Zuto is a fintech in the used car finance space. It employs 450 people, known as Zutonites, across its Macclesfield head office and Manchester contact centre. Mary Beighton, people and culture director at Zuto, says: “We’re growing quickly so we have to be competitive to attract and retain employees. To do this, we’re constantly evolving our benefits proposition. During the pandemic, we increased our mental health support and we’re now focusing on financial wellbeing to help employees during the cost-of-living crisis.”
Alongside a pension scheme, life insurance and income protection, it offers a comprehensive wellbeing package including a health cash plan, employee assistance programme and discounted gym membership. There are also benefits specifically aimed at employees’ financial wellbeing such as discounted parking, a bikes-for-work scheme, financial education and personalised financial advice from an independent financial adviser (IFA) who visits the offices every two months.
Beighton also introduced a couple of HR initiatives to support employees who were finding it harder to make ends meet. “Six months ago, we put office pantries into every kitchen,” she explains. “These are fully stocked so everyone can get a good meal at work. We also provide period products in all our bathrooms.”
Creating a culture where employees feel able to ask for help if they are struggling is also important, especially as Zuto was awarded B Corp status in 2022. As well as providing line managers with details of the benefits that can help, it also has 20 mental health first aiders across the business. “We get together regularly with them to discuss the types of issues they’re dealing with but also to ensure they understand the range of benefits they can signpost employees to,” Beighton says.