While charities do incredible work, none of it would be possible without the dedicated people behind the mission. But tight budgets, uncertain funding and rising living costs mean that many charities are struggling to offer a competitive EVP, making retention a real challenge.
The good news is that supporting your staff doesn't have to mean spending lots of money. With the right approach, you can maximise your budget, improve employee wellbeing and create a workplace where people feel valued – all without breaking the bank.
Here’s how…
Stronger teams, bigger impact
A charity's impact often hinges on the wellbeing of its people. When employees feel supported – mentally, physically, financially and socially – they’re more resilient and able to handle challenges before they escalate into bigger problems like burnout or absenteeism. And in a sector where every team member plays a crucial role, keeping them healthy and present is essential.
One of the most cost-effective ways to support your staff is through an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). EAPs offer a mix of preventative and in-the-moment support, helping staff manage stress, financial worries and more. Plus, the numbers speak for themselves. For every £1 spent on an EAP, employers see an ROI of around £10.85 – that's money that can be reinvested into other critical areas of your charity's work.
Recognise to retain
More than half of nonprofit organisations struggle to attract and retain skilled workers. With limited budgets, competing with the private sector on salary alone isn't always an option, but creating a culture where employees feel valued and appreciated could make all the difference.
When people feel recognised for their hard work, they're more likely to stay motivated, engaged and committed to your cause. One of the easiest ways to build this culture is through regular peer-to-peer recognition – that's when appreciation comes from across the team rather than just from leadership.
Here’s where Vivup highfive can help. It's a simple, effective way for employees to send and receive recognition – boosting morale and reinforcing the positive impact of their work. By making recognition a natural part of your organisation, you can help to increase retention, inspire productivity and create a team that feels truly valued.
Beyond the paycheck
With living costs still climbing, lower paid charity workers are in a vulnerable position. Right now, 1 in 8 employees are going without food and 22% are taking on extra debt just to stay afloat. That kind of financial stress doesn't just affect their personal lives – it impacts their wellbeing, focus and ability to perform at their best.
Your employees do vital work – and they shouldn't have to worry about making ends meet while doing it. That's why it's so important to empower them with the right support, from practical financial resources to education tools that can help them manage their money with confidence.
Whether it’s budgeting advice, access to discounts or financial wellbeing workshops, giving your people the tools to navigate through tough times means they can focus on making a difference without the added burden of financial stress.
Another great way to support your team's financial wellbeing is through Vivup’s Home and Electronics benefit. If an essential appliance like a washing machine suddenly breaks, it can be a huge financial strain. Home and Electronics helps ease that pressure by letting staff spread the cost of purchases straight from their salary in a manageable way. With a huge range of products to choose from, staff can get what they need without having to turn to credit cards or expensive loans.
Supercharge your budget with external support
When resources are stretched, making every penny count is crucial – and that's where an external benefits provider can make a real impact. By using data insights to understand your people’s needs, they can tailor a benefits package that directly tackles the biggest challenges your organisation is facing – whether that's absenteeism, low morale, high turnover or disengagement.
Beyond supporting your people, the right provider can help uncover organisational savings and give your budget a much-needed boost. Salary sacrifice schemes can provide cost-effective perks for employees, while reducing high costs and minimising lost working days can generate long-term financial savings.
By working with an expert partner, you're not just offering benefits. You're offering a smarter, more sustainable way to support your people and protect your budget.
About Perkbox Vivup
As a multi-award-winning employee benefits and wellbeing provider, we deliver a comprehensive benefits platform that helps to connect workforces, boost wellbeing and unlock your people’s potential.
Our benefits range from mental health assistance to helping employees with the cost of living, offering support for all areas of life and career stages - both in and out of the workplace.
We currently work with over 80% of NHS Trusts, more than 7,500 public and private sector organisations, and 4 million employees across the globe.
To learn about how we can help you maximise your budget and resources, book a demo with our friendly team today.
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