Three-quarters of employees want salary sacrifice EV car benefit

Employees are wanting access to workplace benefits such as salary sacrifice electric vehicle (EV) schemes, new research from YouGov suggests.

When asked to choose the most important factor of an employee benefit, respondents overwhelmingly selected the ability to save money (73%) as their top priority. Benefits focused on mental and physical wellbeing were less popular (42% and 39%, respectively). 

However, according to HR professionals, less than one in five (18%) UK firms offer salary sacrifice for EVs.

The YouGov survey found that once employees fully understood the benefits of salary sacrifice, three quarters (74%) said they would like the scheme on offer at their workplace.  

Only half of the employees surveyed felt comfortable to ask their boss for additional benefits. While only a third of respondents (36%) believe they are aware of all the benefits available at their workplace, 54% have never, or don’t recall ever being asked for feedback on their benefits package. 

Fiona Howarth, CEO of Octopus Electric Vehicles, said: “It’s a really difficult time for many households, so it’s no surprise that people are prioritising financial support from their employer.

“An EV salary sacrifice scheme can save employees thousands of pounds on their car costs, making an electric car a possibility for many that couldn’t afford to buy one.” 

Octopus Electric Vehicles, which has more than 2,400 companies signed up to its salary sacrifice scheme, is running a campaign to help staff initiate conversations with their employers about their workplace benefits.

By providing advice for employees, Octopus hopes to help people switch to an EV in the most cost-effective way possible, while helping employers boost benefits packages and staff retention, and doing their bit to cut their own emissions. 

Melvin Rogers, director of human resources at Sytner Group, who signed up with Octopus Electric Vehicles salary sacrifice scheme, said: ““We’re always looking for ways to enhance our employee benefits.

"Salary sacrifice has helped do exactly that, saving our colleagues thousands of pounds over the lease, while doing their part for the planet and lowering our own scope three emissions.

“The Octopus team’s EV knowledge has made the whole process really straightforward and we’re looking forward to helping more colleagues make the switch to an EV.”