Ree Pattanayak, Author at Flare HR

5 Ways to Unlock Employee Engagement: Harnessing Strategic Benefits for HR Success

Posted on March 11, 2024March 11, 2024 by Ree Pattanayak

Employee engagement lays the foundation for a vibrant workplace culture. Engaged employees exhibit heightened productivity, creativity, and dedication to their company’s triumph. As HR practitioners, nurturing an atmosphere where your people feel appreciated, driven, and deeply connected to their tasks is paramount. When done right, employee benefits can be a powerful tool in our arsenal for achieving a highly engaged workforce.

According to our data in the last Wave 2 of our National Employee Benefits Index which was released in July 2023, data showed that 1 in 4 employees considered leaving their employers.

In this article, we’ll explore the vital link between employee engagement and benefits and discuss how HR professionals can leverage benefits to enhance engagement within their organisations.

Understanding Employee Engagement:

Before delving into the role of benefits, it’s crucial to understand what employee engagement entails. All companies have their own definition of ‘employee engagement’ but this goes beyond mere job satisfaction. As per Culture Amp, it is a key metric that reflects an employee’s commitment an employee has towards their organisation and its goals. Engaged employees are passionate about their work, aligned with the company’s values, and willing to go the extra mile to contribute to its success.

Benefits and Employee Engagement:

Employee benefits play a pivotal role in shaping the employee experience and influencing engagement levels. While salary and compensation are essential, benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and work-life balance initiatives can significantly impact employee satisfaction and loyalty.

The link between benefits and engagement:

Offering comprehensive benefits packages not only demonstrates value and appreciation for employees’ well-being and needs but also enhances work-life balance through components like flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and paid time off. By facilitating a harmonious integration of professional responsibilities with personal obligations, these benefits foster happier, less stressed, and more engaged employees. Moreover, benefits such as tuition reimbursement, training programs, and opportunities for career advancement signify the organisation’s commitment to supporting professional growth, and motivating employees to excel in their roles by providing a clear path for development. Additionally, healthcare benefits, wellness initiatives, and employee assistance programs contribute significantly to improving employees’ physical and mental well-being, resulting in a more productive, resilient, and engaged workforce. Furthermore, benefits promoting inclusivity, diversity, and employee recognition play a pivotal role in fostering a positive company culture where employees feel valued, respected, and connected to their peers and the organisation’s mission.

Implementing Effective Benefits Strategies:

To unlock the maximum impact of benefits on enhancing employee engagement, HR professionals must embrace a strategic mindset and carefully assess the benefits that resonate with employees. Here are essential strategies to kickstart your journey:

Customise Benefits Packages: Understand the diverse needs and preferences of your workforce and tailor benefits packages accordingly. Offering a range of options allows employees to select benefits that align with their individual priorities and lifestyles.

Communicate Effectively: Ensure that employees are well informed about the benefits available to them and how to access them. Clear communication helps employees appreciate the value of their benefits and encourages utilisation.

Seek Feedback and Adapt: Regularly solicit feedback from employees to understand their evolving needs and preferences. Use this feedback to refine and enhance the benefits offerings to better align with employee expectations.

Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage managers to support flexible work arrangements and promote a culture that values work-life balance. Lead by example by prioritizing your own well-being and modelling healthy work habits.

Measure Impact: Implement metrics to assess the effectiveness of your benefits programs in driving employee engagement. Monitor key indicators such as retention rates, employee satisfaction surveys, and participation in wellness programs to gauge the impact of benefits on engagement levels.

To learn more about how you can achieve strong levels of employee engagement in your organisation, schedule an obligation-free meeting now.

Improving employee engagement in the age of economic uncertainty

Posted on February 12, 2024March 7, 2024 by Ree Pattanayak

If the weight of rising costs hasn’t already caught your attention, consider yourself among the fortunate few. For many Australian employees in 2024, financial strain has become a daily reality—a fact underscored by our research showing that more than half are feeling the pinch. The big question for employers is: in an era where budgets are constantly being squeezed, how can we support our employees to maintain financial well-being?

For those in HR, this isn’t just another item on the agenda—it’s the pulse of the workplace. The Flare National Employee Benefits Index illustrates a sobering reality, with over 50% of businesses bracing for a recession, echoing the financial anxieties of their teams. This scenario transcends mere statistics; it’s about real individuals expecting real support from their workplaces. As an HR leader, your role is pivotal in leveraging employee benefits—not just as a formality, but as a meaningful engagement strategy that fosters both stability and productivity.

Stress at work isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a business one. Findings from Culture Amp highlight a stark reality: stress doesn’t just unsettle your team, it hits the bottom line through lost productivity and higher absentee rates. But there’s a flip side. When leadership invests in learning and development, the payoff isn’t just in skills gained. It translates into engaged employees who not only boast better mental health but also outperform their stressed counterparts. Tackling workplace stress isn’t just about reducing negatives; it’s about amplifying positives—bolstering both individual well-being and collective engagement.

