5 things we learned from Employee Benefits Live 2023

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The Love2shop team met with some incredible business leaders and HR professionals at Employee Benefits Live 2023.

Our team descended on London’s ExCeL to not only showcase what makes us one of the UK’s leading employee reward, recognition and engagement providers, but also to hear directly from customers and potential partners about what they want and need for their employee value strategy.

Here are our five biggest takeaways from the event:

1: Retail discount schemes are very popular

Many of the HR professionals we spoke to had either already introduced an employee discount programme or were actively looking to do so. With the rising cost of living, businesses offering employees savings on their everyday spending all year round are gaining the edge over their rivals.

Love2shop’s Everyday Benefits Card is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to offer high street and online discounts to staff. It’s a reloadable card offering a 7.5% discount on card loads which can be used for purchases and opening up access to a discount portal to save money on gift cards for major supermarkets and other essential brand.

2: Giving or reducing the cost of holidays and experiences is valued

Employee benefits are increasingly being used to offset essentials where people can, but people still want to enjoy themselves. With many cutting back on holidays, breaks and bucket-list experiences, an employee reward strategy that offers these has a significant impact on how employees feel. Implemented well, giving holiday or experience vouchers to ease the cost or even giving a bigger annual prize of a holiday helps create a more positive culture and drives motivation.

3: Meaningful gifts win every time

Rewards are not just any old thing you can give someone to say well done – they work best when they are meaningful. We spoke to people who have in the past given family breaks to holiday camps, signed football shirts and curated hampers to recognise colleagues.

But as businesses grow, it’s not always possible to tailor rewards so specifically. That’s why many HR professionals we spoke to want to give rewards that offer choice, so that the recipient can decide themselves what means most to them.

4: HR professionals consider gift cards an effective employee reward

Just to be clear from the outset – we understand gift cards are part of our business. We also know that most of the people attending Employee Benefits Live already appreciate the value of reward and recognition.

But we struggled to find anyone who didn’t feel gift cards were an effective employee reward. Among the reasons were the choice of brands they offer, the simplicity of managing them and feedback from employees who found myriad ways of maximising their value – from helping them get big-ticket items they had been saving for to reducing the cost of their holidays, even using them to pay for the weekly shop or food for a party.

5: Flexibility is key

We all work with people who are diverse, inspiring and unique – and employee rewards need to reflect that. The leaders we spoke to at Employee Benefits Live told us that employing people with a diverse range of interests and motivations strengthens their business, but it can pose challenges when offering consistent, fair rewards to teams or individuals.

What we learned is that, from an employee engagement perspective, employers want to offer rewards that motivate performance and support a positive workplace culture. In many cases that includes something that supports employees who are managing the challenges of an inflating economy. Giving the gift of choice allows the recipient to decide how their reward can best benefit them.

And we were thrilled to find that so many visitors to the show were already using Love2shop in some form within their business – whether through employee discounts, by utilising our engagement platform or simply offering Love2shop Gift Cards, e-Gift Cards and vouchers as spontaneous rewards.

The stories we heard at Employee Benefits Live fit well with some of our findings in the Love2shop Employee Value Report 2023.

Available to download here, it explores why 5.5 million UK workers still feel undervalued and offers insights into what workers across the UK think about rewards and recognition and their impact on productivity.

Contact our expert team here to see how we can support your employee reward and recognition strategy through Love2shop.

How Christmas giving can lead to year-round customer loyalty

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“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”

The words of writer and activist Maya Angelou ring as true today as they always have. In a world where customers have endless choice, building a relationship based on connection and emotion rather than something purely transactional is a powerful strategy.

More than ever, the relationship between business and customer is a two-way street. Customer loyalty grows when people feel positively engaged.
One typical stereotype in business and retail is that ‘you get what you pay for’. But if that’s all you get, without any added value, would you really go back to the same business? If you can get the same product or service from a range of businesses all competing solely on price, what is the value of loyalty?

The gold standard

For many companies, particularly retailers and consumer-facing businesses, October, November and December is known as the ‘Golden Quarter’. That’s when business activity peaks as people spend more freely in the run-up to Christmas.

However, it’s vital to avoid thinking you don’t need to make an effort – that customers will simply stream through the door or onto your website and spend anyway. You need a good strategy to attract business at this key time, but you also have to keep one eye on the bigger goal. The Golden Quarter is a golden opportunity to attract long-term customers and valuable, repeat purchases throughout the year.

Engaging with customers and implementing strategies to build loyalty at Christmas can pay long-term dividends for your business. According to a study by Bain & Company and the Harvard Business School, improving customer retention by just 5% can increase profits by up to 95%.

Now is the time to think about how you can offer extra value that customers find meaningful – get it right and the rewards will come.

The season of giving

In the UK this time of year is traditionally associated with gifting. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, it’s the perfect time to show existing customers how much you appreciate their custom and support throughout the year with loyalty rewards.

Strategic, targeted use of gift cards, e-codes and gift vouchers can help create powerful customer reward and loyalty programmes. And with the right engagement platform to manage your programme, businesses can maximise festive revenues, attract new customers and cement the loyalty of existing ones.

In the midst of a cost of living crisis, small gestures of appreciation and reward can have huge significance.

I wish it could be Christmas every day

Perfecting the balance of giving meaningful customer rewards to create an upbeat feel and emotional connection during the festive period is key. Get it right and you’ll see the rewards in the months and years that follow.

Research from Small Business Trends reveals loyal customers are likely to spend 67% more on products and services than new customers. It also shows that while loyal customers will make up only 20% of your audience, they contribute to up to 80% of your revenue.

Retail giants Morrisons and Marks & Spencer both offer good examples of how festive loyalty and reward programmes can work.

The Morrisons Christmas Collector scheme encourages customers to spend a minimum amount for four weeks out of five in the run up to Christmas. Their reward is a significant bonus voucher to spend between mid-December and early January.

By offering a bonus that helps reduce the cost of Christmas dinner or bridge the financial challenge of the post-Christmas period, Morrisons is giving customers something meaningful. That drives both loyalty and consideration as customers look for brands they feel an affinity towards.

Marks & Spencer offers customers the 12 Days of Sparks promotion. Members of its Sparks loyalty programme can access a digital advent calendar via its app, with daily rewards on offer plus the chance to win a holiday.

While the premise of this offer is less about easing cost, by giving customers the chance to secure items they can give as gifts or use to enhance their Christmas experience they are adding value to their customers’ festive season. This reinforces the brand’s reputation for quality and class and strengthens customer loyalty.

