Concierge services remain a minority pursuit in the UK

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Concierge services remain a minority pursuit in the UK

Convenience benefits are frequently touted as a key way to help in attracting and retaining staff. But much evidence seems stacked against it, according to a recent issue of HR magazine People Management.

Convenience benefits fail to reduce staff turnover

We have become accustomed to hearing about the startling array of benefits that companies are prepared to offer to seduce people to join their business, and at the same time hold on to their best employees.

An increasing number of companies across corporate America are supposed to be offering so-called time-saving benefits in an attempt to give their business the edge in the battle for scarce talent — they offer everything from workplace dry cleaning and washing services to take-home prepared foods.

Even so, these perks are still very much a minority practice in the UK, says People Management. What's more, they certainly have little value in terms of staff retention.

There may, however, be more to these benefits than first meets the eye. Having a concierge service won't necessarily attract or retain talent, one HR director told People Management. But it makes them all feel supported, and we want to show that it's not simply about working. You work hard here, but you should be looked after while you're working.

Want to know more?

Title: Chore competency , by Cathy Cooper, People Management, 7 December 2000.

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