Gatwick revamped their benefits with Tusker

London Gatwick looked at their benefits following the pandemic as they identified the need to modernise the package available to improve employee engagement and align with sustainability goals.

The Tusker car scheme was a key part of the changes implemented as the company recognised how flexible, inclusive benefits can drive organisational impact.

Objectives

London Gatwick recognised that there was a need to offer benefits which are in line with expectations, with the flexibility to meet the needs of employees at different life stages for inclusivity. There was also a need to reduce emissions and meet sustainability targets for the organisation.

The team wanted to ensure maximum employee engagement with benefits as an important part of the total reward package but have limited HR resources to facilitate complex or time-consuming benefits, so integration with the existing Benefex platform was key to the decision to bring new benefits on board.

Challenges

Fear of the unknown: Tusker have supported London Gatwick in educating their workforce on to overcome some hesitancy over EV adoption.

Inclusivity: The scheme is an important step for sustainable travel options, but it’s not for everyone. For London Gatwick, it’s about making the right benefits available to employees for their particular circumstances. The car scheme fits with this strategy.

Communicating the benefit to operational teams: London Gatwick uses a range of communication channels to reach employees who are not always reachable via digital channels. It’s part of the reason for the steady adoption levels of the scheme.

Implementation and results

Adoption and Engagement:

Approximately 2,500 employees are eligible for the scheme, with 67% logging in* to explore options and 3% of the workforce taking a vehicle on the scheme, consistent with industry expectations. The scheme has seen steady growth over the past 18 months since launch.

Sustainability Impact:

The scheme contributes directly to London Gatwick’s environmental strategy, supporting efforts to reduce emissions from employee commuting. This aligns with broader initiatives, such as encouraging public transport use and investing in sustainable infrastructure. London Gatwick chose to have an EV only scheme as part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The sustainability team have been particularly keen on the implementation of the scheme and have been champions of its inclusion in the benefits package.

Positive Employee Experience:

Employees appreciate the opportunity to access high-value benefits through an easy-to-use platform. Early adopters were keen to take a car on the scheme, with the scheme now steadily attracting more employees to it as word spreads. The benefits platform ensures employees across different lifestyles can find options that suit their needs, from partner life assurance to travel insurance. Tusker complements this strategy by offering a tangible, customisable benefit that resonates with a broad demographic.

Operational Simplicity:

Tusker’s integration with Benefex reduced administrative burdens, with the HR team only involved with deductions and affordability checking. The team have praised the Tusker team for their responsiveness in addressing any issues which arise.

Conclusion

The Tusker car scheme has improved London Gatwick’s benefits offering, making it more relevant, inclusive, and sustainable. It represents a critical step forward in modernising the employee experience while supporting the airport’s environmental objectives. London Gatwick’s decision to prioritise simplicity, flexibility, and sustainability has delivered measurable results, with Tusker proving to be a reliable partner in this journey.

Steve Walsh, Reward Manager for London Gatwick comments, “This scheme isn’t just about cars—it’s about giving our employees choice, making benefits meaningful, and doing our part for the planet.”

*correct as of November 2024