Expertise makes giving easy

Managing such reward programmes in-house requires major resources. If your business is looking to create an impactful reward and loyalty strategy in an efficient, cost-effective way, why not draw on the expertise and experience of specialists in this field?

Love2shop is one of the best known engagement, reward and gifting brands in the UK. Available as a gift card, e-gift card or physical voucher, Love2shop is accepted by more than 150 high street and online retailers.

These include well-known brands such as Argos, Marks & Spencer, Iceland, Matalan, Costa, Harvester, Tui, Jet2Holidays and many more.

For decades, the expert team at Love2shop Business have worked closely with around 150,000 businesses across multiple sectors, to devise and deliver customer rewards programmes and strategies that yield a significant long-term benefit to your bottom line.

The value of passing on the love

Love2shop’s recent Ultimate Guide to Customer Loyalty offers up-to-date statistics on the value of loyalty schemes.

For example, recent data shows businesses with the most effective loyalty programmes increase revenue two-and-a-half times faster than their competitors.

It also found:

  • 39% of loyal customers will spend more on a product even if there are less-expensive options available
  • Adding a loyalty programme to an e-commerce platform can increase average order quantity by 319%.
  • 73% of consumers are more likely to recommend brands with good loyalty programmes.

Love2shop Business has poured this expertise into its award-winning Engagement Platform, a digital solution to help you manage your customer loyalty and reward programme.

It gathers data to help you see which rewards are proving successful with your customers and which are not having an effect. It allows you to be agile and focus on the right activity, supporting you with automated reward triggers and fulfilment to take the pressure of manually monitoring rewards off your team.

Deck the halls (and the wallets and purses)

Loyalty programmes can operate in a number of ways and adding in a colourful and festive feelgood Christmas theme just gives it that little something extra.

Consumer-facing businesses can offer loyalty bonuses in the run-up to Christmas for people who make qualifying purchases. They can be given in the form of gift cards and e-codes.

Added-value services that enhance your offer are also valued. Things like express delivery, discounts and a gift-wrapping service are all additional touches that customers love and – crucially – will remember.

Don’t think that B2B customers are excluded from this either. According to Research and data specialist Gartner, while B2B businesses are well focused on winning new customers, just 10% focus primarily on retaining existing customers.

That represents huge untapped potential for growing existing customers and taking advantage of that means making your current clients feel engaged, connected and special. You can get started right away, it doesn’t do any harm to show your suppliers how much you appreciate them at this time of year with some sort of gift or reward.

So whether your business is mainly consumer facing, or if you are operating in the B2B market, the message is the same. Loyal customers not only remember you gave them a good price, they remember you offered them a great experience.

Putting in place a well thought out, effective data-driven loyalty programme is vital if you want to see them coming back through the door – or checking out their basket – time and time again.

Contact our expert team here to see how we can support your customer loyalty strategy this Christmas.

Types of employee rewards

21 Types of Employee Rewards and How to Use Them

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Employee rewards are powerful incentives used to drive engagement, celebrate achievements, and encourage progression.

The benefits of recognising and rewarding employees are endless. And they go both ways – for you and your workers.

But, how do you choose the best reward for employees? Well, there’s more to it than certificates and verbal praise. The key indicator is to be creative, thoughtful, and above all, considerate.

Let’s dive straight in and look at 21 types of employee rewards and how to use them:

1.    Show gratitude

It’s probably one of the most underrated methods for rewarding employees. Who doesn’t love a bit of gratitude for our hard work and efforts. Whether it’s a shoutout in the morning meeting or a handwritten note – don’t skip out on showing gratitude to deserving employees.

2.    Celebrate birthdays

Most of us usually wake up forgetting our own birthdays. But, that’s no excuse for employers. Make a note of your employees’ birthdays and surprise them on their special day. A card, cake, and singsong never fails to make people feel valued and remembered.

3.    Give personalised business cards

What’s the perfect way to show affiliation to a workplace? – Personalise business cards. They’re commonly used to reward an employee for their ongoing progression and business loyalty. Just be sure to check for any spelling errors before you press ‘print’!

4.    Create a recognition wall

Some of us may blush at the thought; but having a recognition wall really helps celebrate outstanding employees. Charge up your camera and create an ‘employee of the month’ board. Or use digital screens to share live gratitude feeds across the workplace.

5.    Offer designated parking spots

Classic examples of employee rewards come in the shape of a spot – a designated parking spot. It’s a timeless reward that really screams ‘workplace privileges’. Offering personal parking can also inspire motivation and ‘drive’ in other employees, too.

6.    Get those gift cards ready

What’s a very popular type of reward? Giving gift cards! They offer guilt-free spending and endless shopping experiences. There’s probably a gift card for everything – making it the best way to give employees rewards you know they’ll love.

7.    Recognise employee milestones

Employee milestones deserve a special kind of recognition. You can give these rewards to those who’ve passed their 6-month probation. Or throw a party for veteran employees who’ve dedicated decades to the company. Now, that’s dedication in need of a reward!

8.    Invest in personal interests

It might seem a little crazy… but most employees tend to have personal interests outside of work. They could be in a band, dress up in cosplay, or collect trainers. Why not invest in their hobbies and offer them personalised rewards; like tickets to concerts and expos.

9.    Help their career development

Some people may prefer to have a career-based employee reward; like a salary rise, promotion, or even work-shadowing opportunities. You can reward them by setting up a meeting with a senior or executive person – helping to encourage their career development.

10.  Gamify recognition and rewards

Gamification is when you digitise a non-gaming situation, like a workplace rewards program. There are thousands of ways to offer virtual rewards for employees to motivate or recognise their achievements. Remember, a little healthy competition never hurts anyone.

11.   Spur-of-the-moment rewards

Sometimes, despite all our hard efforts, the workload doesn’t seem to get any smaller. In times like these, spur-of-the-moment rewards can really help reset motivation levels. Offering free ice cream, hiring food trucks, or letting staff finish early can all show gratification.

12.  Take a day off or two

Companies often give out extra annual leave as a reward for hard work or recent achievements. A few days off can be enough for employees to rest, recharge, and return fighting-fit. Why don’t you spend it in your pyjamas, lounging around with the kids all day.

13.  Offer rewards they really want

Nothing shows appreciation more than a well thought-out gift. Go the extra mile and offer rewards employees actually want. It doesn’t have to be a diamond ring or fancy tech. It just needs to have a personal touch – they’re guaranteed to remember it for life.

