Elf help; Pampering staff.(How to keep your workforce happy, and at work)(concierge service offered in the United Kingom by UBS)(Brief Article)

Economist (US), The, July, 2001

A Swiss bank finds a cure for British absenteeism

DISHWASHER not working? Your elderly relative needs driving to Oxford? When such challenges hit you during a working day, the extra stress can eat into your performance--and that of your employer. Step in the "concierge service".

A telephone call to such an outfit unleashes willing elves to call car companies or repair services, or to wait at home for you until the plumber, electrician or new Aga arrives. Concierge services are the rage among top American companies. Of Fortune magazine's 100 "best companies to work for", 29 list concierge services as part of their employee benefits.

Now UBS, a big Swiss-owned bank, is offering a "lifestyle-management" programme to its staff in Britain. The...