2018
Employee Benefits
HR & Training
Payroll
Private Clients
advogroup.co.uk | who we are
who we are and what we do.... advocate magazine is produced by advo and published quarterly. We are 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
advo supports
simon friday account manager
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk |02
advogroup.co.uk | what’s inside issue #28
“what’s inside issue ” #28 raising money for ellenor
Welcome to the Winter 2018 edition of advocate, advo’s quarterly magazine. As always we bring you up to date with recent advo news and take a closer look at a few of the stand out issues. The big advo news, apart from receiving a Gold Standard Accreditation, is the partnering with UIB, a Lloyds of London commercial insurance broker. advo has been searching for many years for a ‘like-minded’ commercial Insurance partner after continued requests from clients for access to wider business insurances. UIB are a good match to the advo approach delivering great service, support and cost containment. In a reciprocal agreement UIB clients can speak to advo for employee benefit, payroll and HR support. In this issue we include two
exclusive interviews. Firstly with one of the main drivers of the Vitality Health success in the UK. In addition we speak to the senior management team of US insurer, UnitedHealthcare Global, who are establishing themselves as a new UK provider for international medical insurance. In HR news we take a closer look at Christmas HR issues and keeping a healthy working environment for staff. We also focus on why investing in your staff is a good idea and whether redundancy is ever a fair reason for dismissal. In health news, following on from last month’s focus on women’s health issues, we look at the most common male health concerns. Don’t forget that all past 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 & development
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 03
advogroup.co.uk | contents
contents
ISSUE #28 | winter 2018
advo news Page 06
| advo news roundup
Page 08
| advo partners with UIB
Page 10
| advo awarded the gold standard
Page 12
|
advo’s big night out
Human Resources news Page 19
| how healthy is your working environment?
Page 24
| a merry hr Christmas
Page 26
| wellbeing: how investing in staff pays dividends
Page 29
| redundancy; a fair reason for dismissal?
advo news roundup page 6.
Interviews and comment Page 16
| business Vitality, an exclusive interview
Employee Benefits news Page 20
| new international health insurer aims to shake up UK market
Health & other news Page 30
| male health: what are the most common concerns
new international health insurer shaking up UK market page 20.
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advogroup.co.uk | contents
advo achieves the gold standard page 10.
exclusive interview page 16.
have a merry hr Christmas
men’s health: common concerns
page 24.
page 30.
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advogroup.co.uk | advo news
armadillo invasion
Thousands and thousands of armadillos have arrived at advo house. The fourth generation of ‘advo armadillos’ are now available to advo clients. The new armadillos reflect the changes within advo over the last few years reflecting the different commercial areas including payroll, employee benefits, technology, HR and online management platforms.
advo bake-off
advo directors launching the charity bake-off competition Over 10 weeks advo mirrored the ‘The Great British Bake Off’ with their own competition to raise money for ellenor. Each week a name was picked from a hat with the challenge to make the signature bake aired that week. Every week the challenge seemed to increase with vegan and glutton free tarts, ginger signatures and sweet samosas. Staff judged each Monday based on scores out of 10 for taste and presentation. After the scores were totalled this year’s winner was Amy Jones and her Sliced Orange Drizzle Traybake took the prize of the ‘Golden Wisk’ from 2017’s winner, Colin Boxall.
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firew
advogroup.co.uk |advo news
works for ellenor advo held a firework party as part of a series of events for the ellenor charity accumulator challenge. Staff, their families and friends came together enjoying a traditional fireworks show followed by a supper prepared buy staff, where both young and old seemed to enjoy the evening. The ellenor accumulator challenge started in October when ellenor gave advo a ÂŁ50 note where the aim is to use this money to create a higher amount. Currently the amount stands at ÂŁ330 with a series of Christmas events planned.
office halloween
advo Maidstone office held its annual Halloween day with staff dressing up and raising money for ellenor, our chosen charity. Desks were decorated and everyone stopped for an afternoon tea followed by a spooky quiz.
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advogroup.co.uk |advo partners with UIB
adv
the par access comme London
advo has been sear years for a like-mind insurer to deliver ‘sam and support to clien insurances.
A chance encounte partnering with Unite Brokers (UIB), a Lloyd privately owned com broker with an excel cost control and clie Christopher Bates an Boxall chatting abou organisation’s appro clients realised a sym
advo had been look for wider business ins to repeated request recommend a comm In return UIB, althoug broad range of com realised that having specialist employee for their clients would addition to their own
UIB’s approach of pu squarely at the cent advice for appropria lowest price, based profile, with ongoing to advo.
Christopher Bates, Divisional Director Corporate and Commercial Division
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 08
Having now reached to promote each oth is now able to provid Lloyds of London co
advogroup.co.uk | advo partners with UIB
vo partners with UIB
rtnership allows advo clients s to independent advice on all ercial insurances through Lloyds of n commercial market.
rching for many ded commercial me-service’ advice nts on key business
er has led to advo ed Insurance ds of London mmercial insurance llent reputation for ent service. UIB’s nd advo’s Colin ut their respective oach to supporting mmetry.
king for an option surances in response ts from clients to mercial broker. gh an expert in a mmercial insurances, an option for benefit advice d be a valuable n services.
market through UIB supported by their specialist advice.
advo clients taking advantage of this new service will be given a dedicated
The UIB Group one of the largest privately-owned international insurance and reinsurance brokers based in London. UIB are able to offer advo clients a full range of commercial insurance products and services to all, regardless of size.
