How salary sacrifice EV schemes help employers attract top talent

The fight for talent is fiercer than ever. 61% of employers say they struggle to retain staff, while 73% find it difficult to attract them in the first place, according to the Integrated Benefits Institute. With the cost of turnover estimated at 1.5 - 2 times an employee’s salary, that’s a challenge businesses can’t afford to ignore.

At the same time, the job market is shifting. Our Sustainable Workforce Report found that almost half of employees (49%) don’t feel comfortable asking for the benefits they really want. Yet a huge 74% said they’d love their employer to offer EV salary sacrifice. That’s a big gap, and a major opportunity for forward-thinking businesses to meet a real need.

It’s no surprise, then, that over 52% of UK employers have introduced EV salary sacrifice schemes. In fact, Octopus EV research shows a 50% rise in companies mentioning these schemes in job adverts, particularly in competitive sectors like energy, healthcare, and manufacturing.

EV salary sacrifice schemes let employees lease an electric vehicle by exchanging a portion of their gross salary, before tax and National Insurance are deducted. That means they save up to 40% on the cost of driving a new EV. Employers benefit too, with reduced National Insurance contributions, improved employee retention, and a stronger sustainability profile that supports corporate sustainability (CSR) goals.

And it’s not just about the car. Our EV salary sacrifice scheme bundles in insurance, servicing, MOT, and breakdown cover, so it’s a smooth, stress-free experience from day one. We take care of all the heavy lifting, making it easy for HR and finance teams to roll out.

How can salary sacrifice EV schemes attract top talent?

If you want to attract great people and keep them, you need to offer benefits that genuinely improve their day-to-day lives. EV salary sacrifice schemes do exactly that. Here are five ways ours will help you stand out as a top employer:

Getting a car can be expensive, but an EV salary sacrifice scheme makes it much more manageable. Employees can save money every month, skip big upfront payments, and spend less on things like fuel and road tax. It’s an easier, lower-risk way to switch to an electric car.

Today’s workforce – particularly Gen Z – isn’t just looking for a salary. They’re seeking employers that align with their values and support a more purposeful life. Offering an EV scheme shows you’re invested in sustainability, and it builds trust with environmentally conscious employees.

An EV can make life simpler. Predictable monthly payments, no surprise maintenance bills, and access to workplace charging all contribute to a more convenient, less stressful commute. For many, it’s a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.

Forward-thinking benefits show you’re an employer who listens and leads. In our experience, businesses that offer perks like EV schemes and workplace charging often see a boost in how they’re perceived by candidates and current employees.

Attracting talent is only half the battle. When employees feel supported, financially and ethically, they’re more likely to stick around. EV schemes help build loyalty and remind your team that you’re invested in their future.

Don’t just take our word for it…

Forward-thinking employers are already seeing how EV salary sacrifice schemes help attract and retain the right people. Take Huel, for example. Their sustainability mission drives everything they do, including how they support employees with affordable, convenient EVs through our salary sacrifice scheme.

Over 70 of their 250 employees now drive electric, saving them money and cutting 261 tonnes of CO₂. Huel’s Talent Acquisition Manager, Alice Goode, says the scheme “has been a game changer” for giving employees a stress-free way to get an EV with all costs included. Huel’s people love how simple and affordable the scheme is, and the company’s culture of sustainability plays a big role in attracting talent who share their values.

Meanwhile, Amtivo Group, working towards B Corp certification, introduced the scheme to align with their green goals and offer a meaningful benefit for employees. With 27 vehicles on the road, they’ve already saved 112 tonnes of CO₂ – that’s like planting 56,000 trees. It’s been an easy way to support sustainability and differentiate themselves to environmentally conscious candidates.

From cost savings to culture boosts, EV salary sacrifice schemes help employers live their values and attract talent who share them.

Ready to accelerate your recruitment?

In today’s ultra-competitive job market, EV salary sacrifice schemes can give you a strategic advantage. They tick every box: helping your people save money, reflecting your sustainability goals, and improving the day-to-day employee experience.

The time to act is now. Whether you're looking to boost your recruitment efforts, make your people happier, or simply upgrade your benefits package, EV salary sacrifice could be the edge you need.

And we make it easy to get started. From choosing the right car to setting up charging at home or installing chargers on-site, our expert team takes care of everything, so you can focus on your people, not the paperwork.

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