91% of UK Healthcare Workers Are Missing Out on Maximising Vital Financial Support

New research from Sodexo Engage reveals that only 9% of UK healthcare workers report utilising their workplace benefits to their full potential As the cost of living (CoL) continues to soar this indicates that a significant number of individuals are not capitalising on crucial support that could help their pay go further

The report titled “The Mountain of Lost Benefits: A Spotlight on Healthcare” explores the perspectives of healthcare employees and HR leaders regarding benefits and the actual value of a benefits package Sodexo Engage has uncovered a notable disparity between leaders and employees, with 28% of surveyed healthcare HR professionals admitting to a lack of understanding regarding the benefits employees really need

When Sodexo Engage asked healthcare workers about their preferred benefits, retail discounts or cashback (25%) emerged as the most popular choice followed by occupational sick pay (22%) and financial wellbeing-related benefits (16%) It is evident that this group is primarily focused on maximising their wages and making them go further

Interestingly when healthcare employees were asked “Which of the following benefits do you find most financially beneficial? a notable fifth (20%) of respondents chose subsidised food and drink This figure stands in contrast to the cross-industry average of 14% highlighting the higher priority placed on this benefit within the healthcare sector Additionally over a quarter (27%) expressed that subsidised food and drink should be included in a “standard, must-have package”, compared to the average of 17%

This sentiment was echoed by healthcare HR respondents More than a quarter (27%) said employees

INCLUDE: specifically request subsidised food and drink in the workplace as opposed to the average of 18% across all industries Considering the recent rise in food prices and the fact that many healthcare workers consume multiple meals while on shift, this outcome is not surprising

Jamie Mackenzie Director at Sodexo Engage comments healthcare workers clearly know what benefits they want but it appears that they are not fully making use of what is on offer to them Our research highlights a strong emphasis on tools that enhance financial wellbeing indicating that the cost-of-living crisis is a prominent concern for many However, with numerous individuals reporting a lack of utilisation I would urge them to explore the benefits their employers provide and consider how these can help ”

The survey also revealed connections between benefits and employee satisfaction highlighting the impact on retention

Several Noteworthy Findings From Healthcare Workers

The vast majority (70%) of employee respondents said benefits packages are important or very important when thinking about whether to accept a job offer

80% said they feel more loyal towards their employer when their employer is supporting them

78% said they feel more motivated to work when their employer is supporting them

Discover the full findings from The Mountain of Lost Benefits: A Spotlight on Healthcare report download now at https://www sodexoengage com/mountain-of-lost-benefits-a-spotlight-on-healthcare

Belong Promotes Awareness of LGBTQ+ People in Care

As June 24th marks the UK s first national Silver Pride celebration of LGBTQ+ life and culture for the over 55s, Belong is leading the promotion of awareness and appreciation of the needs of older LGBTQ+ people living in care

The dementia specialist is implementing the Skills for Care LGBTQ+ learning framework equipping its teams with the knowledge values and best practice to support its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and other customers whose outlook and needs can differ from others who share their home Additionally the move helps Belong build on its inclusive culture empowering colleagues to be confident in who they are at their place of work

Research has shown that whilst older people have understandable concerns making the transition to living in care environments, older LGBTQ+ people envisage their own distinct challenges such as carers who lack communication tools to discuss gender identity or sexual orientation, even if they have favourable attitudes to the LGBTQ+ community 1

Caroline Baker head of dementia and care quality at Belong provides more detail

We believe people should be able to live and work as they choose to present themselves as this makes for a diverse, respectful and cohesive society We have a responsibility to all our customers and colleagues to engender this culture and this new training serves as one of many ways we achieve this ”

For one person Belong s approach to care has proven to be literally life changing Samantha Wolsey, 68, moved into one of Belong Wigan s independent living apartments five years ago presenting as Billy She quickly discerned the team s attitudes and the culture championed by Belong she finally felt comfortable to share who she is with the world

Belong responded by proposing a celebratory party bringing everyone together to commend Samantha’s courage and share in her happy news Charlene Frodsham experience coordinator at Belong Wigan said When she told us we were surprised but everyone was keen to support At her party, Samantha said with tears in her eyes I didn t expect all this We couldn t be prouder of her and we hope her story inspires others to show the world who they are ”