UIB adviser who can review existing commercial insurances to ensure they remain appropriate and be on hand to assist with any queries working closely with the advo account manager allowing all insurances to be managed together.
As an accredited Lloyds of London Insurance broker they have access to the whole market including specialist risks.
Larry Bulmer, advo’s CEO commented: “it is great to finally find an organisation that we can introduce to advo clients to knowing that they will receive the best advice and support.”
As with all Intermediaries, UIB will review the market as standard and ensure that the products in place are relevant for the business and the money being spent provides true value.
UIB can provide independent advice on all commercial insurances including; • Employers’ Liability; • Public / Products Liability; • Commercial & Office; • Property including Commercial or utting the client Residential Real Estate; tre to ensure tailored • Terrorism; ate policies at the • Cyber Liability; on client’s own risk • Motor fleet & Motor trade; g support is a match • Professional Indemnity; • Directors’ & Officer’s Liability; • Commercial Crime; d an agreement • Employment Practices Liability; her’s services advo • Pension Trustee Liability; de access to the • Contract Works; ommercial Insurance • Any commercially available general insurance product.
“Allowing our clients access to the Lloyds of London market accompanied with specialist advice expands on the scope service we can deliver.” If you want to find out more contact your advo account manager. Alternatively you can email Christopher from UIB direct on christopher.bates@ uib.co.uk.
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advogroup.co.uk | gold standard
advo awarded gold standard
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advogroup.co.uk | gold standard
advo was presented with a Gold Standard Award for their management and approach towards group protection insurance at a ceremony held at the House of Commons hosted by Sir David Amess, MP The Gold Standard Awards, held on 14th November 2018, were open to all UK-based financial services companies. advo was the only organisation named in the Group Protection category. Any company wishing to be considered for the Gold Standard Award scheme has to complete a detailed submission that has a ‘five pillar’ approach to assessment. The Gold Standard Awards assess excellence in a range of qualities including financial strength, the overall expertise of the company, service standards, value for money on behalf of clients and the promotion of confidence through customer experience.
The assessment is demanding using a variety of methods including information supplied by entrants in the form of questionnaires and evidence, as well as the use of third party sources to assess areas such as financial strength and fair value. An independent panel of expert judges assess entries in addition to outside agencies such as AKG to determine financial strength. The group protection Gold standard is open to all UK companies that operate and manage group life cover products such as health insurance, whole of life, term assurance or critical illness. Those organisations who do not make the standard are not publicly revealed.
Sir David Amess, MP (right) with advo’s Colin Boxall at the Churchill Room at the Houses of Commons
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advogroup.co.uk |big night out
advo
At the ‘Oscars’ of the pr Grosvenor Hotel, Londo industry’s leading figure
advo won the hotly contested category for the UK’s ‘Best Group Risk Intermediary’ at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor Hote London, attended by over 800 o the industry’s leading figures.
advo Account Manager, Lola Muddiman picked up the overal winning trophy as advo was also highlighted for work with private clients and dental/wellbeing.
The Health Insurance Awards are celebrating 20 years. The evenin was hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr who kept the audience laughing throughout despite his particular ‘near the knuckle’ adu brand of humour. Jimmy Carr returned to host the event after fi appearing at the Awards in the late 1990s.
Winning the group risk category meant demonstrating a wide range of skills including in-depth knowledge, commitment to ensuring clients get their best solution, employee communicat and the ability to be creative in getting the most from insurances and wellbeing programmes. Lola had said on picking up the award on behalf of advo ...
“ I’m over the moon that I won, especially being up against reall strong competitors. Staff wellbein is so important and such a hot to at the moment and so It’s lovely to have efforts recognised by my clients and the panel. advo have really supportive and encouragin environment which enables us a help each other and really go th extra mile for our clients.”
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 12
advogroup.co.uk | big night out
o’s big night out
rotection insurance industry at the on attended by over 800 of the es advo was singled out for praise.
