Latest news with #DeloitteUS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Deloitte's US employees can now buy $1,000 of Lego on the company's dime to boost their well-being
Deloitte US offers its employees a $1,000 well-being subsidy to spend on things like gym memberships. The policy was updated in June to add several new items to the approved list, including Lego sets. "Lego?!?!? Finally!" was the reaction in internal chats, one Deloitte employee told Business Insider. Surviving the gruelling hours and high demands of a job in consulting isn't easy. Deloitte has a new solution to help its employees handle the stress: Lego. The Big Four professional services firm has updated its long-running well-being subsidy program to include "Legos and puzzles" on a list of items that Deloitte will reimburse, internal policy documents seen by Business Insider show. The firm has long offered eligible US staff an annual subsidy to spend on one or a combination of subscriptions, equipment, and experiences. In 2021, the firm doubled the allowance from $500 to $1,000, an internal webpage shows. The subsidy is meant to "empower and support your journey toward thriving mentally, physically, and financially and living your purpose," the policy documents say. Most partners and salaried workers are offered the benefit. Interns, contracted professionals, and employees on a leave of absence are not eligible. One Deloitte US employee told BI that people were discussing the new updates in internal team chats. "Most of the responses are things like 'Lego?!?!? Finally!' or jokes about how they can now rationalize buying the coveted Millennium Falcon Star Wars Lego set," the employee said. Lego's most expensive set, the Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series Millennium Falcon, costs $850, leaving Deloitte workers with a small allowance left over to spend on other qualifying items like fencing classes or neck pillows. A second Deloitte employee told BI that they see the subsidy as a nod of appreciation from the company for dealing with the stress and frustrations of their job. "This makes a huge difference! I personally like to think of what I need/want for the next subsidy. I have been able to upgrade my workspace, and it helps with the work intake," the person said. They added that Lego was receiving a lot of attention in the office, as it was a departure from the basics. "Knocking out a four-hour Lego build in under two hours is a great stress reliever," the employee said. Lego is just one of several new additions to the list of approved items, which were updated on June 1, the start of Deloitte's financial year. Under a section titled "what's new for FY26" are kitchenware and kitchen appliances (e.g., blender, refrigerator), spa services like facials and body treatments, personal portable cooling fans, and ergonomic, cooling, and sleeping pillows. Employees can also spend the subsidy on items like office furniture, gym equipment, financial support apps, fitness classes, and gaming consoles, including the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. Deloitte US did not respond to a request for comment from BI. Not all are as positive about the subsidy program, with one Deloitte US employee telling BI they think it is only given "because of how much this job sucks." The US division of Deloitte has faced a challenging period after its contracts with the government came under scrutiny as part of the White House Office's efforts to cut federal spending. By April, at least 127 of the firm's government contracts had been cut or modified, according to BI's analysis of data on the DOGE website. That month, Deloitte Consulting CEO Jason Salzetti said in an internal meeting that a "small percentage" of workers in the firm's government division would be laid off. Employees told BI that DOGE's actions had shifted the climate at Deloitte. The US branch of Deloitte had 172,800 employees in 2024, when it last reported head count. Have a tip? Contact this reporter via email at pthompson@ or Signal at Polly_Thompson.89. Use a personal email address and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely. Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Deloitte's US employees can now buy $1,000 of Lego on the company's dime to boost their well-being
Deloitte US offers its employees a $1,000 well-being subsidy to spend on things like gym memberships. The policy was updated in June to add several new items to the approved list, including Lego sets. "Lego?!?!? Finally!" was the reaction in internal chats, one Deloitte employee told Business Insider. Surviving the gruelling hours and high demands of a job in consulting isn't easy. Deloitte has a new solution to help its employees handle the stress: Lego. The Big Four professional services firm has updated its long-running well-being subsidy program to include "Legos and puzzles" on a list of items that Deloitte will reimburse, internal policy documents seen by Business Insider show. The firm has long offered eligible US staff an annual subsidy to spend on one or a combination of subscriptions, equipment, and experiences. In 