In this episode of Getting Our Reward Heads Together, we explore how work in Contact Centres is evolving and what that means for Reward, wellbeing and workforce support.

Reward Heads CEO Victoria Milford is joined by Steve Morrell to discuss how technology, hybrid working and changing customer expectations are reshaping contact centre roles, and how HR and Reward teams can better support these workforces.

A short, practical conversation for HR and Reward professionals in the sector.

In this episode of Getting Our Reward Heads Together, we explore Generation Alpha and what their arrival in the workforce will mean for Reward and HR professionals.

Reward Heads CEO Victoria Milford is joined by Jannine Smith, Senior Consulting Manager at Reward Heads, to discuss how this next generation — born from 2010 onwards — is already reshaping expectations around work, Reward, wellbeing, and leadership.

They discuss:

• Why Generation Alpha are true digital-first employees
• Expectations around flexible and hybrid working
• Control over work environment, benefits and personalisation
• The growing importance of mental health and wellbeing support
• Inclusive leadership and support for neurodiversity
• Sustainability, ethics and purpose-driven work
• How Total Reward goes far beyond pay for this generation
• What employers should be doing now to prepare

Drawing on emerging research and real-world insight, this 15–16 minute episode provides Reward and HR leaders with a practical framework for preparing their organisations for the next generation of talent.

• The 2026 National Living Wage increase and continued pay compression
• Expected stabilisation of pay awards amid ongoing inflation
• Salary exchange and pensions planning ahead of the 2029 changes
• Why employee recognition is becoming a critical retention lever
• The growing importance of pay transparency, ahead of the EU Pay Transparency Directive
• Wellbeing moving from an add-on to a core element of Reward
• Data-driven personalisation of benefits and Total Reward

In this episode of Getting Our Reward Heads Together, we take a look back at 2025 — a year defined by rising costs, shifting employee expectations, pay compression, and fast-moving policy changes.

Reward Heads CEO Victoria Milford is joined by Jannine Smith, Senior Consulting Manager at Reward Heads, to reflect on the biggest trends shaping Reward this year.

They explore:

• The impact of the National Living Wage increase and wider minimum wage rises
• Ongoing pay compression and fairness challenges
• The surprise employer National Insurance hike and its effect on pay review budgets
• Increasing focus on low-cost and innovative benefits
• The rise of Total Reward, flexibility, and personalised benefits
• How AI and digital skill demands continue to reshape job design and pay
• Growing expectations around pay transparency and fairness
• The shift toward purpose-driven Reward

This 10 minute episode provides a clear snapshot of the forces shaping Reward in 2025 — and what they mean for the years ahead.

In this episode of Getting Our Reward Heads Together, we explore what the recent UK Budget means for employees — with a particular focus on how the changes will impact women who are more often low-paid workers, and more risk averse in investment decisions.

Reward Heads CEO Victoria Milford is joined by Caroline Masterton, Client Relations Director at Parallel Employee Benefits, to break down how National Living Wage increases, tax thresholds, childcare support, pensions, salary exchange and ISA reforms will shape employee finances and organisational Reward strategies.

They discuss:

• The 2025 and 2026 National Living Wage increases and their impacts

• Rising minimum wage compliance risks

• Frozen tax thresholds pulling millions into tax and higher bands

• The gender pensions gap and long-term financial security

• New limits on pensions salary sacrifice / exchange from 2029

• Cash ISA changes and why investing confidence is still low for women in particular

• What employers should prepare for now

This short episode offers clear, practical insight into how Budget outcomes will influence pay, benefits, and financial wellbeing.

• Why disability pay gaps exist, and why they’re often misunderstood
• The critical role of trust, disclosure, and psychological safety
• How “reasonable adjustments data” can reveal inequity that disability declarations miss
• The importance of inclusive pay governance and manager capability
• What organisations should be doing now to prepare for new legislation

• The impact of the Living Wage and pay compression on salary structures
• How charities can balance fairness with financial constraints
• Why Total Reward and organisational values matter more than ever
• Practical examples of pay frameworks that work — and those that don’t

In this episode of Getting Our Reward Heads Together, we explore the power of Kindness — and why it matters not only in our personal lives but also in how we think about Reward and organisational culture.

Reward Heads CEO Victoria Milford is joined by Lynne Misner, Founder and CEO of Small Acts of Kindness, and Liggy Webb, international speaker and author of Kindness: How to Make a Positive Difference.

Together, they discuss how small, intentional acts of kindness can strengthen wellbeing, create connection, and even improve retention, trust, and motivation at work.

They explore:

• Why Kindness boosts wellbeing and lowers stress

• How Kindness belongs within Total Reward

• The ripple effect: how small acts create meaningful impact

• Real stories of kindness shaping both community and workplace culture

This uplifting 10-minute episode is ideal for HR and Reward leaders, culture-builders, and anyone who believes in the power of human connection.