Effective reward ensures effective engagement

Abstract

Purpose

Operating in an increasingly complex and competitive market, Gemserv’s prime objective in reviewing its reward and benefits strategy was to help attract, engage and retain key staff. They wanted to achieve this by having a better understanding of employees needs and then creating and communicating a compelling total reward proposition.

Design/methodology/approach

Gemserv wanted to encourage and reward performance linking it to individual long-term career and corporate growth aspirations. The company set out to achieve this by focussing on creating an “Employee Deal” that: Strengthened the link between contribution and performance to enhance perceptions of rewarding exceptional performance; and incentivised individual and team performance to make a real difference and achieve long-term growth aspirations.

Findings

Beyond all the talk of strategy, talent retention and corporate advantage, Gemserv believes that the biggest result has been seen in the high levels of staff perception of, and participation in, the programme and, consequently, hugely improved employee engagement.

Originality/value

Gemserv’s senior management benefited from a deeper insight into employee perceptions, aspirations and requirements covering a wide range of areas. Gemserv is now more transparent around the process, the decision-making and is truly honest on pay and benefits positioning – and how that can be effectively aligned with business objectives.

Citation

Lardner, S. (2015), "Effective reward ensures effective engagement", Strategic HR Review, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 131-134. https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-06-2015-0050