Introduction Pay is a key factor affecting relationships at work. The level and distribution of pay and benefits can have a considerable effect on the efficiency of any organisation, and on the morale and productivity of the workforce. It is therefore vital that organisations develop pay systems that are appropriate for them, that provide value for money, and that reward workers fairly for the work they perform. Pay systems are methods of rewarding people for their contribution to the organisation. Ideally, systems should be clear and simple to follow so that workers can easily know how they are affected. In considering rewards it should be borne in mind that pay and financial benefits are not the only motivator for worker performance. Other important motivators for individuals may include job security, the intrinsic satisfaction in the job itself, recognition that they are doing their job well, and suitable training to enable them to develop potential.
What are pay systems? Key Points: Pay systems provide the foundation for financial reward systems There are basic rate systems, where the worker receives a fixed rate per hour/week/month with no additional payment There are systems related in whole or part to individual or group performance or profit There are systems based in part on the worker gaining and using additional skills or competencies Pay systems provide the bases on which an organisation rewards workers for their individual contribution, skill and performance. Pay structures are different - they are used to determine specific pay rates for particular jobs, usually based on the nature of the job, its content and requirements. A pay structure provides the framework within which the organisation places the pay rates for its various jobs or groups of jobs. Pay systems fall into two main categories:
• •
those where pay does not vary in relation to achievements or performance, (basic rate systems), and those where pay, or part pay,