14.  Write handwritten notes of gratitude

Despite living in a digitalised world, handwritten notes are still popular. They often show a person’s inner thoughts and capture it on paper. It’s the type of reward that sits on the mantelpiece or is added to keepsake boxes for future reminiscence.

15.  Give out company merch

Who doesn’t love getting free stuff from work? Pens, mugs, hoodies, electronic gadgets –  company merchandise shows comradery, loyalty, and free marketing. We see it as a ‘win-win’ type of employee reward.

16. Promote them as an ambassador

When employees constantly go out of their way to achieve company goals, they deserve more than a ‘pat-on-the-back’. Consider promoting them as a company ambassador. They’ll be able to help grow an inclusive work environment and stand as aspiring role models.

17.   Upgrade their work tools

A great way to enhance employee performance is to upgrade their work tools. Think about buying equipment that’ll help them produce better results. Maybe upgrade their old desktop or invest in some new tech that’s guaranteed to make their job easier.

18.  Offer discounted travel benefits

Commuting is set to become a hefty expense, especially with the recent cost of living. Employers can offer discounted (or free) travel benefits as rewards. From train passes to shared taxi rides – why not help employees get from A to B without emptying the bank?

19.  Give a glowing reference

In an age where decent work experience can be hard to come by, a glowing reference can truly be beneficial. These can be added to CVs, portfolios, or online job profiles. Don’t wait for them to leave to give a reference – help them progress up the career ladder!

20.   Give out a promotion

For employees who go beyond their expected duties, there’s no bigger reward than a promotion. Promotions offer solid recognition for hard work, determination, and loyalty. Don’t forget about the salary rise, new work benefits, and swanky new office (if it’s in the budget!)

21.    Money, money, money

Most of us agree, that money is a great type of employee reward. Who doesn’t love receiving commission pay, end-of-year bonuses, or even some well-earned profit shares? A little extra cash can go a long way for some people. Just be sure to budget carefully for financial rewards – or else it can leave your business out of pocket.

Love2shop offers the very best advice on how to reward employees

Recognising hard work and achievements works wonders when it comes to business progression. Without it, employees have very little reason to go beyond their work norms.

What better way to encourage commitment than through employee rewards?

At Appreciate, we offer an Employee Recognition Platform that helps manifest your company’s mission. We guarantee to provide the very best employee reward ideas that work for you.

The Ultimate Student’s Guide to Surviving Uni Life

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It’s that time of the year again when eager minds fly the nest and descend upon universities up and down the country, forging new friendships and testing their fledgling cooking skills (FYI, we’re partial to adding a dash of grated cheese to our beans on toast).

Fear not, brave students, we have your back with this comprehensive survival guide to help you master your uni journey.

Essentials for Your Survival Kit

Let’s start with the basics. These must-haves give us all the tools to thrive during our time at university:

  • Stationery Galore: Stock up on pens, notebooks, and all the tools needed for our studies. Who knows, our scribbles might become art masterpieces one day. A Harvard University study on doodling found it helps students decrease stress and – despite what your lecturers might say –improves overall focus.
  • Laptop and Charger: Our trusty sidekick for lectures, assignments (and Netflix binging during those well-deserved study breaks). If we start feeling burned out after a marathon study session, it’s in our best interest to wind down. Not only does our brain stop absorbing information after a while, but increased stress levels lead to lack of sleep deprivation, mental health issues and, over time, can result in students choosing to drop out.
  • Textbooks (or E-books): This is a pro tip: Check the uni library or online retailers like eBay before spending a fortune on brand new books. Alternatively, if you have a Purple Card from Park or a Love2shop Contactless Gift Card, you can spend it at Blackwells bookstores. They stock a huge selection of university textbooks across a range of courses and often have great student offers.
  • Calendar or Planner: A well-organised schedule is your ticket to success. One of the best ways to reduce stress levels is to map out your time. It decreases the likelihood of last-minute panicking and hasty decision-making. Avoid having to cram in a whole year’s worth of studying before an exam by plotting out when you need to work or study in advance.
  • A Comfy Chair: We’ll be spending countless hours sitting writing dissertations or researching complex ideas, so we need a throne fit for a scholar. It’s still important to take regular screen breaks, as well as stretching and moving around to ensure our bodies are in top shape and the blood is flowing. Mental wellbeing connects to how we feel on a physical level.

The Art of Budgeting

Getting our student loan is exciting, all of a sudden we’re totally in control of our finances. But we’re also TOTALLY IN CONTROL OF OUR FINANCES!

They can vanish quicker than we think, so here’s how to make our student loans stretch:

  • Student Discounts: Unlock a world of student discounts. From clothes to cinema tickets, there’s a deal for just about everything. NUS offers many deals but you can also join UNiDAYS for exclusive deals. Remember to check in with your local student union too, – they can point you towards local retailers and businesses that offer discounts.
  • Cooking Skills: We all start with the basics, but by learning to whip up some budget-friendly meals you can really make those students loans last. Get creative and your flatmates will thank you for your culinary delights (or at least pretend to). Check out BBC Good Food’s list of student recipes.
  • Second-Hand Treasures: Hit up charity shops, vintage shops and online marketplaces for textbooks, furniture, and fashion. Sustainable and wallet-friendly – talk about killing two birds with one stone!

Making Friends (AKA Surviving Social Situations)

University life isn’t just about books and lectures; it’s a social adventure too where we start to figure out who we will become. Here’s how to navigate it like a pro:

  • Join Clubs and Societies: Whether we’re into all things Harry Potter, sports, debating philosophical ideologies, role playing games or something really obscure like underwater basket weaving, there’s a club for everything. It’s the easiest way to find like-minded souls and invest time in yourself, making steadfast friends in the process.
  • Flatmate Harmony: Keep the peace with roomies by agreeing some basic ground rule at the start. Practice the art of compromise and remember: don’t let dirty dishes build up. There’s nothing more gross or more likely to cause an argument.
  • Explore and Have Fun: Wherever we go to university, the destination is likely a treasure trove of new experiences. From hidden pubs to quirky museums, go out and explore. Just remember to do so safely, with friends. We might even make some new ones along the way.

