IPD launches flexible benefits in conjunction with Thomsons Online Benefits

IPD, the worldís number one provider of real estate performance analysis, has launched a new flexible benefits scheme for their 200 employees in conjunction with Thomsons Online Benefits.

IPD offers a full range of services including research, reporting, benchmarking, conferences and Indices across 20 countries including most of Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

IPD wanted to streamline HR processes by moving from paper-based Total Reward Statements to online flexible benefits. Thomsons Online Benefits created a bespoke solution incorporating benefit broking, technology and a unique communications strategy.

The new scheme, dubbed ìIPD World of Benefitsî, enables employees complete online access to their flexible benefits. They can join the pension scheme using the pension modeller tool, manage their contribution levels, exercise salary sacrifice and choose optional benefits like child care vouchers and buying or selling holidays.

Kelly Smith, Finance Director at IPD said: ìWe have a very distinct, innovative culture at IPD and we wanted our employees to really understand, and benefit from the range of benefits offered to them, while at the same time ensuring that they are tailored to meet our employees lifestyles. We needed a solution that would attract the best talent and truly engage our employees in the idea of Total Reward.î

Smith continued: ìWe needed to move away from a paper-based scheme to a robust online system that would reduce our administration burden and make selections easy for employees to encourage take up.î

The scheme was communicated to employees using on and offline media including brochures and email shots. Advisers from Thomsons Online Benefits conducted group presentations and one-to-one sessions to guide employees through the online system, including the pension modeller tool to help them plan effectively for their futures.

IPD World of Benefits is constantly evolving, with an online holiday planner being introduced in January to allow managers to monitor their teamís holiday more effectively.