Helping Staff Save More: How Perkbox Supports Our College Community

Helping Staff Save More: How Perkbox Supports Our College CommunityAt the Etc., supporting colleagues goes beyond the workplace. Through Perkbox, staff have access to a wide range of discounts, cashback offers, wellbeing support and rewards designed to help them save money, support their health and get more from everyday spending.

Since launching in November (2025), Perkbox has become a valuable benefit for employees across the college group, helping colleagues make meaningful savings while accessing practical support when they need it most.

One colleague who has embraced the platform from the start is group head of HR, Rebecca Thompson, who has been using Perkbox since it was introduced.

She said: “I didn’t use the previous Thanking You Rewards platform, but since the launch of Perkbox in November, I wanted to make a conscious effort to use this new benefit so I could champion it and be a real advocate. A bit of practice what you preach!”

Making everyday spending go further:

Like many colleagues, Rebecca was surprised by just how much value the platform offered.

“I couldn’t believe how easy it was and I could kick myself for not trying the previous benefit. The breadth of discounts, cashback and offers available to help save money and earn while you spend cuts across every aspect of where we spend our hard-earned money.”

From supermarket shopping to gifts and home improvements, the savings quickly add up.

Rebecca said: “I shop in Tesco and I use my Perkbox every time I shop. To date, I’ve had 27 redemptions and saved £94.04. In total, I’ve saved £338.36 across a range of retailers including Marks & Spencer, B&Q, JD Sports, Lush, Currys and Swarovski. It covers everything from the usual supermarket costs to gifts and treats, helping to make my money go that bit further.”

The biggest savings came during the Christmas period. “Where it really came in was at Christmas. The big-ticket items were a new phone and the latest iPads for the kids, where I saved £40 and £38 respectively at Currys and John Lewis.”

However, it’s the cumulative effect of smaller discounts that has made the biggest impact.

“Where it really stands out is when you take time to look at the total value of all the little savings that add up. If somebody had said that, without really going out of my way, I’d be on my way to £400 in savings since November, I would never have believed it. Who would say no to a free £300? Even better, you can use discount codes so often you can secure double savings.”

More than just discounts:

While the financial savings have been impressive, it is the wellbeing benefits that have perhaps made the greatest difference. “I was genuinely most impressed by the health benefits, with access to a GP within hours for a telephone or video consultation for you and your dependants under 16.” Having used the service for both herself and her family, Rebecca said the convenience has proven invaluable.

“The GP service has saved hours on the phone and, quite often, I would have reverted to queuing at my GP practice at 7.30am for it to open at 8am. But with Perkbox, you can usually get an appointment the same day if you need it, and you receive a prescription text message which you can either order online for next-day delivery or take to your local pharmacy.”

The platform’s accessibility is another key advantage. “It’s so easy to access whilst out and about. I’m not the techiest person and genuinely it is so easy to get instant savings, so you can save and spend on the go.”

In today’s economic climate, the savings can make a real difference. “One hundred per cent the savings speak for themselves. It is a phenomenal benefit and makes everyday living expenses that bit more affordable in an age where the cost of living and everyday costs have gone through the roof.”

Supporting colleagues through meaningful benefits:

As group head of HR, Rebecca helped introduce Perkbox to colleagues across Etc. as part of the group’s commitment to supporting employee wellbeing. For the Etc.introducing Perkbox was about much more than providing discounts.

She said: “Perkbox is closely aligned to our people strategy because our strategy is much more than a corporate tick-box exercise. It’s about making meaningful changes that improve the colleague experience, support wellbeing, and create opportunities for people to grow and develop throughout their career with us.”

The platform provides colleagues with access to benefits that support their health, financial wellbeing and work-life balance, while allowing them to choose the benefits that matter most to them.

“Most importantly, we introduced Perkbox because we genuinely care about our people and want them to feel supported both inside and outside of work. When employees feel valued, healthy and secure, they’re better able to thrive, and that’s exactly the kind of workplace experience we want to create.”

The initiative also strengthens Etc.’s commitment to investing in its people. “It strengthens our employee value proposition, helping us attract, engage and retain great talent while demonstrating our commitment to investing in our people.”

Helping staff through the cost-of-living challenge:

Supporting employees financially remains a key priority, particularly at a time when many households continue to feel pressure from rising costs. “In the current cost-of-living climate, we know many colleagues are feeling the impact of rising household costs. That’s why, for us, offering genuine, tangible benefits that stretch those hard-earned wages in a practical way is more important than ever.”

By providing access to discounts, cashback and wellbeing resources, Perkbox helps staff get more value from their everyday spending. “Benefits such as discounts, cashback, wellbeing support and financial wellbeing resources can help people make their money go further and get greater value from their everyday spending.”

But the impact goes beyond financial savings. “For us, it’s not just about offering perks. It’s about recognising the challenges people face and providing meaningful support that helps colleagues feel valued, supported and cared for, both at work and in their personal lives.”

Investing in people:

Employee benefits continue to play an important role in attracting and retaining talented people, and Perkbox is one of the ways Etc. demonstrates its commitment to staff wellbeing. Rebecca said: “Employee benefits play an important role in attracting and retaining talented employees, particularly when people are looking for employers who genuinely invest in their wellbeing.”

“More than just a benefits platform, Perkbox reflects our belief that supporting, valuing and caring for our people should sit at the heart of everything we do.”

For colleagues like Rebecca, the benefits speak for themselves. Whether it’s saving on weekly shopping, reducing the cost of family purchases, or gaining quick access to healthcare support, Perkbox is helping staff make their money go further while feeling supported every step of the way.