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Lola Muddiman oicks up the award on behalf of advo
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 13
advogroup.co.uk | big night out
some of the ‘advonians’ that attended the event. from left Lola Muddiman, account manager, Ellie Sultana, account manager, Lucy Pearce, head of s Jagbir (‘Jag’) Dosanjh, account manager, Lauren Smith, account manager and Bianca Le Fevre, ac
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advogroup.co.uk | big night out
sales and developement ccount manger
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advogroup.co.uk |vitality interview
business Vitality
In a wide ranging interview we discuss Vitality’s approach plans with Athos Rushovich. In 2015 Athos was appointed to lead both Vitality’s Specialist Health Distribution, and Vitality Adviser businesses. He has since been instrumental in guiding Vitality to greater success within the intermediary advisory community. advo took the opportunity to catch up with Athos to find out more about his views on Vitality and how they work with UK businesses.
same risks as large corporates, but they do not have access to the same resources to build programs that can deliver results. Vitality at Work enables this.
not In m add term
Colin: Using Vitality, how can an organisation appeal to a diverse workforce with different ages, likes and Atho life goals? rang eligi Colin Boxall [advo]: Many people are now aware of Athos: The science of Vitality is age agnostic, risk e Vitality through sports sponsorship, sports personalities empowering members to engage with their own emp and of course Stanley the dog, but do you think the health and wellbeing through powerful incentives. Vita general public understands what Vitality is all about? This impacts the entire workforce in a profound way. We have millions of data points from Britain’s Coli Athos Rushovich [Vitality]: As the brand becomes Healthiest Workplace to validate this position. emp more ubiquitous, both here and internationally, more people associate Vitality with Health and Wellbeing. Colin The recent launch of improved policy benefits Atho While we are pleased with the progress, we also including more supportive mental health cover well know that we have a long way to go before we and new ‘Vitality partners’ including Amazon Prime mar have an absolute association between the brand received positive reviews, but with all the additional the and why we exist. benefits how can Vitality have similar pricing to other UK health insurers? Coli Colin: I have heard it said that the Vitality proposition that is confusing to employers – Is this a medical insurance Athos: :The essence of Vitality is to improve the way are policy or a wellness programme? that our members engage with their health. This in adm turn improves the Vitality risk experience through Athos: In order to provide real healthcare, we believe reduced claims spend. Which delivers an actuarial Atho that a balance between Health and surplus that we apply to rewards for our members, this Care is imperative, and the integrated solution that creating a virtuous cycle. enh Vitality offers, provides not one or the other, but a co absolutely both in balance. MEMBERS Better price and benefits Coli Improved health Colin: Vitality and wellness programmes generally cov only work with top-down support within an sour organisation. How do you enthuse board members to Is th embrace the Vitality approach? valu Athos: “We
can easily illustrate the causal connection between wellbeing, and productivity, making a commercial case for investing in a holistic wellness proposition which is easily understood by board members.” Colin: What do you see as the main barriers and steps to be taken for an employer who wishes to improve overall health of their workforce? Athos: : We know that smaller companies face the
BEHAVIOUR CHANGE
SOCIETY Improved productivity Reduced healthcare burden
DYNAMIC PRICING
Atho imp enh Vita rew the
RISK SAVINGS
INSURER Lower claims Higher margins Positive selection and lower lapses
Coli othe insu
Atho Colin: The new Vitality Essentials policy allows a wider imp workforce to engage in Vitality programmes and that
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 16
advogroup.co.uk | vitality interview
h, capabilities and future
just those covered by private medical insurance. many instances this is available without any ditional charge. Is this a short-term offer or a longm sustainable proposition?
os: This is a permanent feature of our product ge, at no additional cost, but it does carry some ibility criteria. It is an extension of improved experience and broader engagement in an ployer population further improves the efficacy of ality.
in: Does the Vitality approach fit with all ployers?
os: Absolutely, even if one opts to ignore the lness element, our PMI benefits, we believe are rket leading and offer unparalleled cover, and proposition includes the Vitality wellness program.
in: The administration hub saves time for brokers t manage client policies and was well received; their plans to invest further so that broader ministration of policies is possible?
os: We are investing widely in technology, and is bedded into our long term strategy, we will be hancing the scope of self serve administration on ontinual basis.
in: Many brokers compare just medical insurance verage, excluding any wider policy benefits when rcing the right health insurance policy for clients. his the right approach? If not what additional cost ue should be considered?
os: Vitality’s solid benefits, combined with proved wellness (and productivity) , are further hanced by the very real benefits of Full Cover, ality GP, Employer Cash Back and Employee wards. These considerations must be factored into overall value and cash flow decision.
in: Vitality may be a global brand but unlike the er large UK insurers has no international medical urance option. Is this likely to change?
os: Presently, we are focussed on continually proving our on-shore proposition, and it is unlikely t we will venture into this market in the near future.
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advogroup.co.uk |business Vitality
business Vitality Continued from page 17.... Colin: The online GP service that Vitality pioneered on a medical policy is now established as a reliable alternative to faceto-face. Do you think this would be carried forward to include specialist consultations? Athos: This is an interesting question, we are constantly evaluating many technological advances, and, I feel sure that techmedicine will evolve at a rapid pace. Where ever this path leads, it is our intention to pioneer solutions for our members. Colin: What is the overall aim of the Vitality organisation? Where next for Vitality UK? Athos: Our core purpose is ‘To make people healthier, and enhance and protect their lives’ If you break this down into it’s component parts, Making people healthier is achieved through the Vitality program, Enhancing
their lives happens by way of both improved heath and also rewards, and protecting their lives, is a function of excellent Health and Life cover. This is the fundamental reason for being of our business. It is interesting to note that our 5 year goal is to add 1 million years of life to our members, this sounds lofty, and perhaps even crazy, but, by engaging our 1 million members in the Vitality program, we can quite conceivably improve each members life expectancy by 1 year, through improved health and wellbeing, and thereby add 1 million life years to our members. advo works closely with Vitality managing the healthcare needs of many mutual clients and is a supporter of their ethos and approach to health and wellbeing.
