Attracting and retaining staff through payroll education

Gary Webb looks after PR, marketing and communications for Bond Payroll Services, driving the understanding of payroll outsourcing and in-house payroll software. He has over 25 years of experience working with National Express, Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) and Camelot (The National Lottery). Gary is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

National Payroll Week is upon us, 7 – 11 September, and the theme this year is ‘It pays to learn’, focusing on the role that payroll can play in ‘educating the nation’.

How can charities compete with the private sector?

Charities might not be able to offer salaries to compete with those in the commercial sector, but NPW is a time when charities should think creatively about highlighting the benefits they already provide through charity payroll, and creating innovative benefits packages to encourage talented people to consider careers in the voluntary sector. The most inventive often look at ideas which may not cost much financially, but benefit the employee considerably.

NPW is encouraging companies to think about how they can improve the financial understanding – and therefore wellbeing – of individuals employed by their organisation. In a sector where salary is not necessarily a deal breaker, educating employees and making them more financially aware could lead to a more positive outlook and improved performance at work. In the voluntary sector, motivating and retaining staff is critical, and making them feel valued is an investment worth making.

Fully publish the benefits

NCVO’s trusted charity payroll supplier Bond Payroll Services, believes the improving UK economy and rising employment levels, including in the voluntary sector, will result in more potential candidates asking questions about the additional benefits charities can offer apart from pay. And attracting and retaining staff at a time when negative media coverage has led to an erosion of trust in the sector has become increasingly important.

With Auto Enrolment in full swing, pensions are now very firmly in employees’ minds, but there are other things – such as season ticket loans, childcare vouchers, loans for computer and satellite navigation systems, and cycle-to-work schemes – that are attractive to employees but which are largely cost-neutral to not for profit organisations.

Sometimes reward is not just about the pay an employee receives. Flexible working, working from home, career opportunities and work life balance all form part of a rich mix that will make working in the voluntary sector attractive.

Connections are important

Voluntary organisations should also work their connections to get any added value offers that cost nothing to the employer but add to the basket of benefits, such as discounted theatre tickets, gym membership, or restaurant deals.

The 2014 Top 100 Best Not for Profit Organisation in the UK went to SLH Housing, whose Chief Executive Julie Fadden commented that treating your staff well leads to them being happy in what they do, which leads to an enhanced customer experience. The organisation spends an average of £1,000 on staff development but also offers competitive salaries that have been market tested, a defined contribution pension scheme, private health insurance for individuals and their families, and other benefits such as flexi time and well-being programmes.

National Payroll Week is a great opportunity to publicise charity payroll and access to staff benefits. If employees understand and feel good about what they get, they automatically become ambassadors for the business, spreading the word to potential charity employees. Indeed the most motivated employees should be introduced to candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Further information

• Information on payroll services from Bond Payroll Services and discounts for members
• Childcare Voucher scheme from NCVO Trusted Supplier Linking Up
• Health cash plans for the voluntary sector from NCVO Trusted Supplier HSF Health Plan