Phoenix Group – Winner 2024, Best for Carers and Eldercare
Phoenix Group’s vision is to create a healthy and fulfilling work-life balance for carers. This is evident in the scale of support on offer that makes a tangible difference to carers’ lives.
Carer-friendly policies
The broad definition of a ‘carer’ allows a wide range of people to self-identify and access a range of support to build on our diverse and inclusive workforce.
Form their first day in the company, carers in Phoenix Group can access 10 days paid Carers Leave, plus 5 days unpaid. Alongside this, carers can also use a mix of Emergency Leave and Compassionate Leave to support caring needs. Carers can also request an extended Career Break of between one month to one year with the right to return. On a day-to-day basis, the business’ flexible working policy helps carers to find a balance that works for them by offering a variety of different flexible working patterns and the right to disconnect.
Support for carers
Phoenix Group understands the importance of peer support and the power in sharing experiences, which is made possible through the Carers Network. As well as informal meetings, regular events and key dates in the calendar, the Network signposts support via emails and in its regular events. The Carers Network in Phoenix Group is piloting a safe-space forum and a buddy scheme to create a community of carers who can connect with other is similar situations to theirs. Several Mental Health First Aiders are specially trained as Carers Champions to assist with the unique challenges carers face. the business offers all employees access to our Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling and support with life management. Phoenix Group has launched various new initiatives, such as an MOT Mid-Life MOT to reflect on finances, support with Power of Attorney and Will writing and access to an external service to help employees navigate the caring lifecycle, including identifying care homes and benefit support.
Driving change
Phoenix Group see that they have an important role in championing working carers. As well as using its voice through the media, the company actively supported the Carers Rights Bill alongside Carers UK. It continues to partner with Carers UK, Carers Positive, Carers Trust and Vocal to advocate for better carers rights. Phoenix Group works closely with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) on policy areas, including flexible working, midlife MOTs, carers leave, tackling ageism, inclusive recruitment, and lifelong learning. They also worked directly with DWP to provide two jobs fair dedicated to the over 50s which resulted in many recruits.
Phoenix Insights is an in-house think-tank set up to use research to lead fresh debate, prompt a national conversation, and inspire the action needed to make better longer lives a reality for all of us. Supporting people in work is a core area for Phoenix Group, and this is reflected in the CEO also holding the independent role of Government Business Champion for Older Workers.