who is Athos? Athos has 25 years experience in the financial services industry, spanning the Health, Life and Investment segments, and he has worked in both the intermediated and dedicated distribution arenas. He joined the Discover Group in 2001, has held various positions within the group, working both in South Africa, and in the UK, where he established the Franchise Distribution model in 2008. He returned to the UK in 2015 to take up his current position, leading both the Specialist Health Distribution, and Vitality Adviser businesses within Vitality. Athos has served on, and chaired industry bodies. He is married to Sam, and they have two children. You can find out more about the Vitality approach by visiting https://www.vitality. co.uk/
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 18
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advogroup.co.uk | healthy working environments
ow healthy is your working environment?
ana Linney, Sales Director, Bupa Health Clinics, reflects on how healthy working environments. Alaana also gives tips for embedding a positive kplace culture.
efing Frontiers: Modern ace event brought together s from some of the UK’s top law o discuss what tangible changes e made to ensure modern aces truly deliver a healthy nment. Alaana Linney joined nel looking closer at the impact ble and ‘smarter’ working, as where the responsibility lies en employers and employees t comes to individual wellbeing.
a takes up the story. “As the ion played out it became clear chnology has transformed the e engage. It makes flexible g possible, as well as bringing other benefits. For example, a report by Regus stated that e working will add £148 billion British economy over the next rs, as well as saving Britons 115 hours of commuting time every
culture can lead to a range of issues, namely stress, which in turn impacts productivity and talent retention. In the UK alone, work-related stress, anxiety and depression accounted for 12.5 million working days lost last year. Worryingly, a Bupa survey conducted in 2017 showed that over half (51%) of workers were kept awake at night by occupational stress. We know from users of our Bupa Boost app that they most want to improve their quality of sleep. Employers have a responsibility to engage with and listen to their workforce. In order to empower a workforce it’s important to lead from the top to create a culture where people feel comfortable sharing their concerns.
Alaana’s top three tips for embedding a positive and sustainable culture: 1. Leader-led engagement: Successful cultures must have senior leadership participation or they may fail. Research suggests that employees are twice as likely to report improved health if they do. 2. Know your people: While a business might offer multiple health and wellbeing initiatives, employees are likely to only engage in a handful at most, so companies need to pay attention to data from surveys and key delivery partners, such as EAP or occupational health, to create a programme that’s relevant to their people.
3. Communicate, communicate, communicate: Successful cultures While a business might offer multiple need to be underpinned by a really health and wellbeing initiatives, strong and inclusive comms plan employees are likely to only engage in throughout the employee life-cycle. ver, in truth, many employees a handful at most, so companies need People need to understand why a re working ‘smarter’ find to get to the bottom of their health healthy culture is important to the elves working for longer and are issues and what really works for their business, to its people and to leaders ng from the consequences. Over individuals and adapt their strategy personally. us now check our work email accordingly. We should be doing e of office hours, often before fewer things, but doing them better. It’s great to see that more and more t out of bed or last thing at businesses are looking at wellbeing ‘Smarter’ can, for some, mean Ultimately, wellbeing is an individual as an investment Creating a healthy s on’. Checking emails all day, responsibility, but there’s a clear role culture takes time, effort and constant day, even on holiday is a way of for employers to encourage healthier development. But it’s worth the effort; many people. habits, which will undoubtedly lead your business will thrive because it’s to a healthier and happier workforce the right thing to do. abits and this ‘always on’ and, in turn, improved productivity.”
ommunicate, communicate, communicate
aana Linney, Sales Director, Bupa Health Clinics
”
advocate winter 2018| advogroup.co.uk | 19
advogroup.co.uk |new UK international insurer
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 20
1
advogroup.co.uk |new international insurer
new international health insurer aims to shake up UK market A new international medical insurer is looking to establish themselves in the already thriving UK international medical insurance market. advo meets and interviews two of the main players and asked why they believe they have something different to offer. UnitedHealthcare will be a familiar name to advo’s US clients as one of the major providers of health insurance in the USA but are mostly unknown to many UK employers. This is likely to change as UnitedHealthcare Global recently 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 new proposition.
Hosting the launch event was Debra Searle MVO, MBE. Debra is an inspiring individual winning Gold World Championship medals for GB, a businesswoman, author and BBC presenter who is also well known for her successful solo row across the Atlantic Ocean. The event was interesting and informative outlining where UnitedHealthcare believe their proposition of a more proactive approach pre-overseas posting separates them from competitors.
Q. Why is UnitedHealthcare entering the European insurance market?
UnitedHealthcare Global is proud to have one of the largest, highquality networks in the world. Plan participants will have access to UnitedHealthcare’s worldwide medical network of more than 1.3 million care providers and nearly 21,000 hospitals.”