Improving employee engagement through financial wellbeing support

Novated leasing shifts stress

Though novated leasing might not be the hottest topic or the most popular benefit — offered by only 19 percent of employers with a tiny 3 percent adoption rate — its significance when it comes to enhancing employee experience is substantial. The average Flare leaseholder saves $6,000 per year on their car costs. Additionally, adopting employee benefits can slash the stress of commuting by a remarkable 20%, injecting a dose of financial relief into the workday.

Discounts that add up

Imagine a world where the daily grind doesn’t grind down your finances. With costs rising across the board, savings on everyday essentials are a prized boon to working Australians. Flare benefits include discounts on day-to-day expenses like groceries, fuel, health and more. These benefits add up for the employer, too. Employees with benefits are significantly less likely to want to leave their job and are much less stressed by unfulfilling work, promoting resilience throughout the workforce.

Investing in an employee’s retirement

Considering and celebrating the (eventual) end of an employee’s journey is also important. Over the past year there’s been a 12% increase in financial and retirement planning support provided by employers, underscoring the growing importance of these benefits. It’s a commitment that goes beyond the here and now, extending a promise of security that spans the length of an employee’s career.

Beyond financial benefits

But financial well-being is only part of the picture. Flexible and remote working opportunities, for example, are the benefits that employees say will drive the highest loyalty. However, there’s been a 16 percent decrease in companies offering this perk since our first round of research — a trend that has been evident in recent news cycles as employers increasingly enforce return-to- office policies. When we review the most-used benefits, free snacks come out on top. Because who doesn’t love a free donut? While these perks may not put money directly back into the employee pocket, they promote trust in the employer-employee relationship and allow employees to work in a way that works for them.

As we look into the future, it’s imperative to adjust our benefit strategies to align with evolving economic and workforce challenges. We’ve found a rise in employee satisfaction as benefits integrate further into company culture*, emphasising the importance of adaptable and responsive benefit programs. CultureAmp are the experts in employee engagement and their platform can help you build a competitive advantage by putting your company culture first.

Schedule a free demo now if you’re interested in exploring more about the crucial relationship between benefits and employee engagement.

Discover EV charging stations in South Australia — and drive with confidence

Posted on November 7, 2023October 23, 2024 by Ree Pattanayak

Our country is embracing the future of transportation, with South Australia leading the charge (pun intended).

From the bustling streets of Adelaide to the tranquil vineyards of the Barossa Valley, there’s a growing network ensuring that electric vehicle (EV) owners never find themselves out of juice.

Let’s explore the state’s EV landscape and how South Australia is making strides to ensure that when it comes to charging, power never goes ‘south’.

How many electric charging stations in South Australia?

The EV infrastructure in South Australia is growing rapidly, making it easier for EV owners to find chargers across the state.

As of mid-2023, South Australia is home to a total of 238 public charging stations. This includes 193 regular AC chargers, 36 fast DC chargers, and 9 ultrafast DC chargers. These different types of chargers cater to various charging needs, from everyday use and city driving to long-haul journeys.

Public charging locations by region and power level - as of 30 June 2023

State/Territory	Fast (24kW - 99kW DC)	Ultrafast (100kW DC & above)	Total
ACT	6	3	9
NSW	131	43	174
NT	3	0	3
QLD	93	16	109
SA	42	9	51
TAS	31	5	36
VIC	97	32	129
WA	36	12	48
Grand Total	438	120	558

Source: The Electric Vehicle Council

The regular AC chargers are perfect for daily use and are typically found in residential areas, shopping centres, and public car parks. Fast DC chargers and ultrafast DC chargers are ideal for long-distance travel, capable of adding hundreds of kilometres of range in just minutes.

In addition to these public charging stations, the Royal Automobile Association (RAA) is forging ahead with the expansion of the EV charging network across South Australia.

Over 59 charging stations are currently available across Marion, West Lakes, Strathalbyn, Hahndorf, Woodside, Mt Gambier, and five UParks sites in the Adelaide CBD.

RAA’s 200kW Ultra-rapid charging site has recently come online in Burnside. With this station, RAA Charge reaches 71 operational sites, including sixty-eight 7kW destination chargers and three 200kW Ultra-fast or 150kW fast charging sites.

This initiative by the RAA and the local government aims to build South Australia’s first border-to-border network of EV charging stations.

Over 59 charging stations are currently available across Marion, West Lakes, Strathalbyn, Hahndorf, Woodside, Mt Gambier, and five UParks sites in the Adelaide CBD.

This initiative by the RAA and the local government aims to build South Australia’s first border-to-border network of EV charging stations.

