The change of seasons is always a great time to make a fresh start. With Autumn upon us, many staff benefits come into their own at this special time of year.

Whether you broadcast your staff benefits in a regular newsletter, in team meetings or one-to-ones, here is a round-up of the best benefits to match the mood of the season.

Brighten up shorter days

With the nights drawing in, the exuberance of summer is often replaced by a more reflective or sombre mood. Routines can also get switched up due to the change in daylight hours. Some people find that they sleep or eat differently in the Autumn and their fitness routine is different too.

This is a good opportunity to remind people about the Wellness package, which has useful videos on sleep, nutrition, emotional agility, finances and mental health. There are fact sheets to support each subject too that employees can use as helpful reminders of key points in each video.

Get ahead for Christmas

One thing that Autumn says loud and clear is that Christmas is around the corner. For most of us, this means lots of extra expenditure, which, let’s face it, can be a source of stress.

Now’s the time to signpost the staff Discount Club, which offers up to 30% discounts on high street prices and up to 35% savings when shopping online. 

It’s considered a ‘trivial benefit’ by HMRC so there’s no extra tax for employees to pay. They can save with major retailers like John Lewis and brands like FatFace and Superdry.

The Finance video in the Wellness package can also help people navigate anxiety about the costs of Christmas. 

Autumn half-term

Before we get to Christmas, there’s the small matter of Autumn half-term to get through. Why not remind staff they can make it a memorable one with an extra week’s holiday courtesy of the Holiday Exchange benefit, which lets them buy (or sell) holiday each year?

Employees can also make savings on holidays abroad or days out in the UK with the Discount Club. Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds and Legoland are some of the popular parks offering reductions, and there are also discounts on cinema tickets and restaurants including Pizza Hut.

Health care benefit

The approach of winter also means the onset of the flu season, so many staff may be interested in the private medical insurance benefit, which can help speed up treatments. Therapies, mental health and wellness programmes may be included, but note that this benefit is taxable as a benefit in kind.

Gym benefitAutumn fitness

Many people start new routines in autumn and fitness is often high on the list. With Christmas parties and holiday festivities ahead, it’s a good idea to look after the body so it will look after you when December comes around. Keeping fit is also a good way to ward off colds and flu.

The gym membership salary sacrifice benefit lets employees spread the cost of an annual gym membership, and there are no joining or upfront fees. Monthly charges are deducted from the staff member’s salary and are free of National Insurance contributions.

Shout about your benefits

Providing a good suite of staff benefits is an effective way to support your staff, both in and outside the workplace. Regularly nudging your team to make the best use of these perks is what Timson CEO James Timpson calls ‘internal marketing or advertising’. You’re showing you care about them, which tells them clearly that it’s a great place to work.

As the nights grow longer and the temperatures drop, shine a light on all the great staff rewards that will lift the spirits this season. Here are some key Autumn dates to time comms around:

Autumn dates

  • Autumn equinox – 22 September
  • Halloween – 31 October
  • Autumn half term – end October
  • Bonfire night – 5 November
  • Remembrance Day – 10 November
  • US Thanksgiving – 28 November
  • Black Friday sales – 29 November

About Us

At Enjoy Benefits, we have great experience in helping companies of all sizes introduce benefits that are suitable for their workplace.

If you would like an obligation-free chat to discuss which benefits might work for your business and your employees, please contact us by calling 0800 088 7315 or using our Contact Form.