The FINANCIAL — Employers appear to be loosening their purse strings as they shift their focus from cost control to rewarding top performers. Fifty-three percent of respondents in Xerox HR Services’ 2017 Compensation Planning Survey report that their highest priority in the coming year is to retain top talent.
The tenth annual survey found that while pay raises are expected to remain at three percent, consistent since 2012, nearly all survey participants who plan to offer lump sum payments in 2017 will do so to reward employees who have reached or are above their pay range maximums. In addition, 37 percent of employers intend to determine market pay adjustments for high potential employees.
“Attracting and retaining top talent is increasingly critical, and organizations need to continue – or start – finding creative ways to do so,” said John Gentry, president, Xerox HR Services. “These findings reflect a sign of optimism among employers as they shift gears from controlling costs to engagement.”
Over half (54 percent) of employers surveyed anticipate normal hiring in 2017.
Pay Communication Philosophy
Respondents showed enthusiasm when it comes to compensation communications with employees:
64 percent share their compensation philosophy and strategy.
69 percent communicate the value of total rewards.
59 percent provide updates on results related to organizational performance and the potential impact on pay.
Employers are least likely to share the full pay structure for jobs within the same class or group, or possible pay increases associated with particular levels of performance or steps within a pay structure, with employees.
“Organizations are acknowledging employees’ desire for more transparency around total rewards,” said Gentry. “Providing information on compensation philosophy and strategy, as well as business results, helps employees understand the effect on their pay and the value or their contributions to the organization.”
Xerox HR Services helps employers improve their HR programs through advisory, technology, and administrative services while enabling employees to better manage their health and wealth programs as well as their career development.
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