South Australia’s border-to-border EV charging network

RAA has partnered with the South Australian Government to develop an extensive network of electric car charging stations in the region. Supported by a $12 million State Government grant, construction has already begun.

By 2024, the network will include 140 charging locations covering SA border-to-border:

98% of chargers less than 200km apart
75% of charging locations in regional SA
All sites powered by 100% renewable energy

A total of 536 charging bays will be available at future locations throughout the Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Clare Valley, Eyre Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula, the Flinders Ranges, the Outback, Kangaroo Island, Limestone Coast, Murray River, Lakes and Coorong, Riverland and Yorke Peninsula areas.

With the completion of this project, driving an electric vehicle in South Australia will become easier than ever.

Source: Government of South Australia

Where to charge your EV in Adelaide

As part of their commitment to supporting the uptake of electric vehicles, the City of Adelaide has installed a total of 54 charging stations located across the city and North Adelaide.

Some of the key locations include:

70 Light Square, Adelaide – 2 x 22kW charging points
47 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide – 2 x 22kW charging points
61 Jerningham St, North Adelaide – 2 x 22kW charging points
109 Franklin St, Adelaide – Electric Vehicle Charging Hub – 2 x 22kW charging points, 2 x 50kW charging points, and 4 x Tesla-owned charging points

In addition to these on-street charging stations, the City of Adelaide’s off-street electric vehicles charging stations are located at various UPark carparks.

The city has also partnered with Chargefox, Australia’s largest and fastest-growing EV charging network. Chargefox has several charging stations in Adelaide, including locations at Jerningham Street in North Adelaide and Greenhill Road in Tusmore.

With Plugshare, you can find the most up-to-date information on charging stations in Adelaide.

City of Adelaide’s incentives

The City also supports residents and businesses to move to all-electric homes and vehicles, as part of its mission to become one of the world’s first carbon neutral cities.

Here are the incentives they offer to encourage the installation of EV chargers:

50%, up to $1,000, for installing an EV one way charging station (7kW to <50kW) at a residential or commercial property.
25%, up to $2,000, for installing an EV ‘smart’ charging station (7kW to < 50kW) at a residential or commercial property. Smart stations include those with demand management capabilities or two-way charging capabilities.

Map of EV charging stations in South Australia

Wondering how to pinpoint charger locations and types on a map?

Companies like PlugShare, Chargefox, and the EV Council offer real-time maps that pinpoint nearby stations and provide key details like charging speed, payment methods, and invaluable user reviews.

Did you know that with Google Maps’ charging feature, planning an EV escapade has never been easier? If your EV is equipped with Google Maps, you can easily plan charging stops throughout your adventure. With this navigation app, you’ll always be charged up and ready to go.

Here are the top interactive maps you should consider bookmarking:

Costs of running an EV in South Australia

It costs money to charge an EV in South Australia, but the cost is typically less than refuelling a petrol or diesel car.

Public EV charging stations in Australia, on average, cost around $0.45 per kWh for a 50kW DC fast charging station.

Domestic charging, however, is generally the most economical option, costing approximately $0.20 per kWh on average.

While talking about expenses, it’s important to note that the South Australian Labor Government has recently repealed a tax previously applied for every kilometre driven in an electric vehicle. This could significantly reduce running costs for EV drivers in South Australia.

Plus, there’s other avenues for South Australians to reduce costs on their EVs.

A three-year exemption on motor registration costs and an enticing $3,000 EV subsidy (applicable only for vehicles priced up to $68,750 incl GST) are available.

Nationally, the Australian government also offers compelling incentives. New EVs and PHEVs purchased post 1st July 2022 that are priced below the luxury car threshold of $89,332 are exempt from the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). This paves the way to potentially negotiate an EV package with your employer, bringing in tangible tax benefits.

Discover how Flare can reduce your car running costs and help simplify your life by switching to an EV novated lease.

EV Charging in South Australia

Let’s delve into the ins and outs of charging your EV in South Australia.

How long does it take to recharge in South Australia?

The time it takes to charge your EV in South Australia is dictated by the charger type and your vehicle’s battery.

For instance, using Fast DC chargers, you can achieve up to 80% charge in just 20-30 minutes.

Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect in terms of charging duration:

Charge rate (kW)	Range gained per hour	Range gained per 15 minutes
2.2	15km	3.75km
3.7	25km	6.25km
7.7	40km	10km
11	65km	16.25km
22	130km	32.5km
50	300km	75km
150	900km	225km
350	900km	225km

Source: NRMA

Several factors play a role in determining the charging speed of your EV.