Coping with the Academic Rollercoaster

University can be academically challenging – that’s the point. But don’t fret; you’ve got this:

  • Time Management: Plan your time wisely, so you don’t end up pulling all-nighters fuelled by coffee and panic.
  • Seek Help When Needed: Professors, tutors and academic advisors are there to assist you. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance if you’re struggling.
  • Stay Healthy: A balanced diet, regular exercise and plenty of sleep are your secret weapons against everything, from nodding off in lectures to the dreaded freshers’ flu.

Mastering Time Management

Now, this has come up a couple of times in this article. So let’s talk about time management. It’s the key to balancing lectures, social life and binging on streaming TV:

  • Use a Timetable: Create a weekly timetable that includes classes, study time and social activities. Stick to it as best as you can, but don’t try to micromanage every moment. Spontaneity is good for the soul.
  • Set Realistic Goals: Break our assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks. Crossing off mini-achievements is oddly satisfying – definitely invest in a checklist notepad.
  • Beware the Procrastination Pit: TikTok, Netflix, Instagram, and YouTube can be tempting distractions. Use apps like ‘Forest’ to stay focused, or we can put our devices away until our studies are over.

The Magic of Study Groups

Studying doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. Here’s how study groups can help:

  • Brainpower Multiplied: Sharing ideas and knowledge with fellow students can lead to some light bulb moments we might never have on our own. Eureka!
  • Peer Pressure (the good kind): Not letting down our study buddies can be a powerful motivator to stay on track. We don’t what to be that person in the group project.
  • Snacks & Silliness: Let’s face it; study breaks with friends are all about snacks and funny anecdotes. Just remember to get some work done too!

Surviving Exams with Flying Colours

Exams are the ultimate academic showdown. Here’s how to come out victorious:

  • Revision Strategy: Start early and create a revision schedule. Review your notes, make flashcards, and tackle practice papers.
  • Exam-Day Essentials: On the big day, don’t forget your ID, pens, pencils, and a bottle of water. Arrive early, stay calm and give it your best shot.
  • Post-Exam Celebrations: No matter how it goes, treat yourself to a post-exam celebration. You’ve earned it!

Money Matters and Budget-Friendly Hacks

Being a student often means navigating a financial tightrope. Here’s how to stretch those pounds without falling off:

  • Budget Apps: Use budgeting apps to keep track of our spending. It’s like having a personal financial advisor in your back pocket.
  • Part-Time Work: Consider part-time jobs or freelance gigs to boost our income. Just remember not to overdo it and neglect your studies – education comes first.
  • Bulk Cooking: Batch-cook meals and freeze them. It’s a lifesaver on those nights when the thought of cooking is just too much – especially after a long day in the library or one too many drinks.

Embrace ‘Failure’ as a Learning Opportunity

Life at uni isn’t all smooth sailing. It’s okay to stumble now and then but we’re never ‘failing’ just learning:

  • Learn from Mistakes: When we mess up, we shouldn’t be hard on ourselves. Instead, learn from it and let it fuel our personal growth. Remember, if we miss the target, we’ve taken another step to hitting the next one. And no, we didn’t get that from a fortune cookie!
  • Seek Support: If we’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to university counselling services, or talk to a trusted friend or family member. A problem shared is a problem halved, simply talking can help us process challenges and figure out solutions.
  • Laugh at Yourself: Sometimes, all you can do is laugh at your own misadventures. Trust us; you’ll have some great stories to tell in the future.

Embrace the Adventure

University isn’t always a direct route to our future careers; it’s a journey filled with memories, friendships and life lessons that help us develop ourselves as people. Embrace the ups and downs, and don’t forget to have a good laugh along the way.

Remember, university be a transformative experience. Every challenge faced is an opportunity for growth. So, with this treasure trove of advice at our fingertips, we’re ready to take on the world of higher education with a grin. Enjoy the ride and we may your university years are filled with joy, success and lifelong memories. Embrace the adventure!

With this survival guide and a dash of good luck from your friends at Love2shop, it’s time to conquer the world of university. Go on, make memories and remember: the library is your sanctuary, but student societies or the pub are your refuge. We’ll be raising a glass to an unforgettable uni experience!

Five unhappy workers at a Christmas Party

Is a bonus better than a Christmas party?

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Christmas is the time of year when everyone looks to let their hair down – and everyone loves a works Christmas party… right?

Well, to a point. While many people in work get excited about the works Christmas ‘do’, others contemplate it with a quiet dread. There are even some who simply aren’t bothered.

And research supports that. A 2022 study by global workforce consultancy Resource Solutions found that in the UK only 37% of workers expect a Christmas party from their employer and of those who don’t, 42% would prefer a gift or bonus.

Reasons for not wanting a Christmas party included: not celebrating Christmas (11%), not wanting to socialise with colleagues (34%), or preferring to arrange something with close colleagues (30%).

Do people really not like Christmas parties?

Until the pandemic there had been an acceptance that extroverts ran the workplace – the go-getters, the self-starters, the risk-takers and the networkers.

While those attributes are still admired, remote working allowed individuals who are motivated differently to shine, highlighting the valuable contribution quieter workers can make.

As writer Jade McAndrew-Barlow put it: “Now, the calm consideration of introverts is having a moment. They are finally valued for all the wonderful things they contribute to the workplace.

“In all the rush and tumble, introverts take time to deliberate, assess and consider the little details and how they will inform the bigger picture. They bring a calming and reassuring presence.”

It’s estimated that between 25% and 40% of people are, to some degree, introverts. In other words, people who prefer a quieter life, both at work and in their spare time. For them, Christmas parties may be something to be endured rather than enjoyed.

In addition to that, the rich diversity of the UK workforce means that for a significant number of people, Christmas is simply not a relevant holiday. Different faiths have different key gifting and feasting moments to celebrate friendship and togetherness that mean more than Christmas.

Festive stress

The work Christmas party is an event that can cause even the more extroverted among us to take a deep breath.

With its excess of food and drink, sometimes loud, lewd and inappropriate behaviour that keep HR teams busy through January, the festive do is an obstacle course where the prize is often a sore head and some stories that will be heavily edited and recounted for 12 months until everyone is fed up hearing them.

Add to that the expense of buying a new outfit, hairdo, paying for taxis (and maybe even hotels) and suddenly, even if the employer is footing the bill for the party, the event can end up hitting workers in the pocket.

With the cost of living stubbornly rising, is it time to rethink the Christmas Party?

Say thanks – and mean it

So if we ditch the Christmas party how to we reward employees for their hard work this past year?