David Powell answers “UnitedHealthcare Global sees great opportunities to help people in Europe live healthier lives, and use our technologies and capabilities to make the Q. What is your target market, is health care system work better for it just corporate plans you are everyone. selling?
Our BeHealthy Insurance plans build on UnitedHealthcare’s advo took the opportunity to extensive portfolio of international catch up with UnitedHealthcare health insurance plans that have Global CEO David Powell and been available to U.S.-based Claude Daboul their MD for multinational companies for Europe, to find out why they years. Our plan range provides believe they have something high-quality, cost-effective different to deliver in what some benefits and services to customers would consider to be an already wherever they are in the world.” overcrowded market, and ask Claude Daboul adds “Insurance about what they see are the plans are available now across challenges facing employers with all 31 European Economic Area staff based overseas. countries.
“We offer our international insurance products to European companies that have a global workforce, providing quality health plans designed to provide coverage and peace of mind to employees living or travelling abroad on work assignments. Our products are geared to help employees on assignment overseas.”says Claude Daboul, Managing Director for Europe.
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advogroup.co.uk |new UK international insurer
new international insurer aims to shake up UK market Continued from page 21....... Q. What is your target market, is it assistance and security services. just corporate plans you are selling? UnitedHealthcare Global has one of the most comprehensive wellness Claude Daboul: “We offer our plans in the market, ranging from international insurance products to routine annual health checks, European companies that have a cancer screenings, vaccinations, global workforce, providing quality customised healthy lifestyle health plans designed to provide services, wellness coaching and coverage and peace of mind EAP services. to employees living or travelling abroad on work assignments. The plan also includes Our products are geared to comprehensive family plans with help employees on assignment exceptional cover for oncology, overseas.” congenital conditions maternity and chronic conditions. Q. What kinds of products and services will UnitedHealthcare BeHealthy includes a range of Global offer (in the UK and more security services such as Travel broadly across Europe)? Security Manager, an online tracking tool, World Watch Claude Daboul again replies Global Security Intelligence, and “UnitedHealthcare Global is offering medical intelligence reports and BeHealthy, a comprehensive extensive assistance services health care plan range which covering medical evacuation and delivers value to employers. repatriation. UnitedHealthcare BeHealthy features broad network Global also offers digitally coverage, comprehensive wellness enhanced technology for clients programmes and extensive and members.
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 22
The innovative mobile app “myUHCGlobal” is designed to allow members to access membership services through a convenient secure facility. Members can make a claim through the app within 90 seconds. UnitedHealthcare Global is one of the first insurers in Europe to offer people a personalised digital experience that inspires and motivates healthier habits as part of their health care plan. The BeHealthy plan includes My Wellbeing, a personalised digital experience that encourages healthier habits. My Wellbeing combines clinical programs and engagement expertise with mobile technologies, social networking and gamification. My Wellbeing currently has 67,000 members worldwide. Of those, 29% lost weight, 11% reduced their blood pressure and 42% reduced their risk of diabetes.
advogroup.co.uk |new UK international insurer Q. How does your plan provide value to employers and employees? “UnitedHealthcare’s BeHealthy includes important features which deliver value to employers, allowing them to better manage costs and reduce their administrative burdens, manage their risk and compliance requirements more seamlessly, and promote the health and wellbeing of their employees who live and travel abroad.” says Claude Daboul who adds,
“BeHealthy focuses on a whole-person approach to wellbeing, helping to identify health risks before they happen. This helps employees better manage their international assignments by prioritising their mental, emotional and physical
health. Employers can choose from the core, outpatient and dental plan modules. The core plan module provides coverage for inpatient treatments, maternity benefits, wellness services and assistance and security services. The outpatient plan module offers a range of comprehensive benefits including vision. The dental plan provides options for dental treatment, dental surgery, periodontics and orthodontic and dental prostheses.” Q. In your view what are some of the greatest challenges that expatriates face when going on assignment? David Powell replies “There are a number of issues that face expatriates before, during and after they go on assignment. Some of these include family issues, cultural and language barriers, health issues, lack of support network, unfamiliarity with the medical health care system, work pressure and
poor preparation ahead of their assignment. Our services can help prepare and overcome these challenges so they can work towards enjoying their assignment and it being a successful one for them, their family and the company they work for.” advo will be working with UnitedHealthcare Global where their proposition is a match for clients with global employees. UnitedHealthcare Global is a single-source provider of health and assistance solutions and is part of UnitedHealth Group, a diversified health and well-being company serving 139 million people in more than 130 countries You can find out more about UnitedHealthcare Global by clicking the link below. https://www.uhcglobal.com/
The launch event featured a fascinating interview with members of the UnitedHealthcare Professional Cycling Team, Alex Cataford and Lizzy Banks
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advogroup.co.uk | hr christmas
a merry hr chris
Christmas office closures and fo
advo hr answers the questions they commonly are asked at C Can employers force their employees to take their annual leave if the office closes during the festive period? Yes they can, an employer can actually dictate when holiday is taken. The legal position is that the employer can force an employee to take holiday at specific times by giving them advance notice at least twice the length of the period of leave in question. What if the employees do not have any leave entitlement left? The company cannot force employees to take unpaid leave if there is no standard policy in place or it has been decided at short notice.
