In this time of an unsettled economy does anything show confidence in your employees more than a payrise?

[SnapD]

Is a small payrise better than a one-off bonus?

And intangible benefits better than either?

How do small businesses evaluate it & make this sort of decision?

[newgirl]

small payrise is better than lump bonus as it shows an ongoing commitment

childcare vouchers/scheme is valuable

i can't think of any other benefit that would show confidence and make a real difference to me at this time

[SnapD]

That's what I thought

I would be very small though

Is extra leave better?

[callmeovercautious]

Do you run a group private pension? If so you could make it a salary sacrifice one. Not very common but if you speak to your FA they should know about them.

Also I second Childcare vouchers.

Extra paid leave is one option but tbh it cost you money as a business. Can you promote a one day a month unpaid option?

I would take that rather than be made redundant.

[callmeovercautious]

Soryy - and yes a small payrise is better in the long run - if they are applying for a mortgage etc their basic Gross earnings are higher.

[SnapD]

Very small company (3 employees - all P/T, none use childcare or would want/need to & no apply for mortgages either )

No pension, as I think beyond my capabilities/finance

[SnapD]

Tricky isn't it

a pay rise of 3.75% seems so paltry

[trixymalixy]

3.75%!!!!

Most people I know have had a 1-2% pay rise this year.

I would have been delighted with 3.75%!!

[SnapD]

Really - it doesn't seem that much 'per hour' iyswim

[LadyMuck]

You sell it as an "above inflation" pay rise, not by looking at a pence per hour. I would have thought that that would send a very positive message tbh.

[newgirl]

extra days off would be fab if you can manage that as a business. you could give it as extra holiday so they can plan when to take it. good idea.

[SnapD]

I think it would be either pay rise or extra days tbh - times are tough

I guess I ask who wants what