Encore Introduces Pioneering ‘Overtime Savings Program’ in the U.S. to Support Seasonal Workforce

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Encore, a leader in event technology and production services, announced the debut of its innovative ‘Overtime Savings Program’ across the United States, complemented by several additional initiatives aimed at enhancing support for its workforce in a fluctuating industry.

Utilizing UKG’s advanced payroll technology, this groundbreaking program is designed to improve the financial well-being and stability of Encore’s frontline staff, who often face variable work volumes due to the seasonal nature of the market.

“Encore has always believed its team members are the heart of our story. This people-first mindset motivates us to constantly evolve our team member experience and innovate around challenges, like the impact of seasonality, that the industry previously viewed as immutable,” said Ben Erwin, president and CEO of Encore.

Encore employs 12,000 team members who deliver services across 2,200 hotels and conference venues in 20 countries, navigating the typical ups and downs of the hospitality sector. These fluctuations can lead to inconsistent work hours for employees, ranging from extensive overtime during busy periods to fewer hours in quieter times, posing challenges in earnings stability and talent retention during slower months.

“We established the program as another way to support our team members so that they can be at their best in delivering for our customers,” Erwin added. “With this innovation, they can better plan and save their premium overtime pay for periods of the year when they might not work as many hours. Providing this capability and funding a company-paid match for a portion of the savings should motivate financial wellness and enable them to continue to build their career with Encore. Team member reactions tell us we are onto something,” he said.

Alongside the Overtime Savings Program, Encore has introduced a Seasonal Leave of Absence Program. This program allows employees to take leaves during less busy periods while preserving full benefits, accumulating paid leave, and retaining their job tenure. This arrangement supports staff in pursuing personal endeavors, educational activities, or other employment without losing their professional benefits or progression. Both programs are now in effect nationwide, with intentions to expand globally.

Following its introduction right after Labor Day, the uptake of the UKG Wallet™ saw a tenfold increase from the previous year. Additionally, the company provided an initial savings match, akin to 401k incentive contributions, to promote positive financial practices among its employees.

“Financial stress is not a problem isolated to our industry, it’s a stressor for nearly everyone,” said Charlie Young, chief human resources officer at Encore. “Nearly 70% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and Americans spent $9B in bank overdraft fees in 2023. The more we can do to reduce stress for our team members, the more focused they can be on our customers. We are successful in the event production business because of the unique combination of our technical expertise, hospitality mindset and ability to work under pressure and through challenges. Seasonal fluctuations are part of our business, but with a partner like UKG that understands every industry has unique challenges, we were able to innovate to support those unique needs to make our team members’ lives better.”

Cody Browne, a technical lead with five years of service for Encore in Las Vegas, said he will try the Overtime Savings program, in addition to accruing and saving his Paid Time Off, for the slow season in December in Las Vegas. He hopes the vacation time, in addition to the saved overtime funds, will afford him an out-of-state vacation to visit family. “I love that Encore is creating new opportunities, that’s one of the reasons I am interested in growing my career here,” he said.