The challenges posed by the rising cost of living – high food and fuel prices and rising mortgage and energy costs – are getting worse. What your staff may really appreciate this time of year is a little bit of help with the cost of Christmas.

Love2shop’s Employee Value Report 2023 may hold the answer. The report surveys workers across the UK to find out how they feel about their employer and the impact of reward and recognition strategies.

One key finding in this year’s report was that 6-in-10 workers said receiving spontaneous gifts at key times of year, such as Christmas, from their employer made them feel valued.

In addition, 57% felt that days off, multi-retailer gift cards or flexible working were the best ways to reward staff.

And a huge 90% of workers said they felt more valued by their employer after receiving a multi-retailer gift card – such as Love2shop.

What’s interesting about that is, when asked what they would spend such a gift card on, 34% said it would help towards their weekly shop.

The increased cost of living effectively means that giving a gift card can help your employees with their day-to-day shopping – possibly freeing up additional money for them to spend on their families at Christmas.

What’s more, 57% of respondents also reported that their productivity increases when they feel valued.

So with people facing a challenging Christmas this year, instead of giving them an extra cost to worry about, why not make things a little easier for them with a Christmas gift?

Don’t be a Grinch

Rethinking the Christmas party isn’t an excuse to simply do away with any sort of festive cheer.

An astonishing 32.5% of UK employers were offered neither a bonus nor a party in 2022, according to research published by Employee Benefits Magazine.

And the Love2shop Employee Value Report 2023 found that 39% of people felt their employer was not generous at all. Indeed, when asked how does your employee show their generosity, as well as spontaneous gifting and organised team events there were also examples like: ‘providing biscuits’ and ‘giving shout-outs on conference calls’.

Employees who feel recognised and valued are happier, more productive and less likely to leave your business.

And gifting is easy thanks to HMRC’s Trivial Benefits provisions. This allows gift cards or e-codes up to the value of £50 to be given as gifts tax-free, with no national insurance contribution or paperwork – so there’s no excuse.

Let us help make Christmas special

Love2shop is one of the best known gifting brands in the UK. Available as a gift card, e-gift card or voucher, Love2shop is accepted by around 150 retailers.

These include well-known brands such as Marks & Spencer, Iceland, Matalan, Argos, Costa, Harvester and many more. Staff can even use Love2shop holidays to put vouchers towards a getaway with more than 150 leading tour operators.

The Love2shop Business team is here to help you get your Christmas gifting right. Love2shop offers a selection of fun festive card designs to choose from. You can even order personalised cards with your business branding on them, although you need to be quick as the deadline to order those is October 20.

Christmas parties can be a great part of the festive mix but if you really want your teams to feel valued and rewarded in an inclusive way this year, it’s worth considering a new approach.

Get in touch with our team today or visit business.love2shop.co.uk to find out how we can help.

Nearly one-fifth of UK employees – 5.5 million people – feel undervalued at work

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PRESS RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 2023

NEARLY ONE-FIFTH OF UK EMPLOYEES – 5.5 MILLION PEOPLE – FEEL UNDERVALUED AT WORK

  • 8-in-10 undervalued employees are looking to leave their current role
  • Over half claim their productivity increases when they feel valued
  • Almost 90% of workers feel more valued after receiving a gift card

A new report has found that almost a fifth of UK employees, around 5.5 million people, feel undervalued at work.

The Love2shop Employee Value Report is the second annual survey of UK workers commissioned by leading UK reward, incentive and gifting experts Love2shop.

This year it has revealed that of those who feel undervalued in the workplace, 8-in-10 are looking to leave their current role. Over a quarter, around 1.5 million workers, said they are actually willing to leave their current role without another job lined up – despite the rising cost of living

Julian Coghlan, Managing Director of Love2shop, said that the report’s findings were a warning to employers who are still not engaging with employees.

“Everyone has seen the impact of rising costs this year,” he said. “It’s a major concern that, even when times are tough, so many UK workers are so unhappy they would seriously consider leaving without a job to go to.

“Last year our report revealed a significant problem with employee value in the UK. While some employers have taken action since then to improve overall happiness, millions of workers still feel disengaged from the business they work for.

“This should be a wake-up call for UK businesses. The cost of recruiting new talent and training them to replace outgoing staff far outweighs the cost of implementing a reward and recognition structure that would improve employee happiness, loyalty and productivity.”

The Love2shop Employee Value Report feeds into a wider picture of employee happiness and value. According to the Workforce Institute for example, one-in-three workers would rather quit their job rather than voice concerns at work.

“Communication is critical,” said Julian. “Unfortunately it seems that there are still many workplaces where staff do not feel comfortable or confident in raising concerns. That can cause issues around health and safety, and it erodes people’s motivation and satisfaction in their job.

“Better communication and conversations in the workplace is a really cost effective way to improve value, as in many cases the only critical investment required is time.”

Employers are potentially facing problems down the line too. The number of employees looking for a new role rises amongst the younger demographic, with 87% of Gen Z actively pursuing a different job. Without a pipeline of young talent to replace outgoing, experienced workers, businesses could find themselves falling headfirst into a skills gap.

“Emerging strongly from a challenging economic period is a lot harder if you can’t retain talent,” said Julian. “But there are easy ways you can begin to improve employee happiness.”

When it comes to rewards, nearly 6 in 10 employees say that days off, flexible working hours and multi-retailer gift cards were the best ways for companies to reward employees.

Nearly 90% of UK employees said they would feel more valued if their boss surprised them with a multi-retailer gift card as a spontaneous gift. More than half (57%) of employees – almost 17.2 million people – claimed their productivity increases when they feel valued.

However, 47% of respondents reported they had never received spontaneous gifts from their employer. Long-term, this is impacting recruitment as over two thirds (67%) of UK employees surveyed said they check a company’s reward system, culture, employee happiness ratings and reviews before applying for a job.

And in a sign of the continuing impact of the rising cost of living, 34% of workers revealed if they were to receive a multi-retailer gift card from their company, they would spend it on the weekly shop – while 12% would use it to buy school essentials for their children.

Regionally, the report found workers in Liverpool feel more underappreciated than anywhere else in the UK, with over a quarter (27%) of those in the city region feeling undervalued in the workplace.

Workers in the North West felt broadly the same as those in Liverpool, with more than a fifth (21%) reporting feeling undervalued.

Elsewhere in England, Southampton scored the highest for employee value, with 61% of people scoring highly for feelings of appreciation at work.

