Whether you’re Christmas shopping or planning to start 2025 with good intentions for your health, wellbeing or finances, everyone can save money or improve their wellbeing through our Reward Hub.
Our Reward team have pulled together their top tips for colleagues, for the festive season and into 2025.
You can access the My Durham reward platform online
Tip one: Make the most of the fantastic discounts on offer on the My Durham benefits platform
If you are starting to shop for Christmas food or presents, My Durham (our employee benefits platform) offers discounts at high street retailers, including M&S, Asda, Tesco, John Lewis, Waitrose, Apple, and more.
Going into 2025, the My Durham platform will give you access to discounts on holidays booked through their in-house travel agent service. There are also discounts available on ferries, cruise ships and Airbnb bookings, and savings on airport parking.
You can also enjoy discounts on days out at various activities and attractions, from going to the cinema, to dining out, to visiting attractions like Go Ape and National Trust locations.
To access the fantastic range of savings, make sure you’re signed up to My Durham. You can request an account via our Reward Hub on SharePoint.
Visit: Reward Hub - MyDurham (sharepoint.com)
Tip two: Review your core benefits ahead of the New Year
Purchase of additional annual leave
Did you know that in addition to your standard annual leave allocation, you also have the option to buy up to five days* of additional annual leave each year?
There is no fixed window to purchase additional annual leave and you can apply at any time. However, the earlier you submit an application, the more chance there is of it being approved as it allows for departmental/area planning. If this is something you’re interested in for 2025, we recommend you submit an application before the end of the year.
You can find more details on the Reward Hub.
(*pro-rata for part-time staff).
Check in on your health and wellbeing
It’s worth reminding yourself of the different ways we aim to support your physical and mental health - and save you money in the process!
We offer all colleagues a free flu vaccine, help with the cost of an eye test, and a contribution to any glasses you need for work.
Our £32 million state-of-the-art Fitness Centre at Maiden Castle Sports and Wellbeing Park gives you access to the latest equipment and bespoke training programmes – all at a discounted price.
Finally there’s a health cash plan to help you manage the cost of everyday healthcare, such as dental, optical and therapy treatments, plus access to a 24/7 GP helpline.
Details of all of these can be found on the My Durham Reward Hub on SharePoint.