In today’s world of slow growth and extortionate prices, both employers and employees are feeling the pressure. A pay rise is often seen as the best solution, but for many businesses, meeting expected salary increases simply isn’t viable. From April 2025, National Insurance increases means a typical UK employer will bear a staggering £200-250 in direct costs for every £100 that hits an employee’s bank account.
Instead, employers are looking for innovative ways to support their workforce financially. Solutions that stretch compensation budgets and make employees’ pay go further. That is where Aslan comes in.
In the spring 2025 edition of 'Your Business with James Caan' we explore how holistic financial wellbeing helps employers stretch compensation budgets, and helps employees stretch their income.
How Aslan supports business to stretch compensation budgets, and help employees stretch their income.
Employee rewards, on anything, everywhere they spend
Recognising and rewarding employees is an essential part of any engagement strategy. Aslan’s card-based rewards programme allows employers to provide financial incentives that make employees’ money go further. The core to this is Aslan points, redeemable on all spend, anywhere, even on holiday! With the addition of milestone bonuses, or discretionary incentives, these rewards enhance employees’ financial security while fostering loyalty and motivation.
Pension Salary Sacrifice enablement
With the April 2025 increase in National Insurance contributions, businesses across the UK are feeling the pressure. Pension Salary Sacrifice offers an innovative way to reduce the impact, cutting these additional costs by up to a third. This smart, tax-efficient approach not only helps employers save on National Insurance but also allows employees to keep more of their hard-earned pay by reducing their own NI contributions. It’s a win-win solution for businesses and their teams, and a more efficient way to manage workplace pensions.
Hassle-free, tax-free employee gifting
Gifts are often free of tax and national insurance up to £50 per occasion, as long as they are not contractual or linked to performance, and can be delivered throughout the year. Employers might use Aslan gifting as an alternative to a costly bonus while still giving employees the same net value, or to say thanks in a highly engaging and tax-free way. For those already buying gift cards restricted to specific retailers, and dealing with complaints about expiry dates, the administrative overhead is gone. With Aslan, employees can instantly spend anywhere Mastercard is accepted and gifts never expire.
One-click payroll savings to simplify financial goals
For those looking to build better saving habits, Aslan’s one-click savings feature makes it easy. Employees can automatically divert a portion of their salary to savings on payday, earn lucrative Aslan points, and ensure they set aside funds before spending. Whether they’re saving for a specific goal, an emergency fund, or simply looking to make the most of Aslan’s rewards at a later date, this seamless feature encourages financial discipline without the need for manual transfers or extra effort.
Payroll flexibility to avoid consumer credit
Life happens between paydays, and monthly payroll cycles make daily budgeting control a challenge for many. As such, many employees resort to high-cost credit options, such as overdrafts and credit cards, to cover shortfalls. This applies to middle and high earners, as much as it does lower earners. Aslan provides free payroll flexibility, allowing employees to choose when and how they get paid within set limits. This helps individuals avoid borrowing, typically at 40% interest on overdrafts, ensuring they remain financially stable throughout the month.
Financial education for smarter money management
Financial literacy is often overlooked in employee wellbeing strategies, yet it plays a critical role in helping individuals make informed money decisions. Aslan’s gamified financial education tools simplify complex financial concepts, ensuring employees understand how to budget, save, and manage money effectively.
Budgeting tools for better financial planning
Many employees struggle to manage their monthly budgets, leading to unnecessary financial strain. Aslan provides interactive budgeting tools that offer earnings insights, help users track their spending, and set customised financial goals.
