Christmas is an expensive and time-consuming part of the year as people juggle a variety of responsibilities. Some would argue that this is the most important time of year for employee benefits.

Matt Holme, founder and chief executive of YouPay, discusses the exciting and stressful end-of-year rush with The HR Leader and how effective benefits policy can go a long way for employees.

The discussion also touches on the types of benefits employees are seeking. Matt emphasises that beyond festive events, there’s a growing expectation for benefits that support work/life balance and personal growth. He shares the importance of offering flexible work arrangements and opportunities for professional development.

A personalised approach is crucial, as a one-size-fits-all strategy is becoming increasingly outdated. Matt encourages leaders to engage in direct conversations with their teams to understand individual priorities and aspirations. This approach is particularly effective in smaller businesses, where leaders can more easily tailor benefits to each employee’s unique circumstances.