Work Life Balance has therefore become a major challenge for sustaining long-term growth in Europe and preserving the European social model.

Recent research conducted by Sodexo and Pour la Solidarité* has highlighted 3 main areas that employers need to understand and work towards to help ensure they adapt to the changing social structure of Europe and fully embrace the Work Life Balance ethos. These are:

1. Work Life Balance for growth and competitiveness

2. Equal opportunity and social cohesion

3. The role of policies in improving work life balance

To be in with a chance of winning a free copy of this research booklet click here >>

(*Pour la Solidarité is a European think tank that specialises in advising EU decision makers on professionalism and work solidarity.)

In March last year the Childcare Voucher Providers Association (CVPA) was launched as the industry body to represent Employer Supported Childcare providers and to promote best practice within the sector.

The launch came at an important time for businesses and the childcare industry. And, since March an increasing number of companies are insisting that membership to the CVPA  is required of their childcare voucher provider.

Supporting working parents with high quality childcare that is secure and accessible is critical to the revival of the UK economy. Since launch the CVPA has been working hard to ensure that employers, parents and childcare providers are effectively and efficiently served by its member organisations.  Therefore as an employer it is important to work with a childcare voucher provider that is a member of the CVPA.  This will ensure that:

-  You are working with a company that complies with a strict Code of Practice.

-  You can be assured of the highest level of service and security.

-  You can be safe in the knowledge that your scheme is kept up to date with the latest legislation.

Iain McMath, Managing Director of Sodexo Motivation Solutions said:

“Childcare vouchers are one of the UK’s most popular employee benefits and they become increasingly important at a time where many companies are considering alternative and cost effective ways to retain and attract staff, without stretching salary budgets.  Sodexo Motivation Solutions has long been a trusted provider and we welcome the Code of Practice, and the opportunity it presents to reassure employers that all members’ schemes are secure. We are proud that Fiona Shields, who led the team that founded Sodexo’s Childcare Voucher Scheme over 10 years ago, has been appointed as Chair of the Association.

Find our more > 

 “It’s cheaper to replace people who leave after having kids”

No, it’s not. Average recruitment costs are an eye-watering £8,333 for senior staff and £2,930 for others. And that’s assuming you find someone good.

“Childcare vouchers are just for the big boys”

Why? Running a scheme isn’t costly and often more than pays for itself.  It is quick and easy to set up and requires little administration.

Childcare vouchers help working parents save up to £933 each year, and your business saves up to £402 per employee in Employer NI contributions every year. And what’s more the rising cost of childcare may be forcing your employees to:

1. become disengaged, as there’s a simple tax-efficient solution which is not available to them

2. leave the company to look after their children

3. move to a company where they will receive the extra support they need

Download our white paper now to find out more

Busy working parents are also now able to pay for ad-hoc childcare (such as the regular baby sitter or the yearly summer camp), on the go, both quickly and easily (using their list of preferred childcare providers). Employees access it from their Smartphone at: https://www.saycarepayments.co.uk/mobile. And for once, this is not restrictive to iPhone users…  Blackberry and Android users are welcome!

 Find out more about SayCare Pass, our childcare voucher scheme or sign up now >>

A golden opportunity in Recessionary times
We all know that the recession has taken a severe toll on many businesses, which for many employees has translated into pay freezes, reductions in bonuses and increasing uncertainty.  More than ever employers need to cultivate goodwill and engage their employees. If businesses get it right the results will outlive the Games themselves. Employers should consider a variety of tactics to really leverage the Olympic spirit.

Turning negative effects of the Olympics in to positives
Staff absenteeism may rise during the Olympics, with nearly 10 million adults planning to alter their holiday plans, according to research from PwC. Many plan to use two weeks of their annual leave to watch the games, volunteer or escape the Olympic chaos completely. 

In order to reduce absenteeism, ACAS, a company that deals with employment disputes, is encouraging businesses to re-arrange working hours and permit longer lunches. By allowing flexible working hours, shift swaps, or even working from home, businesses can ensure that their employees remain productive and motivated. Research by BT showed that in the wake of the Vancouver 2010 Commonwealth Games, 30% of businesses would, in retrospect, have taken the chance to improve flexible working facilities for staff.

In order to combat any transport congestion Transport for London is encouraging businesses to enable staff to walk or cycle to work and use conference or video calls to reduce travelling time and associated stress levels.

Above all, it is important to remember that the Olympic Games are a momentous event, and that the games themselves only come around every four years. Being overly strict and inflexible during this period could damage team spirit. By allowing the employees to watch the events, companies will be able to provide their staff with a great team-building opportunity which could result in a more unified, happy and productive workforce, regardless of who takes home the gold medals.

North West

I’d like to pop in and talk to you about our childcare voucher
scheme – and why so many companies in the area are switching
to Sodexo.

I can manage everything for you, so switching to Sodexo couldn’t
be easier. Make an appointment to discuss your needs by calling
me direct on 07912 480001 or click the button below.

Our clients benefit from a dedicated local account manager
and a fully online system with minimal administration.  Don’t just
take our word for it. Read what my other clients in the North West
region are saying:

Find out more about how childcare vouchers can save you up to £402 per employee >

East

I’d like to pop in and talk to you about our childcare voucher scheme
- and why so many companies in the area are switching to Sodexo.

I can manage everything for you, so switching to Sodexo couldn’t be
easier. Make an appointment to discuss your needs by calling me
direct on 07872 838902 or click the button below.

Our clients benefit from a dedicated local account manager and
a fully online system with minimal administration.  Don’t just take
our word for it. Read what my other clients in the East of England are
saying:

Find out more about how childcare vouchers can save you up to £402 per employee >

London

I’d like to pop in and talk to you about our childcare voucher scheme
- and why so many companies in the area are switching to Sodexo.

I can manage everything for you, so switching to Sodexo couldn’t be
easier. Make an appointment to discuss your needs by calling me
direct on 07738 885979 or click the button below.

Our clients benefit from a dedicated local account manager
and a fully online system with minimal administration.  Don’t
just take our word for it. Read what my other clients in the London
region are saying:

Find out more about how childcare vouchers can save you up to £402 per employee >

London

I’d like to pop in and talk to you about our childcare voucher scheme
- and why so many companies in the area are switching to Sodexo.

I can manage everything for you, so switching to Sodexo couldn’t
be easier. Make an appointment to discuss your needs by calling me
direct on 07809 658386 or click the button below.

Our clients benefit from a dedicated local account manager and
a fully online system with minimal administration.  Don’t just take
our word for it. Read what my other clients in the London region are saying:

Find out more about how childcare vouchers can save you up to £402 per employee >

South West

I’d like to pop in and talk to you about our childcare voucher scheme
- and why so many companies in the area are switching to Sodexo.

I can manage everything for you, so switching to Sodexo couldn’t be
easier. Make an appointment to discuss your needs by calling me direct
on 07796 308948 or click the button below.

Our clients benefit from a dedicated local account manager and a
fully online system with minimal administration.  Don’t just take
our word for it. Read what my other clients in the South West region
are saying:

Find out more about how childcare vouchers can save you up to £402 per employee >