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Employers in the UK energy sector are increasingly focusing on environmental benefits and virtual wellbeing support, according to a recent survey conducted by Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a global professional services firm. The study highlights a shift in employee benefit priorities, with a strong emphasis on sustainable initiatives and digital healthcare solutions.
The Energy Sector Employee Benefits Study, which surveyed 38 UK energy firms, examined benefit design trends and strategies for talent attraction and retention in a competitive industry. The findings reveal significant variations in benefit structures, particularly in pension contributions and preventative healthcare, reflecting diverse employer approaches to total rewards.
Key Findings:
Expansion of Virtual Healthcare and Wellbeing Support
There is a growing demand for preventative and treatment-based paid healthcare benefits.
73% of surveyed companies provide access to virtual GP services and wellbeing apps, reflecting the sector’s commitment to accessible healthcare solutions.
Rise in Environmentally Friendly Benefits
Employers report strong adoption of eco-conscious perks, particularly through salary sacrifice schemes for low-emission vehicles.
63% of firms now offer ultra-low emission or electric cars as part of these initiatives.
Enhanced Family and Caregiver Benefits
Maternity leave policies are gradually aligning with a 26-week full-pay model, albeit at a slower pace than other industries.
Paternity pay has largely stabilized at two weeks of full pay.
Female health benefits remain limited, with only 3% of surveyed companies offering fertility support and 27% providing menopause-related assistance.
Variability in Benefit Design and Value
The sector displays some of the widest disparities in benefit entitlements, particularly in pension contributions, where employer contributions vary by 16%.
Preventative healthcare offerings also differ, with 66% of firms providing annual employer-paid health screenings, while others offer none.
Total reward strategies exhibit variations of over 20% in benefit value as a proportion of pay.
Industry Insights
Terry Gostelow, Principal Strategy Consultant in UK Health and Benefits at Aon, emphasized the sector’s evolving approach to employee benefits:
“This survey underscores a clear shift in market expectations within the UK energy sector. Employers are responding to the increasing demand for flexible and accessible benefits, particularly in preventative healthcare. However, rising insurance costs pose a challenge, making it essential for companies to strike a balance between cost efficiency and employee needs.
“Sustainability is also influencing benefits decisions, with a marked uptake of salary sacrifice schemes for low-emission vehicles. As employees place greater importance on environmental responsibility, firms must adapt their benefits strategies to remain competitive in talent attraction and retention.
“Additionally, the wide disparities in benefit investment across the sector could significantly impact recruitment and retention, particularly for firms offering less competitive packages.”
As the UK energy sector adapts to evolving workforce expectations, employers are expected to continue refining their benefits strategies, aligning them with both environmental priorities and digital wellbeing innovations.
For more details on Aon’s Health and Benefits capabilities, visit Aon.com.