Among these are:

Charging level and mode. Dive deeper into this with our guide on Australian EV charging stations.
Charging equipment, which includes the plugs, points, and cables, with some designed for more rapid power outputs.
On-board charging capacity and size of a vehicle’s battery.
Battery’s State of Charge (SoC), as charging speeds up from a lower SoC but slows down as it surpasses 80%.
Battery temperature. Extreme climates can affect a battery’s charging pace.

Now let’s take a glimpse into David’s EV routine.

David calls South Australia home and loves every bit of his Nissan Leaf. During the week he drives to the office, the gym and the markets, racking up about 35km. Thanks to his trusty Level 2 charger at home, he secures around 25km of drive time each hour he plugs in.

Weekends for David are all about unwinding, and the Barossa Valley or the historic city of Port Adelaide are often on his R&R list. Strategic pit-stops at cafes boasting fast chargers means his Leaf is always ready to go, often gaining an extra 100km boost during a leisurely coffee break.

How far can you drive on a full charge in South Australia?

The distance you can cover on a single EV charge varies based on a myriad of factors: the vehicle’s make and model, the battery’s health, the conditions in which you’re driving, and even the day’s weather.

Most EVs, like the Tesla Model 3, BMW iX, and Kia EV6, generally offer between 250 and 300km on a full charge.

To give you an idea, the daily commute for a typical South Australian is around 35km. This distance is comfortably within the capabilities of most EVs.

With a Level 2 charger at home, you’ll wake up to a fully charged car, ready for more than just the daily commute.

Considering an EV for South Australia? Simply compare the advertised range with your daily driving routine to see if it suits your lifestyle.

Charging Ahead in South Australia

South Australia is truly electrifying its roadways, boasting nearly 240 charging stations, and the future looks even brighter with the border-to-border EV network currently in development.

The latest EVs can cover distances between 250 and 300km on a full charge. When you factor in that the average South Australian drives a mere 35km daily, and that fast and ultra-fast charging stations can top up your battery in a matter of minutes, you can confidently bid goodbye to range anxiety.

Want to walk the sustainability talk and take advantage of the cost savings?

Look into a Flare novated lease

FAQs – EV chargers in South Australia

Are there enough EV charging stations in South Australia?

South Australia is making impressive strides in EV infrastructure with nearly 238 charging stations available as of mid-2023. With the RAA and the South Australian Government’s initiative, a border-to-border EV charging network is in the pipeline. By 2024, this network alone will boast 140 charging locations, ensuring widespread coverage and accessibility for EV owners.

Are EV charging stations free in South Australia?

In South Australia, some public EV charging points, especially the slower AC ones in shopping centres and public car parks, offer free charging. Many hotels and restaurants also provide complimentary charging for their customers.

However, the majority of public charging stations, especially the faster DC chargers, come with a fee. The cost can vary depending on the time of day and the specific network.

What’s the average cost to charge an electric car in South Australia?

On average, public EV charging stations in South Australia charge around $0.45 per kWh for a 50kW DC fast charging station.

How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in South Australia?

The average cost for at-home charging in South Australia is approximately $0.20 per kWh. However, the actual cost can vary depending on the time of day, the electricity provider and the plan you choose.

But if you have solar panels, charging your EV could effectively be free when the sun is shining — and we all know that happens often in South Australia!

What is the cheapest EV charging network in South Australia?

The RAA Charge network is often the cheapest with 32c/kWh during evening peak times (5pm-10pm) and 23c/kWh at all other times for their 7kW destination charging sites. However, these can vary; it’s always a good idea to check the charging costs before topping up.

How long does it take to charge an EV at a fast charging station in South Australia?

At a fast charging station in South Australia, it typically takes between 15 to 45 minutes to fully charge an electric vehicle. But remember that the charging time depends on the vehicle’s battery capacity, the current level of charge, and the station’s power rating.

What is the difference between a fast-charging station and an ultra-fast charging station in South Australia?

In South Australia, fast chargers usually provide power between 24kW and 99kW DC, while ultra-fast chargers start at 100kW DC.

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Guides

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About Flare

Who we work with

Understanding Employee Engagement:

Benefits and Employee Engagement:

The link between benefits and engagement:

Implementing Effective Benefits Strategies:

Improving employee engagement through financial wellbeing support

Novated leasing shifts stress

Discounts that add up

Investing in an employee’s retirement

Beyond financial benefits

How many electric charging stations in South Australia?

Public charging locations by region and power level - as of 30 June 2023

Source: The Electric Vehicle Council

South Australia’s border-to-border EV charging network

Source: Government of South Australia

Where to charge your EV in Adelaide

City of Adelaide’s incentives

Map of EV charging stations in South Australia

Costs of running an EV in South Australia

EV Charging in South Australia

How long does it take to recharge in South Australia?

Source: NRMA

How far can you drive on a full charge in South Australia?

Charging Ahead in South Australia

FAQs – EV chargers in South Australia

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