The cost-of-living crisis

Bridging the gap: what employees really need right now

The cost-of-living crisis is reshaping the way employees view their workplace, and what they expect from it. This report explores how organisations can better support their teams through meaningful employee benefits that go beyond pay rises.

Based on a survey of over 2,500 UK residents, including employers and employees, the report uncovers key insights into the perception gap and practical ways businesses can respond.

Key insights include:

• Only 5% of employees feel their organisation is doing enough to support them.
• 87% of employers agree that benefits can help retain talent during the crisis.
• 83% of employees believe benefits play a key role in managing cost-of-living pressures.
• Salary sacrifice schemes (e.g. Cyclescheme) offer real savings, but many employees don’t fully understand them.
• Communication gaps are a major barrier: 30% of employees say they don’t know enough about their benefits.

This report reveals a clear disconnect between what employers offer and what employees understand or value. By improving communication, relevance, and accessibility of benefits, organisations can make a real difference in their people's lives.

Discover how your organisation can bridge the gap, improve benefit uptake, and genuinely support your people through challenging times.

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