“With food and fuel prices rising, mortgage rates increasing and energy costs remaining high, even small rewards can make a real difference in employee’s lives,” said Julian.

“They can also make a difference to business. Investing in people is a sound strategy for growth and at Love2shop, our expert team helps UK businesses build effective strategies to engage with employees and improve happiness and performance.”

To read the report, visit business.love2shop.co.uk/love2shop-employee-value-report-2023.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Survey data taken from a Censuswide poll of 2,000 employed UK adults in August 2023

About Love2shop

 Love2shop – part of the PayPoint Group – is the UK’s number one multi-retailer gifting provider. Its range of Love2shop Gift Cards, e-Gift Cards and Gift Vouchers offer consumers the choice to spend at more than 140 high-street and online retail partners.

As well as personal gifting, Love2shop products are widely used in customer and employee engagement and consumer incentive programmes to provide recognition and rewards that offer real value to the recipients.

Love2shop also provides holiday gift vouchers through Love2shop Holidays and single-retailer gift cards for some of the high street’s biggest names – from Marks and Spencer to John Lewis.

Love2shop Gift Cards are flexecash products regulated by the FCA. Flexecash is the pre-paid card platform which issues Love2shop Cards. This facility is provided by Park Card Services Ltd who is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 [90001] for the issuing of electronic money.

Discover more: business.love2shop.co.uk

Avoid the Christmas rush and plan your rewards now

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Although it’s still August and the barbecue may be sizzling in the garden, Christmas is not that far away.

Now is exactly the right time to start planning how you want to recognise the hard work and achievements of your employees at the end of the year.

2023 has been another challenging year for both individuals and businesses across the UK. Although they’ve eased a little, energy prices remain high, helping fuel inflation, making goods and services across the board more expensive.

But thanks in large part to the hard work and imagination of their staff, companies and organisations are weathering the storm. UK employers are showing remarkable resilience through one of the toughest economic periods in decades.

Christmas is a great time to show employees that you appreciate their contribution – this year maybe more than ever. Many businesses typically wait until October, November or even later to start planning Christmas bonuses, gifts or parties for staff. But that old adage ‘it’s the thought that counts’ still holds true. It’s better to plan early and do it properly.

Don’t just give, make staff feel valued

Every savvy husband or wife knows a well-planned gift or surprise is worth a lot more than a bunch of flowers and a card from a petrol station grabbed at the last minute.

The same goes for gifting and rewarding employees. There are different ways employers can think about rewarding their teams this Christmas and, surprisingly, HMRC offers some help in this area.

The Trivial Benefits exemption allows you to give employees tax-free, non-cash gifts of up to £50 per person. So what kind of gifts are we talking about?

The best, most flexible way to give using this provision is gift cards or e-codes. The team at Love2shop Business are the experts in this area. For decades they have been working closely with more than 150,000 employers across multiple sectors, delivering gift card and contactless e-gift card products that allow you to give the gift of choice to your team.

Avoid the Christmas party pressure?

The traditional Christmas party is a festive staple but with the increased cost of living crisis still affecting everyone, would your employees thank you for giving it a miss?

While research from events experts Togather reveals that the average cost-per-head to a business for a works Christmas party is £70, there are deeper costs for your employees to consider.

Even if as an employer you plan to cover the entire cost of a meal, venue hire and drinks, your team will still face the cost of taxis or accommodation, outfits, and other additional expenditure they probably haven’t planned for. The rising cost of living means many find it harder to afford a big night out, so perhaps this year it’s worth looking at a different approach.

Small gifts, big rewards

In 2022, Love2shop published its first Employee Value Report following a UK-wide survey of workers. This found that almost 10m UK workers – around a third of the total workforce – felt undervalued at work.

This coincided with the rise of the phenomenon known as ‘the Great Resignation’. This saw an increasing number of people willing to leave jobs where they didn’t feel appreciated or sufficiently well rewarded.

Consequently, a hefty 74% of dissatisfied employees, according to the study, were ready to up sticks and look for another job.

The good news, however, was that for those employers willing to give a little, the benefits were huge. The report found 76% of employees felt valued or recognised when their employer spontaneously gave them a gift, with 52% adding that the feeling of value it gave them made them more productive.

It also discovered that 60% of employees ranked days off, flexible working and multi-retailer gift cards as the best forms of workplace gifting. They are proven to be a powerful addition to any staff retention strategy.

Love2shop is one of the UK’s leading gifting brands. Offering, gift cards, contactless digital e-gift cards and physical vouchers, Love2shop products are accepted by around 150 retailers nationwide.

These include well-known brands such as Marks & Spencer, Iceland, Matalan, Argos, Costa, Harvester, Tui, Jet2Holidays and many, many more.

Bring some festive cheer

One of the more interesting aspects of the Employee Value Report was an insight into how people used their gift cards – with many putting them towards groceries.

Of course, most will still use them to purchase a treat for themselves or their loved one but it was a sign of the economic climate we are in that using gift cards to help offset the weekly food shop – or even their Christmas dinner!

So planning ahead to ensure your employee Christmas gifts are sorted soon means you can present them earlier. This will help your team plan to reduce the cost of Christmas and bring a whole new dimension to the ‘season of goodwill’. A gift card today is much more than just a token of appreciation. It can provide a lifeline at Christmas, a time of the year when many people find their finances squeezed.

Beat the rush

As we stated earlier, proper planning is essential when it comes to getting rewards right. The closer we get to Christmas, the more lead times and postal pressures can have an impact. There is also a level of expectation from employees today around workplace gifting and appreciation. According to Love2shop retailer Marks & Spencer: “As well as elevated business demands, employee expectations have increased, too.

“Staff are no longer content with a bottle of wine or box of chocolates from their employer at Christmas. They expect to be treated to thoughtful gifts regularly throughout the year – to reward performance, celebrate special occasions and ‘just because’.”

The Love2shop Business team are here to help. Start thinking about your Christmas rewards programme today, even if you are sat on the beach, and get in touch with our team to discuss our range of products and services.

The clock is ticking – the deadline to order Christmas gift cards featuring your own business branding or any personalised features is October 20.

Employers and managers are busy with what is happening today, of course. But that is all the more reason to plan our Christmas rewards in advance and ensure we don’t put ourselves under more pressure as the festive season approaches.

Rewards are a powerful motivator when it comes to productivity and staff retention. Give well thought-out rewards to your team and they are more likely to reward you with a motivated and driven workplace.

