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1. 12/11/2018 SmartReward: Using a Flexible Remuneration Strategy to Win the War for Talent | AmCham Belgium
http://www.amcham.be/publications/amcham-connect/2018/december/aon-pwc-smartreward-cafeteria-plan-flexible-innovative?utm_term=button&utm_… 1/5
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SMARTREWARD: USING A FLEXIBLE
REMUNERATION STRATEGY TO WIN THE WAR
FOR TALENT
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2. 12/11/2018 SmartReward: Using a Flexible Remuneration Strategy to Win the War for Talent | AmCham Belgium
http://www.amcham.be/publications/amcham-connect/2018/december/aon-pwc-smartreward-cafeteria-plan-flexible-innovative?utm_term=button&utm_… 2/5
by Mathias Loose, Senior Sales Manager, Aon and Bart Van den Bussche, Director, PwC
As a professional service provider in Commercial Risk & Health and Retirement
Solutions for many companies, Aon is constantly looking for innovative
technological solutions. SmartReward is a good example of one such solution,
capitalizing on the benefits of cafeteria plans, which o er an extensive range of
options for employees, as well as providing an important competitive edge for
employers in the war for talent. For tackling the complexity of Belgian tax and legal
matters, Aon partners up with PwC.
Companies are increasingly attracted by the advantages of flexible remuneration strategies
and cafeteria plans. In fact, a survey conducted by PwC shows that 70% of employees in
Belgium would like to have greater flexibility in their salary package. This presents employers
with an excellent opportunity. In terms of a company reinforcing its position in the
increasingly competitive market for recruiting and retaining talent, a good cafeteria plan can
make a world of di erence. So, to help employers develop, implement and launch such
plans, Aon and PwC have partnered up and rolled out the SmartReward solution, an
initiative that’s really booming.
PIVOTAL MOMENT
Quite a few employers considering the introduction of a cafeteria plan are afraid that it might
be too complex, create too great of an administrative burden, or simply be too expensive.
This is where SmartReward comes in. Bart Van den Bussche, Director at PwC, currently sees a
tipping point coming for flex plans.
We’ve been providing advice on this type of plan for over a decade, and now
we’re at a pivotal moment. Compared to ten years ago, technology has advanced
in leaps and bounds. Implementing a program such as SmartReward makes it
perfectly possible to reduce the administrative and communication burden of
operating a cafeteria plan. The intelligence and automation built into the tools
(employee platform as well as native app) enable employees to explore their own
‘what if’ scenarios and configure the remuneration package that meets their
specific requirements – without additional intervention from the compensation
& benefit team.
Bart Van den Bussche, Director, PwC

3. 12/11/2018 SmartReward: Using a Flexible Remuneration Strategy to Win the War for Talent | AmCham Belgium
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Employers are very well aware that a properly structured cafeteria plan can help
support their HR policy and that specific nuances can also be added, such as
facilitating mobility solutions, improving work-life balance and so on. It’s also
possible to build in other options, in addition to classic benefits such as a
pension plan or company cars. These might include training courses, o ers
related to well-being and other benefits. Employees can choose what they want,
based on their current needs – and as those needs change, they can of course
modify their choices at a later date.
Mathias Loose, Senior Sales Manager, Aon
Aon has a centralized administration center, with around 350 members of sta handling the
management of tasks related to flex choices. There is also a helpdesk o ering support to
employers and employees alike. Employers can monitor the choice process and receive
relevant data and analytics in the dashboard system.
BONUS PLANS
SmartReward is the ideal tool for future-proofing bonus plans and making/keeping these
competitive. “We listen to the company’s strategy and then align the remuneration program
with their objectives,” continues Loose. “We also analyze the achievability of the new
remuneration model. If necessary, we can develop a flexible, cost-neutral bonus plan. The
company is given legal and tax advice, and we prepare all the o icial documents required.
Finally, we assist the company in its change management process and communication to
sta – who can also simulate the impact of various possible choices on their net earnings.”
FOCUS ON COMPLIANCE
Before a cafeteria plan is introduced, PwC carries out a feasibility study in terms of the legal
playing field.
A ruling is requested for many cafeteria plans. This is always an option that can
provide additional reassurance. But a ruling is not necessary per se. Our goal is
certainly not to ‘push the envelope’, as it were – we prefer to start cautiously. The
key element is that both employers and employees are o ered additional
possibilities and freedom of choice.
Bart Van den Bussche, Director, PwC

4. 12/11/2018 SmartReward: Using a Flexible Remuneration Strategy to Win the War for Talent | AmCham Belgium
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BENEFIT FOR INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS
One major benefit for internationally active companies is that all of their operating units can
use the same technology platform. Having said that, there are plenty of options for
customization, so that each entity can tailor its o ering to suit its own market and comply
with local legislation.
TAKING THEIR OWN ADVICE
Aon started by implementing SmartReward in its own organization, with the help of PwC
(which went on to win the HR Excellence Award with this project). Mathias Loose explains:
The tool is based on robust technology and all of the processes have been
extensively tested. It was rolled out to our own employees, and was met with a
great deal of enthusiasm. For us, it was essential to witness that strong uptake
and success prior to o ering the solution to our clients – which we now do with
absolute confidence in the outcome.
For more information, visit www.aon.be/smartreward.
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5. 12/11/2018 SmartReward: Using a Flexible Remuneration Strategy to Win the War for Talent | AmCham Belgium
http://www.amcham.be/publications/amcham-connect/2018/december/aon-pwc-smartreward-cafeteria-plan-flexible-innovative?utm_term=button&utm_… 5/5
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