2021, the firm doubled the allowance from $500 to $1,000, an internal webpage shows. The subsidy is meant to "empower and support your journey toward thriving mentally, physically, and financially and living your purpose," the policy documents say. Most partners and salaried workers are offered the benefit. Interns, contracted professionals, and employees on a leave of absence are not eligible. One Deloitte US employee told BI that people were discussing the new updates in internal team chats. "Most of the responses are things like 'Lego?!?!? Finally!' or jokes about how they can now rationalize buying the coveted Millennium Falcon Star Wars Lego set," the employee said. Lego's most expensive set, the Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series Millennium Falcon, costs $850, leaving Deloitte workers with a small allowance left over to spend on other qualifying items like fencing classes or neck pillows. A second Deloitte employee told BI that they see the subsidy as a nod of appreciation from the company for dealing with the stress and frustrations of their job. "This makes a huge difference! I personally like to think of what I need/want for the next subsidy. I have been able to upgrade my workspace, and it helps with the work intake," the person said. They added that Lego was receiving a lot of attention in the office, as it was a departure from the basics. "Knocking out a four-hour Lego build in under two hours is a great stress reliever," the employee said. Lego is just one of several new additions to the list of approved items, which were updated on June 1, the start of Deloitte's financial year. Under a section titled "what's new for FY26" are kitchenware and kitchen appliances (e.g., blender, refrigerator), spa services like facials and body treatments, personal portable cooling fans, and ergonomic, cooling, and sleeping pillows. Employees can also spend the subsidy on items like office furniture, gym equipment, financial support apps, fitness classes, and gaming consoles, including the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. Deloitte US did not respond to a request for comment from BI. Not all are as positive about the subsidy program, with one Deloitte US employee telling BI they think it is only given "because of how much this job sucks." The US division of Deloitte has faced a challenging period after its contracts with the government came under scrutiny as part of the White House Office's efforts to cut federal spending. By April, at least 127 of the firm's government contracts had been cut or modified, according to BI's analysis of data on the DOGE website. That month, Deloitte Consulting CEO Jason Salzetti said in an internal meeting that a "small percentage" of workers in the firm's government division would be laid off. Employees told BI that DOGE's actions had shifted the climate at Deloitte. The US branch of Deloitte had 172,800 employees in 2024, when it last reported head count. Have a tip? Contact this reporter via email at pthompson@ or Signal at Polly_Thompson.89. Use a personal email address and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely. Read the original article on Business Insider
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Deloitte's well-being subsidy program for employees in the US has a new addition, one of the most expensive ...
Deloitte is letting its US employees spend part of their annual wellness subsidy on Lego sets, puzzles, and other stress-relieving items. According to a Business Insider, the action is part of a revamped effort by the company to support worker well-being. According to internal policy documents seen by the publication, the Big Four consulting firm updated its long-running benefits program at the start of its financial year on June 1. The program gives most salaried employees up to $1,000 annually to spend on approved items that promote mental, physical, or financial wellness, the report says. Legos, along with puzzles, kitchen appliances, spa services, gaming consoles, and ergonomic pillows, are among the new additions. Deloitte employees excited about new well-being subsidy program Deloitte US had 172,800 employees in 2024. As per the report, employees have welcomed the change. A Deloitte employee said that the update sparked jokes and excitement on internal chats. 'Most of the responses are things like 'Lego?!?!? Finally!' or jokes about how they can now rationalize buying the coveted Millennium Falcon Star Wars Lego set,' they said. The $850 set leaves a small remainder of the subsidy for other qualifying purchases. Another employee said the benefit helps manage the intense pace of work: 'Knocking out a four-hour Lego build in under two hours is a great stress reliever.' However, not all employees are happy with it. Some Deloitte employees remain skeptical. One staffer told BI the perk exists 'because of how much this job sucks.' The updated program comes as Deloitte's US division faces challenges, particularly in its government consulting arm. By April 2025, at least 127 federal contracts had been modified or canceled following the White House's push to cut spending. Deloitte Consulting CEO Jason Salzetti later confirmed that a 'small percentage' of employees in the government division would be laid off. HP EliteBook Ultra G1i Review: Thin, light, power in a premium package
