Why compensation and benefits remain central to organisational credibility.

When we talk about an Employer Value Proposition (EVP), the conversation often moves quickly to culture, purpose or career development. Those things are hugely important and we will come to them later in this series, but there is one element that sits underneath everything else: Compensation & Benefits.

It is easy to think of these as just numbers and policies, but they say far more than that. They are a clear signal of how much an organisation values fairness, respect and its people. Before anyone engages with your culture or career opportunities, they want to know that the basics are in place and taken seriously.

Here is what we mean:

• Salary sets the tone for how much a role is valued.
• Bonuses and pensions give recognition and security.
• Pay reviews and transparency build confidence and trust.
• Holidays, flexibility and wellbeing support show genuine respect for balance.

For some people, these will be the deciding factor. For others, they are the reassurance that allows them to connect with the rest of your offer. Either way, no one overlooks them. This is where trust begins and without that trust, the rest of your EVP will not carry the same weight.

The takeaway for employers

Compensation & Benefits will not set you apart on their own, but getting them wrong will quickly put you at a disadvantage. It is not just about being competitive on paper; it is about being clear, fair and intentional. Ask yourself:

• Do our benefits reflect what people in our business really value?
• Are we open and transparent in how we manage pay and reviews?
• Do we show that we care about our people beyond their payslip?

The answers to those questions often make the difference between “standard” and “stand-out.”

Next time, we will look at Culture & Purpose and how these bring your EVP to life in ways that go beyond the numbers.

Want to learn more? Contact Lucy Miles or Marie Carroll to request a copy of our full EVP insights.

To access the other articles in this series, please see links below:

Employer Value Proposition (EVP): What It Is and Why You Need One

The BetterYou EVP: Where Wellbeing Leads the Way

Employer Value Proposition (EVP): The Power of Marginal Gains‍