For more information or to contact the team visit business.love2shop.co.uk.

Rewards are a powerful tool to accelerate healthcare productivity

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Productivity is a word often used by economists but frequently misunderstood by the wider public.

So when media reports talk about the UK’s lack of productivity there is an assumption in some people’s minds that what is being implied is that we are not working hard enough. However, in reality, that is rarely the case.

Simply put, productivity is a measure of output. It can refer to how many cars an automotive manufacturer produces or how many elective surgeries a hospital carries out, both within a specified timescale.

This article will explain the different elements that affect productivity and outline how rewards, such as vouchers, can provide a powerful tool to help raise productivity in multiple workplace settings and, in particular, in healthcare.

According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, which covers England and Wales, output per hour worked was just 0.6% above its pre-pandemic 2019 average in the first quarter of 2023.

This means the UK’s productivity on the same shallow upward trajectory that it has been on since the financial crisis. And it is well below the healthy trend that prevailed between the early 1970s and 2008. It matters because lower productivity means lower wages.

A study commissioned by consultancy Be the Business showed the  proportion of UK employers that have taken steps to improve or try regularly to measure and improve productivity is slightly down or unchanged since 2020.

It added that around 37% of organisations have discussed or planned improvements — up eight percentage points between 2020 and 2022 — but have not yet taken action.

So what are the main factors that can affect productivity? On this there is a wide consensus among experts and any list will almost certainly include:

  • Workplace environment and culture
  • Training and career development
  • Systems and processes
  • Pay structures
  • Employee wellness and morale
  • Technology

It is well established that streamlining and simplifying work processes and implementing new technology can improve productivity. Automation, for example, is more likely to free people up to carry out more productive roles than it is to cost jobs.

‘Our people are our greatest asset’ has become a common mantra among employers but how many managers are equipped to move that mindset from abstraction to practical reality?

We often associate productivity with the private sector. However, it is equally important in the public sector particularly in areas such as healthcare, where outcomes can literally be the difference between life and death.

NHS England data show that in March 2023 the service handled 9% fewer emergency admissions, 5% fewer outpatient appointments and 11% fewer elective and maternity admissions than in the same month in 2019.

During COVID-19 we asked so much from our health and social care professionals. And they delivered. Their dedication, professionalism and work ethic saved countless lives and continue to do so every day.

A report published in June 2023, written jointly by the Institute for Government and Public First, and funded by the Health Foundation, sought to discover why output in NHS hospitals was lagging, even in places that had seen extra investment and staffing.

Among the findings was that some hospitals were “chronically undermanaged” and that managers have too many constraints and poor incentives.

People who work in hospitals and other healthcare settings are human just like the rest of us. They want to come to work each day to an environment that is safe, welcoming, where they feel motivated and appreciated.

When these things are absent and people become unhappy and demotivated then productivity inevitably drops.

People may still carry out their work with care and diligence but may also have a ‘let’s just get the day over with mindset’. It is human nature and it can happen to any of us.

As we see from the list above there are multiple factors that contribute to productivity. Employee morale and motivation have a big part to play and incentives and rewards have been proven to offer a positive and measurable benefit.

The Love2shop team are the experts in this area and for the past 50 years they have partnered with thousands of employers, in the public and private sectors, to enable them to provide rewards and recognition for their teams.

Love2shop is one of the most powerful gifting brands in the UK. Available as a physical voucher, gift card or digital e-gift card, Love2shop is accepted by 150+ retailers.

These include well-known brands such as Marks & Spencer, Wilko, Iceland, Matalan, Argos, Costa, Harvester, Tui and Jet2Holidays and many, many more.

Each year Love2shop publishes valuable research into the impact of well-planned employee reward programmes.

In its most recent survey, 13,000 people were asked about what they thought were the best rewards. The results were no surprise. They revealed people love choice and they love gift cards.

Such rewards can be used to incentivise workplace targets, for both individuals and teams. They can be utilised to reward workplace achievements such as completing a training course or for an exceptional piece of work. A simple act of recognition can have a long-lasting effect on an employee. People like to feel valued.

Love2shop has proven its model works and this is demonstrated by the sharp increase in the number of NHS trusts working with the team to deliver rewards to their dedicated and hard-working teams.

In the 2022/23 financial year Love2shop provided 41,282 gift cards to the NHS with a total value of almost £1.5m. In 2018 it worked with 88 NHS trusts. By 2020 this had grown to 100 and in 2023 Love2shop is now working with 173 NHS trusts.

From an initial inquiry, the team Love2shop can work with an NHS Trust or any other health or social care provider to have a bespoke, easy to administer, data driven incentives programme up and running in weeks via its Love2shop Engagement Platform.

Productivity is a complex and multifaceted concept and it is universally recognised that a happy and well-motivated team, in healthcare or any other setting, will consistently produce better outcomes.

Rewards are a powerful motivational tool to have at your disposal. To find out more about how Love2shop rewards support the healthcare sector, read our FREE Love2shop in Healthcare Guide.

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Right rewards are key to UK’s world-leading multi-billion pound academic research programmes

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Each year, the UK education sector boosts the UK economy by almost £120bn a year – and a big chunk of this comes from world-class research projects.

Russell Group universities alone deliver an estimated £34bn a year to the economy by carrying out studies in a vast array of areas – from medical trials to food standards and nutrition to behavioural studies.

Coverage of clinical trials reached new heights during the COVID pandemic when universities and pharmaceutical giants recruited volunteers to test lifesaving COVID vaccines – resulting in the fastest effective vaccine development programme ever.

However, post-pandemic the NHS has reported a 44% drop in participants in clinical trials from 50,000 in 2017 to about 28,000 in 2021. In response the Government has announced a £350m package of measures to get those numbers back up.

But changing the rules only makes it easier to get trials approved, populating them still requires volunteers.

Love2shop has worked with multiple UK universities for several years on incentive schemes, offering gift cards and vouchers as incentives to study volunteers. They have proved successful in helping to recruit willing participants.

A peer-reviewed academic study, published in 2022, looked at the pros and cons of incentive schemes for academic studies. It was a collaborative meta-analysis carried out by experts in universities in Michigan, California and Ohio in the US and Cairo and Alexandria in Egypt.

It focused on recruitment in so-called randomised control trials (RCTs). Examples of RCTs are clinical trials that compare the effects of drugs, surgical techniques, medical devices, diagnostic procedures or other medical treatments.