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Deloitte's US employees can now buy $1,000 of Lego on the company's dime to boost their well-being
Surviving the gruelling hours and high demands of a job in consulting isn't easy. Deloitte has a new solution to help its employees handle the stress: Lego. The Big Four professional services firm has updated its long-running well-being subsidy program to include "Legos and puzzles" on a list of items that Deloitte will reimburse, internal policy documents seen by Business Insider show. The firm has long offered eligible US staff an annual subsidy to spend on one or a combination of subscriptions, equipment, and experiences. In 2021, the firm doubled the allowance from $500 to $1,000, an internal webpage shows. The subsidy is meant to "empower and support your journey toward thriving mentally, physically, and financially and living your purpose," the policy documents say. Most partners and salaried workers are offered the benefit. Interns, contracted professionals, and employees on a leave of absence are not eligible. One Deloitte US employee told BI that people were discussing the new updates in internal team chats. "Most of the responses are things like 'Lego?!?!? Finally!' or jokes about how they can now rationalize buying the coveted Millennium Falcon Star Wars Lego set," the employee said. Lego's most expensive set, the Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series Millennium Falcon, costs $850, leaving Deloitte workers with a small allowance left over to spend on other qualifying items like fencing classes or neck pillows. A second Deloitte employee told BI that they see the subsidy as a nod of appreciation from the company for dealing with the stress and frustrations of their job. "This makes a huge difference! I personally like to think of what I need/want for the next subsidy. I have been able to upgrade my workspace, and it helps with the work intake," the person said. They added that Lego was receiving a lot of attention in the office, as it was a departure from the basics. "Knocking out a four-hour Lego build in under two hours is a great stress reliever," the employee said. Lego is just one of several new additions to the list of approved items, which were updated on June 1, the start of Deloitte's financial year. Under a section titled "what's new for FY26" are kitchenware and kitchen appliances (e.g., blender, refrigerator), spa services like facials and body treatments, personal portable cooling fans, and ergonomic, cooling, and sleeping pillows. Employees can also spend the subsidy on items like office furniture, gym equipment, financial support apps, fitness classes, and gaming consoles, including the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. Deloitte US did not respond to a request for comment from BI. Not all are as positive about the subsidy program, with one Deloitte US employee telling BI they think it is only given "because of how much this job sucks." The US division of Deloitte has faced a challenging period after its contracts with the government came under scrutiny as part of the White House Office's efforts to cut federal spending. By April, at least 127 of the firm's government contracts had been cut or modified, according to BI's analysis of data on the DOGE website. That month, Deloitte Consulting CEO Jason Salzetti said in an internal meeting that a "small percentage" of workers in the firm's government division would be laid off. Employees told BI that DOGE's actions had shifted the climate at Deloitte. The US branch of Deloitte had 172,800 employees in 2024, when it last reported head count.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bosses battle HR chiefs ‘blindly defending' corporate Britain's diversity drive
At a recent dinner for the HR chiefs of Britain's biggest listed companies, anger was stirring. Donald Trump's crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in America was riling up many guests. According to one of those in attendance, the prevailing mood in the room was: 'We need to take a stand against this. We're not going to bow down to Trump and move in that direction.' As US companies roll back diversity programmes they were once eager to promote, many British HR chiefs are determined not to follow corporate America's lead. Divides are already emerging between the British and American arms of global businesses. At Deloitte, staff in the US have been told to stop listing their pronouns at the end of email signatures as part of a broader retrenchment on DEI. Yet managers in the UK have reiterated their commitment to diversity targets, telling staff they will not copy the policy of Deloitte US. Behind the scenes, many more similar battles are taking place. Splits are said to be emerging at major global banks, insurance companies and tech businesses. 