Making the Case for Flexible Benefits: A Guide for HR Professionals

March 29, 2024

If you’re a HR professional looking to modernise your workplace through flexible employee benefit solutions, this guide will help you to understand the advantages of flexible benefits and how you can advocate for the switch to a flexible solution.

Understanding Flexible Benefits

Fixed benefits typically offer a standardised one-size-fits-all package, whereas flexible benefits allow scalability and customisation based on the individual needs of your workforce and business. This often includes features such as tiered benefits and flexible allowances.

Customised:

Flexible plans empower employees to allocate credits to the benefits that matter most to them. This can also set a business apart as an employer of choice, attracting and retaining top talent as more and more people prioritise workplace culture when looking for new roles.

Cost Effective:

By tailoring benefits to individual needs, businesses can avoid spending on perks that go unused or undervalued. This not only maximises the impact of the benefits program but can also help optimise resource allocation.

Scalable:

Flexible benefits are incredibly adaptable, enabling businesses to respond quickly to changing employee needs, market trends, and industry shifts. This means that as fast-growing companies evolve, their benefits do too.

These advantages, combined with shifting employee preferences and expectations, have led flexible benefits to quickly become the solution of choice for modern startups and SMEs. At Zhoosh, we’ve seen this trend further come to fruition through our own research, with employers reporting that they’re not only anticipating a steep rise in demand for benefits in the coming year, but that personalised benefits in particular will be highly sought after. With 80% of employees also stating that they’d prefer improved benefits to a pay rise, it’s clear that personalised benefits don’t simply represent a passing trend, but a fundamental shift in employee expectations.

Approaching Your Boss

When it comes to presenting your case to the CEO, we recommend considering the following tips:

Consider Company Values: Frame your proposal in alignment with the company’s mission and values, as well as the CEO’s personal values if possible. Showcase how flexible benefits contribute to the overall well-being and satisfaction of employees, fostering a positive workplace culture.

Do Your Research: Support your case with data from relevant research indicating a growing preference for flexible benefits, both by competing employers and employees themselves.

Choose the Right Time: Timing is crucial. Schedule a meeting at a time when the CEO can give your proposal the attention it deserves. Avoid peak work hours or busy periods to ensure a focused discussion.

Craft a Compelling Pitch: Develop a clear, concise, and compelling presentation. Clearly articulate the benefits, addressing potential concerns and showcasing the positive impact on both employees and the organisation.

Be Open to Feedback: Approach the meeting with an open mind. Be ready to address questions and concerns, and emphasise that you are open to feedback and adjustments.

Follow Up: After the initial presentation, follow up with additional information, clarification, or any requested data. This demonstrates your commitment to the proposal in question and your responsiveness to the CEO’s needs.

Conclusion

Advocating for flexible employee benefits is not just about meeting current trends; it’s about investing in the future well-being of your workforce. By carefully crafting your pitch, staying informed, and presenting a compelling case to your superiors, you can forge a more efficient, employee-centric future for your company and coworkers.

“Having access to benefits has made such a difference to me and my coworkers, especially during the cost-of-living crisis. We’re able to use our Zhoosh benefits to save money on regular expenditures, like weekly shopping, as well as bigger treats and experiences for our families. The app is super easy to use and we quite often chat about the different benefits we’ve used and where. None of the places I’ve worked previously have had a benefit scheme in place, but now I don’t think I’d accept a job without it!”

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