Engage combats cost of living crisis

Digital agency Engage has implemented a range of unique initiatives to support the financial, mental and physical health of colleagues during the cost of living crisis.

Schemes include a £2,500 interest free loan to all staff members, a three month cost of living bonus, an increase to all junior salaries, and the advancement of salary benchmarking to take into account the current market and inflation.

Alex Willcocks, managing director said: “People are at the heart of our business and since founding Engage we’ve always been focussed on ensuring that our employees are happy and enjoy coming to work. With the cost of living crisis expected to continue we wanted to make sure that our employees felt supported and secure. Our three month bonus will be introduced from November 2022 to January 2023 when we know people will be using their heating and bills will increase. It was also really important to us that we bring forward our salary benchmarking by one year so that we can be confident we’re paying the team fairly.

“We know that the next few months aren’t going to be easy and we hope that other businesses will do what they can to provide their staff with the support they need to get through these difficult times.”

As part of the ongoing drive to support staff, Engage has also invested in its employees with the appointment of Sanjeevni Dip-Matadeen as head of people development & culture.

Sanjeevni has been appointed by the agency to support investment in the wider team and its growth strategy through recruitment, employee relations, rewards and benefits, as well as learning and development. This includes support with any internal employee relations matters by providing guidance and training to managers, reviewing the current processes and implementing any changes where required.

Commenting on her appointment, Sanjeevni said: “I have a huge passion for people development, ensuring the right processes are in place for colleagues and making the ‘hire to retire’ journey as seamless as possible. I strongly believe that the biggest plus points in any business are its people and culture, and they support sustainability, profitability and growth. Since joining Engage, this has truly been evident and I couldn’t be happier with the decision I have made.”

Sanjeevni brings over eight years’ experience to the role, having previously worked in the people, organisational development, recruitment and employee relations sectors at businesses including Orchard Care Homes and Capita, Medacs Global healthcare to name a few.

Commenting on Sanjeevni’s appointment, Alex added: “ We already have a number of initiatives in place to support the mental and physical health and wellbeing of our staff, and it was a natural next step to employ someone who can solely focus on expanding our staff offerings. Sanj is an asset to the business and has already made a big impact. Her expertise will enable us to continue expanding whilst ensuring we’re looking after our existing people.”