Rewards 582v6e

Rewards & Incentives

Performance-Related Bonus Scheme It is possible to use ANPAS (or any other performance appraisal system) solely for employee development and purposes. But many organizations will wish to link the appraisal process to specific reward and incentive outcomes. This is a perfectly legitimate objective. There are studies showing that employees find the process of appraisal more satisfying and credible when it is directly linked to reward outcomes. Brief Description Before we look at the step-by-step process for calculating the bonus, a quick overview will be helpful. The Bonus Plan first calculates a Bonus Fund. This is the actual amount of money that the organization is prepared to allocate for bonus use. Next, an average performance appraisal rating is determined for each employee. If an employee scores higher than a pre-determined level, he or she is bonus-eligible. The size of the bonus paid depends on the total number of Bonus Points to which an employee is entitled. The number of Bonus Points is determined by both the employee's performance (as reflected in their average rating) and the employee's current salary range. Finally, a simple formula is used to exactly allocate the money in the Bonus Fund to all eligible employees. Full Description There are five separate steps in the Bonus Plan Calculate the Bonus Fund Determine Bonus Eligibility Select Bonus Band

Select Salary Band Calculate Individual Bonuses Calculate the Bonus Fund The first step is to determine the amount of money that is available to pay the bonuses. It is suggested this amount be (usually) about 2.5% of the annual wage and salary bill. This amount is known as the Bonus Fund. The figure of 2.5% may be varied to reflect the policies, needs and circumstances of each organization. For example, a percentage of profit may be preferred, or even a percentage of profit increase. Obviously in such cases there will be no bonus due unless there is a profit or an increase in profit. Whatever method is selected, it is suggested the size of the final bonus payments (when calculated) should lie in the range 2% to 10% of the bonus recipient's base wage or salary. Determine Bonus Eligibility To be eligible for the bonus, the employee must achieve an Average Factor Rating (AFR) of 3.40 or better. The AFR is calculated by summing the ratings and dividing the result by seven. For example (4 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 5 + 3 + 4) / 7 = (26) / 7 = 3.71 This employee's AFR of 3.71 would make them eligible for the bonus. Select Bonus Band There are three Bonus Bands, B1, B2 and B3. The employee's Bonus Band depends on their AFR. The table below shows the AFR ranges for each Bonus Band, together with the Bonus Points that apply to each: Bonus Band

Average Factor Rating

Bonus Points

B1 (lower)

3.40 to 3.99

1

B2 (middle)

4.00 to 4.49

2

B3 (upper)

4.50 to 5.00

3

Select Salary Band

There are three Salary Bands S1, S2, S3. Those in the higher bands will receive proportionately larger bonuses. This is necessary to maintain compensation relativity and provide attractive incentives to employees on higher incomes. It is up to each organization to decide how it will define the lower, middle and upper bands. As a guide, the proportion of employees in each Salary Band should be about S1 60%, S2 30%, and S3 10%. The most common approach is to define bands according to wage and salary cut-off points; for example: S1... $0 p.a. to $30000 p.a. S2... $30001 p.a. to $50000 p.a. S3... $50001 p.a. and above Another approach is to use job evaluation cut-off points to achieve the same result, or to group employees loosely into categories, for example: S1... Junior and non-supervisory staff S2... Supervisors, specialists, middle managers S3... Senior and top managers The method chosen to classify employees into Salary Bands is not important, so long as it is systematic and reflects the general seniority structure of the organization. Once the Salary Band is known for each employee, the number of Bonus Points can be determined Salary Band

Bonus Points

S1 (lower)

1

S2 (middle)

2

S3 (upper)

3

Calculate Individual Bonuses For each individual, add up their total Bonus Points. Then each individual bonus is calculated by this formula -

This formula will exactly allocate to the recipients the total amount of money available in the Bonus Fund. Example There are 36 employees in the Purchasing Department of a medium-sized organization. The total (gross) annual wage and salary bill for the employees of this Department is $1,062,000. The Bonus Fund is set at $26,550 (2.5% of the total). Among the employees, 12 have received Average Factor Ratings of 3.40 or better (therefore they are "eligible for performance bonus").

Employee

Bonus Band

Salary Band

Total Bonus Points

Bonus Amount $

John

B1

S1

2

1609

Tony

B1

S1

2

1609

Judith

B1

S2

3

2414

Caitlin

B1

S1

2

1609

Robert

B1

S1

2

1609

Mitchell

B1

S1

2

1609

Sue

B1

S1

2

1609

Barbara

B1

S2

3

2414

Matt

B2

S3

5

4023

Peter

B2

S1

3

2414

Helena

B2

S2

4

3218

Sarah

B3

S1

3

2414

Totals

-

-

33

26551

Example In John's case bonus = (2 X 26551) / 33 = $1609 Example In Helena's case bonus = (4 X 26551) / 33 = $3218 Payment of Bonus While the bonus could be paid in a single lump sum, it is suggested that multiple smaller payments - bonus instalments - be paid throughout the next performance period (quarterly instalments may be ideal). A number of payments at intervals can do more to strengthen the link between performance and rewards than a single payment which is all but forgotten in a short time. It is also important that the bonus be paid by way of a separate check, pay packet or deposit. The payment will lose much of its impact if it is simply consolidated with normal pay. Every separate payment is a reminder to the employee of the value of his or her personal effort, and serves to encourage the type of behavior that leads to superior job performance.