A Brief Overview of Blackhawk Network’s Cycle to Work Scheme and Home & Tech Scheme

Blackhawk Network offers two flexible, tax-efficient employee benefits programs: the Cycle to Work Scheme and the Home & Tech Scheme. Both schemes are designed to improve employee well-being, provide financial savings, and enhance work-life balance, while allowing employers to offer attractive benefits that align with sustainability and modern technology trends.

The Cycle to Work Scheme promotes healthy, eco-friendly commuting by allowing employees to lease bicycles and cycling accessories through salary sacrifice. Employees pay for these items from their gross salary, saving on tax and National Insurance contributions. This initiative encourages employees to adopt greener commuting habits, improve their physical health, and reduce transportation costs.

The Home & Tech Scheme enables employees to purchase the latest technology and home products—such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and household items—through salary sacrifice. With the option to spread the cost over time, employees can make large purchases more affordable while benefiting from tax and National Insurance savings. This scheme is especially valuable for those working from home or looking to upgrade their home office setup.

The Main Benefits for Employees

Both the Cycle to Work Scheme and Home & Tech Scheme offer employees significant financial and lifestyle benefits.

Through the Cycle to Work Scheme, employees can save up to 42% on the cost of a new bicycle and accessories. By paying for the bike through salary sacrifice, before tax and National Insurance deductions, employees can access high-quality bicycles—including e-bikes and essential accessories such as helmets, locks, and lights—at a reduced cost. Cycling provides a host of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and better mental well-being. Additionally, employees can save on commuting costs by cycling to work, reducing reliance on cars or public transport, and lowering their carbon footprint.

The Home & Tech Scheme allows employees to access the latest technology and home essentials from Currys and IKEA without the financial strain of an upfront payment. Employees can spread the cost of items like laptops, smartphones, and home office equipment over a set period, making large purchases more manageable. This is particularly valuable for employees working remotely, as it enables them to upgrade their home office equipment affordably, improving productivity and work-from-home efficiency. Moreover, by paying for these products through salary sacrifice, employees save on tax and National Insurance contributions, making expensive tech items more accessible.

Both schemes improve work-life balance by promoting healthier lifestyles and enabling employees to make necessary purchases without immediate financial pressure. The Cycle to Work Scheme supports physical health, while the Home & Tech Scheme enhances comfort and productivity at home.

The Main Benefits for Employers

For employers, both schemes help to enhance their employee benefits package, which can improve recruitment and retention. Offering the Cycle to Work Scheme encourages a healthier, more active workforce, leading to fewer sick days and higher productivity. Regular cycling has been shown to improve physical fitness, reduce stress, and boost mental health, all of which contribute to a more engaged and productive workforce. Moreover, promoting cycling aligns with corporate sustainability goals, reducing the organisation’s overall carbon footprint and demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.

The Home & Tech Scheme offers similar advantages by enabling employees to stay up to date with the latest technology and home comforts. This is especially important for companies with remote or hybrid workforces, as it ensures employees have access to the tools and equipment they need to work efficiently from home. By offering this scheme, employers demonstrate a commitment to supporting their employees’ professional development and well-being, while also saving on National Insurance contributions through the salary sacrifice model.

Any Special Features to Highlight

One of the standout features of both Blackhawk Network schemes is their flexibility. 

• The Cycle to Work Scheme offers a wide variety of bicycles, including e-bikes, mountain bikes, and road bikes, as well as accessories like helmets and locks, allowing employees to choose the equipment that best suits their needs. The scheme is supported by an easy-to-use online platform where employees can browse, select, and manage their orders with ease.
• The Home & Tech Scheme offers a similarly broad range of products, from leading brands in technology and home essentials. Employees can select items that suit their specific needs, whether for personal use, upgrading their home office, or enhancing their everyday life. The scheme’s flexible payment options, combined with tax savings, make it a convenient way for employees to access high-end tech products without upfront financial stress.

Conclusion

In summary, Blackhawk Network’s Cycle to Work and Home & Tech Schemes offer valuable financial and lifestyle benefits to employees, promoting healthier, more sustainable commuting options, and providing access to the latest technology and home essentials. For employers, these schemes enhance the benefits package, support employee well-being, and contribute to environmental and productivity goals, all while offering tax-efficient solutions.

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Blackhawk's Extras Discounts:

The workplace benefit that saves employees up to 15% on the cost of physical and digital gift cards from big name retailers. It’s included free of charge when your business signs up to Blackhawk Network Extras.