Hot Compensation Issues for 2011

The bloggers from Compensation Cafe take a quick turn through a trio of topics that represent questions and issues many of us are thinking about and dealing with going into the New Year:

Topic 1: Cash versus Recognition
Salaries have been in a suppressed state due to the tough economy, salary freezes/cutbacks and record low salary increase levels. Can we make recognition succeed in this environment? If so, how? Will employees respond to non-cash rewards when/if they are feeling underpaid? What advice can we share with listeners striving to make their recognition programs a hit in 2011?

Topic 2: Salaries versus Incentives (Fixed Cash versus Variable Cash)
Research suggests variable pay opportunities are growing more quickly than salary levels and that incentives are playing an increasing role in all employee’s pay packages. Do we buy this? Will employees buy this? Will this hold true as the labor market recovers and salary pressure grows?

Topic 3: Cash versus Learning and Development
Are learning and development legitimate forms of compensation? Will people accept training and growth opportunities in lieu of more money – particularly as the economy grows stronger? What advice can we offer listeners looking to make learning and development a more prominent piece of their total reward package in 2011?

If you enjoyed this discussion, you won't want to miss Human Resources IQ's Online Compensation & Rewards Summit 2011, January 18 - February 10.