Hear from our Head of HR, Andrea Stoddart, about our partnership with Reward Gateway which provides access to a range of rewards and perks including an award-winning Employee Assistance Programme, online Wellbeing Centre, retail and lifestyle discounts and colleague-paid healthcare cash plan.
To support health and happiness at work, we proudly partnered with Reward Gateway in 2020 to enhance our rewards and perks package for colleagues.
As the cost of living crisis deepens, the discounts and benefits available can reduce everyday expenses.
And because your wellbeing matters, you can access education, support and tools via the online Wellbeing Centre to help you live a happier and healthier life.
What retail and lifestyle discounts are available?
Who doesn’t love a discount?
My FIRST Rewards gives you access to one-time offers, discounts on instant vouchers and reloadable cards, and a range of cashback deals at your favourite supermarkets, electrical stores and clothing shops, as well as lifestyle discounts at gyms, cinemas and restaurants.
It includes over 1000 well-known high street retailers, including ASDA, Asos, Boots, Iceland, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.
And to make it even better, the discounts can be used in conjunction with most other discounts such as Black Friday deals, Cyber Monday offers and Blue Light Card savings – meaning you’ll often save twice!
To make it easy to access discounts on-the-go, you can download the SmartSpending app on your mobile phone and use ApplePay to make the process as quick as possible.
I bought a new TV stand from IKEA which cost £250. Before I got to the checkout, I bought a £250 voucher through My FIRST Rewards and got it for £237.50. I used the SmartSpending app so I could download the voucher on my phone whilst in store, and just scanned it at the checkout. It’s so easy to use!
What’s an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)?
If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, grief or stress, remember that you’re not alone – don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Through our Employee Assistance Programme, you can call the confidential helpline 24/7 to speak to trained advisors about a range of topics including bereavement, debt, health, legal matters, nutrition, relationship issues and stress.
You can also access up to six counselling sessions, per issue, per year, for yourself, your partner, spouse or dependents.
The service is provided by award-winning provider, Health Assured.
What’s included on the online Wellbeing Centre?
In addition to the EAP and counselling support, you can find advice on a range of health and wellbeing topics on the online Wellbeing Centre.
It includes articles, self-help guides and videos to support your mental and physical health.
From simple lifestyle changes to advice for many of life's most common concerns, the portal offers:
an interactive health assessment
personal tailor-made dietary tips and fitness plans
fitness and lifestyle advice, such as detoxing methods
four week self-help programmes
mini health checks
financial wellbeing articles.
My favourite at the moment is the ‘Deep relaxation meditation’, kickboxing videos and the chipotle BBQ chicken and bean one pot recipe!
My FIRST Rewards is part of our rewards and benefits package which includes access to wages early and car salary sacrifice scheme. Read about our colleague rewards and benefits.
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