If employees were able and willing to work on the days in question but you cannot provide them with work, you would need to pay them for the closure period. However, this could lead to complaints of unfair treatment, and even cause issues of discrimination if certain employees were unable to take their full holiday entitlement earlier in the year because of maternity leave, adoption leave, shared parental leave or long-term sickness absence.
holida policy clearl of the
If the and a to enf the po
What can businesses do? It is strongly suggested that any Christmas closure is communicated early in the year clearly stating the days that need to be taken out of the employee’s
gifts & hospitality during the fest
During the lead up to Christmas you may recieve gifts from sup unusual gifts you can send to your clients that will set you apar Without wanting to sound like ‘scrooge’ it’s at this time, compa familiarising themselves with the Bribery Act which covers all b What is the Bribery Act? The Bribery Act came into force in 2011 and made it illegal to offer or accept a bribe and makes companies liable if they fail to prevent bribery from being committed in connection with their business.
Will a small gift once a year constitute a foul of the Bribery Act? The Act makes it an offence to offer, promise or give a financial advantage to another person for the improper performance of a relevant function. Therefore, if would be seen as an offence, if you Individuals found guilty of an offence under the offered higher value gifts to one client in order for Bribery Act can face prison terms of up to 10 years. example, to gain more business. Or if your supplier was particularly generous one year to ensure you kept your business with them.
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 24
What If you to che and t of exp given fair an intent
advogroup.co.uk |hr christmas
stmas
orced leave
Christmas.
ay entitlement. Have a Christmas closure y or a section in the annual leave policy ly stating the procedures and expectations e employees.
company has a policy on Christmas closure annual leave, the company would be able force unpaid leave if this is clearly stated in olicy.
tive period
ppliers, or thinking of rt from other companies. anies should consider business in the UK.
can businesses do? u are sending gifts it may be best practice eck if they are happy to receive them, treat all supplier/clients equally in terms penditure. Keeping a note on what was n could be good practice as it shows it was nd the action was done with the correct tions.
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 25
advogroup.co.uk | investing in wellbeing
wellbeing: how invest
There are many reasons why investing in compelling arguments for investing in we While the popularity of wellness has exploded in recent years, it’s not a new idea: some of the Victorian industrialists, such as William Lever, believed that investing in wellbeing was both a productivity magnifier and a moral imperative. In an article put together by Investors in People we take a closer look at several key reasons that show why investing in the wellbeing of your staff is a no-brainer. Poor wellbeing has an incredibly high financial price The costs of poor wellbeing in the workplace are colossal. If we isolate mental wellbeing, we find the total annual cost of mental ill health to UK employers was £26bn – £1035 per employee – in 2007.
the lens of effectiven about the
When we and judge from our o and maint essential to cross-func
And there with studie between p and job sa wellbeing, only the in interperso organisatio
That’s just mental health: if you also include back, neck and muscle problems, you add another £14bn to the total. Presenteeism, which is obviously correlated with ill health, was estimated in 2012 to cost the UK economy £108bn a year. And with evidence mental wellbeing is getting worse, not better, without direct organisational intervention some of these numbers are likely to worsen. Poor wellb energy ou Positive wellbeing may reduce turnover and its associated Poor wellb costs physical e A study by Wright and Bonett (2007) found that managers or health-r with low levels of wellbeing were more likely to leave their mental en jobs as a result of job dissatisfaction. This suggests that issue, plan wellbeing investments that improve job dissatisfaction may or genera decrease turnover. It also take to do thing There are many obvious costs of high turnover, such as they take recruitment and training, but also intangible costs, such as the loss of tacit knowledge and the loss of critical nodes At a time w in interpersonal networks (with the knock-on effects of managem processes like collaboration). as employ wellbeing There’s evidence of a clear return on investment harder tha A study from London Business School suggests companies to perform with high levels of wellbeing outperform the stock market by 2-3% a year. Positive m outperform Earlier studies, such as from Wright and Staw (1999), suggest Improvem significant correlations between employee wellbeing and organisatio performance.And the evidence is not just theoretical: are often Anglian Water reckon that for every £1 they’ve invested in employee wellbeing, they’ve received £8 back. Contrary t rooms, the Good wellbeing is critical to effective interpersonal mental inc relationships Poor wellbeing influences the way we view ourselves, others To experie and the world around us. How? Because it negatively be open t impacts our emotions and we look at everything through are felt by
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 26
advogroup.co.uk | investing in wellbeing
ting in staff pays dividends
n employee wellbeing is a good choice. But what are the ellbeing. What returns can you expect?
f our emotions. This is detrimental to our overall ness, but we should be particularly concerned e impact on our relationships with others.
worn down by poor wellbeing, it’s much less likely that we will have the openness and focus necessary to identify and exploit innovative and creative urges.
feel bad about ourselves, we are quick to irritate e. We are less tolerant of worldviews that diverge own. These are not good foundations for building taining strong interpersonal relationships, which are o the smooth operation of critical processes like ctional team working, nnovation and creativity.