Introducing the study, the researchers said: “Recruitment plays a vital role in conducting RCTs. Challenges and failure of proper recruitment lead to early termination of trials.

“Monetary incentives have been suggested as a potential solution to these challenges. We aimed to do a systematic review and analysis to evaluate the effect of incentives on the number of participants willing to consent to and participate in RCTs.”

It focused on studies where the incentives were relatively small – typically below $200 – and concluded: “Our study shows a significant increase in the number of consents and response rate with monetary incentives. Even with a small amount of financial incentive, there were still significant improvements in the outcomes measured.

“In conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrated statistically significant increases in the rate of consent and responses from participants when offered even small monetary value incentives.”

However, it is also important that researchers take steps to minimise the risk of bias in the outcomes of research projects as a result of incentives.

People receiving benefits may feel an obligation to give the researchers the results they think they are looking for. This is a particular risk in qualitative research studies (as opposed to quantitative) which often focus more on participants’ own experiences.

Similar to many other UK higher education institutions, the University of York has laid down a number of guiding principles in this area.

It states that participants and contributors to research are: “A valuable part of the research process whose time, effort and experience should be fairly compensated or rewarded, and that doing so is an integral part of conducting research.

“That public participants and contributors have a right to feel respected and appreciated in the research environment, and the fair compensation of such individuals is a step towards doing so.”

Addressing what it calls the ‘potential for perverse incentives’ the university says it is hugely important this is brought up directly with the participants at the start of the project.

“It is important that this is addressed as part of the ethical approval process,” it says. “The expectations of individuals should be communicated clearly. This includes the right to terminate involvement at any stage should they so wish.”

Love2shop is one of the most powerful gifting brands in the UK. Available as a physical voucher or gift card, or as a digital e-Gift Card which can be delivered by email, text or WhatsApp. Love2shop is accepted by more than 120 retailer brands.

These include well-known online and high street brands such as Marks & Spencer, Boots, Wilko, Iceland, Matalan, Argos, Costa, Harvester, Red Letter Days and many, many more.

From an initial enquiry, the Love2shop team can work with a university or other research organisation to create a bespoke, easy to administer, incentive programme that meets the needs of both the programme and its participants.

People who take part in studies are demonstrating a sense of civic duty. They are contributing to humanity’s wealth of knowledge and facilitating the approval of life-changing and lifesaving drugs.

It is perfectly appropriate to offer some kind of modest incentive or reward for people giving up their time to participate. However, simply offering cash may seem cold and purely transactional.

Gift cards, e-gift cards and vouchers, according to Love2shop, can hit that sweet spot. They feel more like a gift. Something offered as a gesture of appreciation.

In a major survey carried out by Love2shop in 2021, 13,000 people were asked about what they thought were the best rewards. The results were no surprise. They revealed people love choice and they love gift cards.

Love2shop and its higher education partners have come to appreciate the value of a well thought out incentives programme. It can play an important role in ensuring the UK remains a world leader in cutting-edge academic research.

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Will universities pay the price for student crisis? New cost of living report reveals shocking data 

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A shocking new report by Love2shop has found that the cost of living crisis is driving students into financial difficulty – and universities may soon pay the price.

You can download the full report for free here, but our research1 found that 57% of students – 1.6 million2 – were considering dropping-out of university as a result of rising living costs. If only 50% of those students go ahead and leave, universities will be facing lost revenue of around £40bn.

And it has already started. We polled 2,000 students across the UK and 68% said they knew someone who had already left university because of the cost of living.

“If this continues, we could see fewer students graduating and even more choosing not to continue into higher education,” said Love2shop Director of Business Development, Frank Creighton.

“The result could be a shortfall in critical areas like the NHS, where we may see fewer nurses qualify, and we could also see a brain drain in important sectors like advanced engineering, where students decide to study outside of the UK.”

The report also found that a further 55% – representing around 1.5 million students – responded to say they had used a food bank as they couldn’t afford to eat.

The figures are stark – 87% of students have skipped meals to save on food costs. And experts say the issue may even get worse, after recent research from economic consultancy London Economics found student loan reforms unveiled by government last year will only benefit the country’s best-paid graduates3.

The changes to the maintenance loan system mean graduates entering into lower and middle income jobs, such as nursing and teaching, face an increase in their total lifetime repayments of more than £30,000, according to the analysis.

Meanwhile, higher income graduates earning in excess of £51,000 a year will see their total repayments plunge by around £25,000, say London Economics’ experts, who have labelled the reforms as “deeply regressive”.

“It’s really worrying to see how many students are considering dropping out or have already left because of the devastating financial impact of the increased cost of living,” said Frank. “This should be a huge concern for universities.

“For many students this is their first time living independently away from home. They should be able to focus on their studies, not worry about skipping meals in order to pay their bills. This is also a potential problem for universities. Fewer students – or poor results due to the pressures students are under – will have a significant impact on university finances.

“It’s time to start looking at practical solutions across the board to help all students deal with these challenges.”

Despite all this, 64% of students responded to the survey saying they received no cost of living support from their university and only one-in-five (20%) say have been offered a financial incentive specifically linked to continuing their course.

Just 14% of students say they have received cost of living support from their university in the form of a voucher or gift card, yet 49% think universities could improve their support by doing so.

Love2shop already works with a number of universities to provide gift cards or contactless digital gift cards to offer students.

While the range of Love2shop physical and digital gift cards can be redeemed in more than one hundred high-street and online retailers, universities can limit the number available to ensure cost of living payments are only used with retail partners that specialise in essential items.

“This data indicates that while there is some support for students, they are still facing some severe challenges and difficult choices,” said Frank. “We need to consider a different way to support them that makes a real difference to students and is cost effective and secure for universities.

“Gift cards offer a practical solution. They allow academic institutions to support their students through these difficult times and ensure financial aid provided is spent on the intended necessities, be that food, clothing or textbooks. Our survey data shows students themselves would welcome this more secure, consistent approach to support.”

Download the full report now at www.appreciate.co.uk/love2shop-uk-student-cost-of-living-report-2023 or contact us on 0330 333 1201 or [email protected] to see how we can help your institution deliver a more effective emergency support programme.

 

Footnotes

1: Survey of 2,000 UK students conducted by Censuswide

2: Based on most recent Higher Education Statistics Agency data: in 2020/21 the UK had 2,862,620 students enrolled in university.

3: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/may/13/nurses-teachers-student-loan-reforms-biggest-squeeze