'I have it on good authority that there are tensions between US and UK arms of insurance firms,' says one diversity adviser. 'In response to the US arms shutting down DEI, one HR in the City here has said she will simply rebrand the work from DEI to culture and inclusion if that's what it takes to keep going.' For some British bosses, the pushback against DEI was overdue. Calls to offer gender-neutral bathrooms, include pronouns at the bottom of emails and spend more time and money on diversifying a company's ranks were taking up more and more executive energy. 'You hear about a lot of people in my role feeling trapped between the person they brought in to lead the [DEI] agenda and their executive colleagues,' says the HR chief of a FTSE 100 company. 'On the one hand, you have someone [in charge of DEI] saying we need to go harder, further. And on the other hand, you have a board saying this isn't a priority for us right now, this isn't something we want to spend as much boardroom time on.' A crackdown in America gives British boards the 'cover of darkness' to make changes they had already been planning, the executive says. The need to cut costs post-Budget had already put so-called 'nice to have' initiatives such as DEI departments in the firing line for cuts. 'HR needs to be wise to the fact that boards are going to have a second look [at this] and where they can, reduce spend,' says Heeral Gudka, a consultant who advises companies on their diversity strategies. 'Now they have a gold-plated reason to do it.' While most senior leaders agree that diversity is good for business, there are concerns that some of the policies advocated for by DEI departments have been expensive and ineffective. 'If some acronym bugs people, then that's OK – substantially things are not changing just because the word police are out there,' says one US-based shareholder activist. Some suggest that the blame for why DEI has been ineffective lies with how it has been practised. Recent diversity and equality programmes were introduced to broaden the talent pool and improve retention, while inclusion policies were updated to tackle issues such as sexism and racism. However, instead of fixing these problems, many teams simply focused on enforcing the policies rather than measuring how effective they were. At times, almost cult-like tendencies have developed. Tanya de Grunwald, who advises companies on HR issues, says departments 'allowed a culture to develop where challenging the orthodoxy was taboo'. In a recent LinkedIn post, Gudka wrote that associating support for DEI programmes 'with being a good and virtuous person is what has caused this mess'. She wrote: 'Good believers don't ask questions. They listen and nod along.' De Grunwald says: 'In-house HR professionals need to decide, 'Do we blindly defend all our DEI work to date and double down on going even further? Or do we take this opportunity to assess it honestly, and make changes where necessary?' 'Those who have already started some of those conversations internally will be in a better position than those where this is still taboo.' One thing HR has been effective at is increasing the size and power of its department. There are more than half a million people employed in the 'people profession' across the UK. The number of HR workers grew by 42pc between 2011 and 2021, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development – four times the growth rate of the general workforce. Roughly one in 61 workers in the UK is in HR, covering everything from payroll and recruitment to overseeing employment law changes and managing staff training. HR has transformed into one of the most powerful parts of a business since the pandemic, which empowered the personnel department to set mandates about who could and could not come into the office and what they could and could not do while there. While the goals are worthy, some perceive the policies enacted under the banner of DEI as yet another power grab by HR departments. For all this growth in HR, we do not seem much happier or more productive for it. Workers in Britain are worse off than they were in 2008 as the country lags behind the rest of the rich world, the International Labour Organisation warned last year. Perhaps, then, HR departments should be in a reflective rather than defensive mode as DEI programmes come under pressure in the US and UK. In a newsletter Gudka sent to her clients this week, she said any fight to defend DEI should not just be about protecting jobs, which is a 'self-serving and easily corrupted incentive'. While some of the UK's best-known bosses are preparing for a battle with their HR teams, others insist that they won't follow Trump's America. 'Diversity makes business better,' says one FTSE 100 chief executive. Amanda Rajkumar, the former global head of HR for Adidas, says DEI has simply become 'timely scapegoat' in the US and is used as a 'general excuse for things going wrong'. Ultimately, UK executives will want to make their own decisions on what to do – without either their US counterparts or their own, enormous HR departments forcing their hand. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
