HR News recently reported that one in five (18%) of employers do not encourage the utilisation of employee benefits, according to research from GRiD, the industry body for the group risk sector.
Patrick Dougherty, director and founder of Heat Scheme examines if employers should consider home heating benefits when designing employee benefit and reward packages.
By Patrick Dougherty
With 96% of households worried about heating bills1, 44% rationing their heating2 and 10% experiencing mould on a regular basis3, heating one’s home has shifted from being a matter of comfort to one of necessity. But should your employer care if you can stay warm and dry at home, and for that matter how you do it? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, is yes—and the potential impact on employees and companies alike is profound.
Staff wellbeing starts at home – heating bills and the scourge of cold, damp homes
In recent years, the link between employee well-being and job performance has become well-established. When employees feel supported and valued by their employers, productivity rises, and morale improves. Conversely, when employees struggle with fundamental needs like a warm, dry home, maintaining good performance becomes challenging. Cold homes (especially if damp) don’t just impact the physical health of those living there—leading to increased susceptibility to respiratory problems and other illnesses—they also affect mental well-being.
Concerns about heating bills or an uncomfortably cold, damp home environment cause stress and distraction that spill over into the workplace.
Reducing carbon emissions at scale
Today, some forward-thinking employers, like Sainsbury’s, UK Power Networks and Schroders, are beginning to address not only whether their employees can adequately heat their homes, but also how they do so. Homes are responsible for 22%4 of total carbon emissions in the UK, which could be reduced by 80%5 through switching from a gas boiler to electric heating using a heat pump.
If the employer cares, then what can they do about it?
Heat Scheme, for example, is one initiative to which employers have been turning to help their staff find ways to heat their homes more affordably and sustainably.
The scheme, available to employers across the UK, focuses on heating efficiency and home improvement assessments for renters and homeowners alike, including support to switch to a heat pump that not only reduces carbon emissions (thereby aligning with broader sustainability goals) but also reduces heating bills by up to 50%.
As more companies align their values with the government’s push for broader environmental responsibility, offering solutions like Heat Scheme can position them as socially responsible and attuned to their employees’ quality of life.
The long-term benefits of change
Supporting employees in how they heat their homes goes beyond financial support—it is a long-term investment. When companies promote sustainable home heating options, they help their workforce adopt practices that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Assisting employees in transitioning to renewable heating options can also enhance a company’s brand, underscoring its genuine care for people and the planet. What is more, encouraging change collectively and a shared purpose can have a meaningful positive impact on staff morale and community, as staff see and encourage colleagues to take personal action and compare this to organisations where staff are not moving in the same direction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is in a company’s best interest to consider how employees heat their homes. Providing programmes that address these needs signals empathy and a commitment to sustainable practices. When employees feel genuinely cared for, they are more engaged, productive, and loyal. Supporting comfort at home is not just about meeting immediate needs; it is a strategic approach to fostering a healthier, more resilient workforce in an increasingly energy-conscious world.
The post Should your employer care how (and if so to what extent) you heat your home? first appeared on HR News.