Investing in wellbeing positively impacts your brand In the age of transparency, poor wellbeing and job dissatisfaction eventually filter out to sites like Glassdoor, which increasing numbers of job seekers are checking before they apply for open positions.
e are knock-on effects too, es pointing to the correlation positive relationships at work atisfaction. Investing in , therefore, can improve not ndividual employee’s onal relationships but wider onal health.
being makes time and ur master being uses up energy: energy coping with illness related problems and nergy ruminating about the nning coping mechanisms ally worrying about the future. advo managers attending a mental health awareness course run by insurer, UNUM es up time: we find it harder gs, so Not investing in wellbeing may therefore impact your overall longer. employer brand and the quantity/quality of future job applications. when energy management and time ment are critical to success in the workplace, It may also increase your regrettable job turnover if your yees are expected to do more with less, poor employer brand is seen as less attractive than others in your is a particular problem because we need to work marketplace. an ever to generate the energy and time needed m well at work. Research put out in 2012 found that 84% of employees would consider leaving their current jobs if offered another role with mental wellbeing encourages creative a company that had a strong corporate reputation mance ments that create genuine step change in And your employer brand is only half the equation: investing onal abilities and differentiation from competitors in wellbeing can increase consumer trust too. There’s driven by creativity and innovation. increasing evidence that consumers judge a brand on how ethically it goes about its business: this includes everything to popular belief that these happen in meeting from supply chain management to how diverse its board is e true driving force behind these processes is to the way it treats and invests in its employees. cubation.
ence the results of creative incubation, we must to new experiences and sensitive to insights, which y the body as epiphanies. If we are ruminating and
You can view this article and others like it at the Investors in People Knowledge Hub at the link below. https://www.investorsinpeople.com/knowledge/
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 27
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
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advogroup.co.uk | redundancy; fair for dismissal
redundancy; a fair reason for dismissal? An increasing number of clients are making enquiries to advo hr about potential redundancy situations. We discuss when it may be considered fair to dismiss on the grounds of redundancy. The hardest part of any redundancy process is at the beginning when you identify there may be a need for it.
Circumstances when redundancy may not be the appropriate route or may be risky may include:
There are many factors to consider as • Where an employee is under part of this stage of the process which is performing; why we recommend clients get in touch • Where the reason for dismissal is with us at this early stage before staff are linked to an employee’s health notified in order for us to fully support. condition or attendance; Redundancy can be a fair reason for dismissal, but only where there is a genuine need for it in the following circumstances:
• Where other employees in the same or similar role are not put in the pool at risk of redundancy;
• Closure of a business • Closure of a workplace • Reduced need for employees
• Where the Company have not attempted to consider or look at ways to prevent a redundancy situation;
• Where there is a conduct issue;
The first two are more straightforward • Due to an employee being out to identify. Where there is a diminished of the office for a long period. need for employees the reason for this e.g. maternity/paternity/ shared could be due to a change in working parental leave or long-term practices such as new technology which sickness absence. takes over a role; fewer employees to do the same job; or less work available. If you have such concerns contact advo hr. The employer would need to show they had a strong justifiable business advo is an Investorsreason for making someone redundant in-People Gold and they would need to follow a full accredited consultation process prior, to show they employer. followed a fair and transparent process. The employer would need to consider any ways that could prevent or reduce the number of redundancies during the consultation process. The Company should consider any suitable alternative employment within the business. Redundancy should be an absolute last resort.
carley gregory advo hr business partner advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 29
advogroup.co.uk |male health
male health: common conce In the UK, prostate cancer is now the most common form of cancer in men, with 130 new diagnoses each day. More than six people each day are diagnosed with testicular cancer, and men account for over three quarters of suicides in the UK. We look at the most common concerns. With male health issues increasingly in the spotlight in the news Bupa has seen a yearon-year increase of 43% in male health assessment bookings at their health clinics.
The reality is that men can still be reluctant to take time out for a health check.” On the wider issue of mental health Glenys Jackson, Clinical Lead Mental Health, Bupa UK, added:
In response to the increase in concerns over male health issues Dr Luke Powles, Associate Clinical “The increasing spotlight on Director, Bupa UK, said: mental health is positive as it is increasing confidence in men “Cancer awareness has to come forward to share their significantly improved so it’s problems and seek guidance. good that men are being more proactive about their health. However, we still hear many
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concerns which are putting men off from seeking the help they may need. It’s important to understand there is nothing to be ashamed of, and help is always available should they need it.” Now, Bupa UK experts have shared the most common concerns that they hear from people when it comes to prostate and testicular cancer and mental health, providing guidance and reassurance to those who feel they may need help.
advogroup.co.uk | male health
erns Prostate and testicular checks: most common concerns Dr Luke Powles, Associate Clinical Director, Bupa Health Clinics answers: “I’m embarrassed about having my prostate and testicles checked” It’s important not to put off seeing your GP about any symptoms because you’re worried about an examination. There’s no need to feel embarrassed – they are important medical checks that your GP has done many times before. The examinations involved are really quick and easy and can help identify any potential prostate or testicular problems. If you are experiencing any symptoms, make sure you get checked.
checked regularly can ensure that if you need treatment, you get it as early as possible. 84% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK survive for at least 10 years.
