Menu
close
The end of the year is the perfect time to take stock of how you reward your team, not just in terms of salary, but the full package of support, benefits, and recognition they receive.
Step 11 in the Plan, Profit, Prosper planner is all about making sure your people are paid fairly, motivated to stay, and equipped to help the business succeed in 2026.
A well-rewarded team is a motivated one. And small changes in pay or perks can have a big impact on morale, retention, and performance, especially heading into a new year.
Start by comparing your salaries with similar roles in your industry and region. The recruitment market in the UK continues to evolve, and falling behind could cost you your best people, or make hiring far more difficult.
Regular benchmarking gives you confidence that your pay structure is fair, up to date, and competitive. It also demonstrates to your team that you're paying attention to what matters.
As your people grow, so should their pay. If someone has taken on more responsibility, delivered consistently strong results, or helped improve processes, their contribution deserves to be recognised.
Reviewing individual performance alongside salary ensures fairness and shows that high standards are valued. When done right, this boosts morale, builds loyalty, and creates a culture of appreciation.
Your total reward package matters more than ever. In today's world, salary alone won't keep people engaged.
Pensions, holiday allowance, bonuses, private health cover, training, wellbeing support, and flexible working all contribute to how valued your team feels.
Offering benefits like free parking, cycle-to-work schemes or mental health support doesn't need to break the bank, but they make a big difference. In the UK, employees increasingly expect employers to support both career development and work–life balance. Make sure what you offer reflects those expectations.
Of course, any pay rise or bonus scheme must fit within your financial plan. Always forecast the impact before making decisions.
Whether it’s a 3% salary increase, a one-off bonus, or a new benefit scheme, factor it into your budget, cashflow, and pricing. This ensures you're rewarding fairly without risking your business's stability.
A well-rewarded team is a motivated team. By taking a few proactive steps now, you can boost retention, reduce recruitment headaches, and start 2026 with a happier, more engaged workforce.
📥 Use Step 11 of the Plan, Profit, Prosper planner to review your team’s pay and benefits today.
If you’d like a second pair of eyes on your salary structure, or want help forecasting the cost of changes, we’re here to help.
