Employee engagement 'a key concern' in 2012

One of the main concerns among the nation's managers this year will be ensuring that staff are engaged with benefits programmes in order to boost worker retention, a new report has discovered.

The Mercer report also revealed that 45 per cent of employers consider cost-control as the top challenge of 2012 and 23 per cent see the improved communication and education of benefit programmes as their main priority this year.

This year mangers will operate within a context of heightened cost-cutting and increasingly consumer-driven healthcare and benefits options that put the employee in the driving seat when it comes to choice and control, the report indicates.

Naomi Saragoussi, a principal in Mercer's Health & Benefits business, commented: "At the start of 2012, we see the new benefits landscape emerging, and it should come as no surprise that this year the focus is on cutting costs. A 'do more with less' attitude will certainly characterise the coming months."

She said that the challenge of reining in costs while still offering attractive benefits will mean that employers must explore more resourceful and creative ways to manage financial expenditure and ensure best value for money.

"There is a growing trend towards employee wellbeing initiatives, increased employer-employee cost sharing and a move towards employees deciding how they want their benefits to be shaped," Ms Saragoussi added.

For Sales Managers Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment provide all of the latest news in the UK sales industry to help you keep your team in touch with changing trends and developments. For sales manager jobs and unique sales recruitment services, backed by a 52 week rebate scheme, visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Filed: 01-02-2012