“I don’t know what a check involves – it sounds scary” There is nothing to be worried about. We understand that they are intimate checks so may feel a little strange but they are quick and not normally painful. A GP will feel your prostate through the wall of your rectum with their finger. During a testicular check, a GP will check their size, position and texture. They will also help detect any unusual changes to your testicles, like lumps, swelling, or other abnormalities within “I’m worried about what you might the scrotum. find – I’d rather not know” Early detection is the key to living “It won’t happen to me, will it?” a longer, healthier life. Getting Unfortunately, prostate cancer
is common. Testicular cancer is less common but the number of cases are rising, the reason for which is unclear. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with around 47,000 new cases of in the UK each year. Meanwhile, more than six men each day are diagnosed with testicular cancer, with incidence rates highest in men aged 30-34. “Are prostate and testicular cancer hereditary?” If you have close relatives with prostate cancer or testicular cancer, especially your father or brother, you’re more likely to develop it. Having an undescended testicle can also increase your risk of testicular cancer. Men who have a diet that contains a lot of fat may be more likely to develop prostate cancer too, as are those who are over 50.
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advogroup.co.uk |male health
male health: common concern mental health: most common concerns Glenys Jackson, Clinical Lead Mental Health, Bupa UK gives her replies to the most common concerns.
useful to ask them if they’ve noticed a difference in you and have been worried about you. A change to our mental health and wellbeing can “I feel anxious and worried all the time – happen to anyone – it doesn’t matter it’s making me physically unwell” how strong or successful you are. Small bouts of anxiety can be helpful and can get us through stressful Don’t let it stop you getting the help situations, but sometimes anxiety can you need. The first port of call would become too much and can lead to be to see a GP who will ask you some problems with your physical health. questions and, if necessary, help you access the treatment that’s right for If this is happening, you need to get you. to the bottom of why. If you’re finding anxiety isn’t going away and is starting “I’m the only one that feels this way – to take its toll physically, see a GP who people will think I’m being daft” can help you determine what might be Each year, around one in 20 adults causing this and discuss next steps to in the UK will have an episode of help you. depression. It’s the third most common condition GPs see in their practices, “Am I anxious, depressed or both?” while anxiety is even more common. It’s common for anxiety and depression to co-exist. Similar symptoms include You certainly aren’t the only one and trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating it’s important to remember that and feeling constantly tired. depression isn’t a sign of weakness nor something people can just ‘snap Common signs of depression are out’ of. What’s really important is that prolonged feelings of worthlessness first step of telling someone what’s and a loss of interest in the things you going on, how you are feeling and usually enjoy, whether that’s sports, your how it is impacting on your life, so you favourite TV shows – whatever it may can then be given the right support or be. If you are experiencing some of treatment you need. these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice so a clinical expert can “The treatment just isn’t working. Will I advise you and provide the support you feel like this forever?” may need. There are numerous treatment pathways for anxiety and depression, You can get more guidance about the including talking therapies and antilink between anxiety and depression depressants. There is no ‘quick fix’, so here. as your treatment begins, it’s perfectly normal for it to take a while until your “I don’t know what to do or where to symptoms begin to get better. go for help” Talking to someone close to you is Further help is available – if you feel often a good starting point. It might be your treatment isn’t working after a
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 32
prolonged period o guide you on alter will help you.
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advo can give gui screening compan your organisation.
Notes : In the UK, pro most common form o 130 new diagnoses e https://www.cancerr professional/cancercancer-type/prostat
[1] More than six peo diagnosed with testic https://www.cancerr professional/cancercancer-type/testicul
[2] Men account for suicides in the UK - fig Office of National Sta
[3] 84% of men diagn cancer in the UK surv https://www.cancerr professional/cancercancer-type/prostat
[4] Each year, aroun UK will have an episo the third most comm their practices. https://www.bupa.c mental-health/depre
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advo: the‘best people’ jamie tuffield employee benefits manager
advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 33
advogroup.co.uk | thanks for reading
find every copy of advocate magazine online at issuu.com/advogroup issue #27 autumn 2018 In the autumn 2018 issue advo hr’s has looks at team building and reward incentives and gives tips on success and the best approach. We also look closer at the issue of staff working when ill and a launch of a new mental health guide designed for managers. We also include an interview with Bupa’s CEO, Evelyn Bourke on her work championing women in business. In health news we focus on the winter flu season and its effects. In addition we highlight the confusion that exists over woman’s health advice.
issue #26 summer 2018 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.
don’t miss a copy, subscribe to our issuu channel... its 100% free! advocate winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 34
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
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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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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 winter 2018 | advogroup.co.uk | 35
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
omid Khademzadeh account manager advogroup limited Registered Office advo house, St Leonards Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0LS Registered in England No 4500663. advo group limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority