betterjobs

Free policy template · Word

Compensation Policy

A compensation policy states a company's overall pay philosophy — where it wants to sit against the market, the mix of fixed and variable pay, the benefits it offers and the principles of fairness and confidentiality behind pay decisions. Leadership approves it; detailed salary mechanics sit in a separate salary administration policy.

  • Editable Word (.docx)
  • Made for India
  • 13 fill-in fields highlighted
  • Free, no sign-up

Preview of the policy

[Highlighted] = fill in
[Company Logo][Company Name]

COMPENSATION POLICY

Policy No.:
[Reference Number]
Version:
[Version Number]
Effective Date:
[Date]
Policy Owner:
Human Resources
Approved By:
[Board / Compensation Committee]

1. Purpose

This policy describes how [Company Name] rewards its people. Our aim is to attract and retain talent, reward performance and remain fair and financially sustainable.

2. Scope

It applies to all employees. Directors' remuneration and sales incentive plans follow separate approvals but must be consistent with these principles.

3. Definitions

  • Total rewards: fixed pay, variable pay, benefits, recognition and long-term incentives.
  • CTC: the total annual cost to company of an employee, including employer statutory contributions.
  • Variable pay: pay linked to individual, team or company performance.
  • Market percentile: the position of our pay compared with benchmark companies.

4. Policy

  1. Pay philosophy: we target the [Number]th percentile of our benchmark market for fixed pay, and up to the [Number]th percentile for critical skills.
  2. Fixed pay is set within grade-wise pay bands as per the Salary Administration Policy.
  3. Variable pay is paid [annually / half-yearly] based on company and individual results, as shown in the table below.
  4. All eligible employees receive statutory benefits including PF, ESI, gratuity and statutory bonus where applicable.
  5. Company benefits include group health insurance of ₹[Amount] per family, term life cover of [Number] times annual fixed pay and [other benefits].
  6. Long-term incentives (ESOP/RSU) may be granted to selected roles as per the approved scheme.
  7. Pay is decided without discrimination on the basis of gender, religion, caste, disability or any other protected ground.
  8. Individual pay is confidential to the employee, HR and the approving managers.
LevelFixed Pay %Target Variable %Variable Basis
Leadership[Number]%[Number]%Company + individual
Managers[Number]%[Number]%Company + individual
Staff[Number]%[Number]%Individual

5. Procedure

  1. HR conducts market benchmarking every [Number] months.
  2. The annual compensation budget is proposed by HR and Finance and approved by [Authorised Signatory].
  3. Variable pay outcomes are calculated after annual results are finalised and paid by [Month].

6. Responsibilities

  • Board/Leadership: approve philosophy and budgets.
  • HR: design, benchmark and audit pay equity.
  • Finance: affordability and payment.
  • Managers: explain rewards to their teams.

7. Non-compliance

Pay commitments made outside this policy are not binding unless approved in writing. Breach of pay confidentiality by those with access to pay data may lead to disciplinary action.

8. Review & Approval

This policy is reviewed every [Number] years or earlier if business conditions or laws change.

Prepared by
[HR Name]
Human Resources
Approved by
[Authorised Signatory]
[Designation]
Date: [Date]

What this template includes

  • Pay philosophy — the market percentile you aim for and why
  • Total rewards components — fixed pay, variable pay, benefits, recognition, long-term incentives
  • Fixed-to-variable ratio by level — aligns pay with role impact
  • Statutory benefits — PF, ESI, gratuity, bonus and insurance as applicable
  • Pay equity principle — equal pay for equal work regardless of gender
  • Governance — who approves budgets, structures and exceptions

When to use it

  • A founder team wants to write down how the company pays before scaling hiring
  • Introducing variable pay or performance bonus for the first time
  • Investors or the board ask for an approved rewards framework
  • Explaining total rewards (salary, benefits, ESOPs) to employees

How to customise this template

  1. 1Choose your target market percentile and benchmark sources
  2. 2Fill the variable pay ratio table for each level
  3. 3List the benefits you actually provide, with ₹ cover amounts
  4. 4Name the compensation committee or approver
  5. 5Link to your salary administration, incentive and ESOP documents

HR tips

  • Keep the policy principle-based; put numbers that change yearly in annexures
  • Communicate total rewards, not just CTC, so employees value benefits
  • Audit pay equity by gender and role every year
  • Avoid promising guaranteed bonuses unless you intend them to be part of fixed pay

Compensation terms interact with minimum wage, bonus, PF, ESI, gratuity and equal remuneration requirements under the Labour Codes. Review this policy with legal and tax advisers before adoption.

For HR & hiring managers

Hire top talent from BetterJobs

Experienced and fresher candidates across India — blue, grey and white collar. Post a job in 5 minutes and start receiving applications.

  • Post in 5 minutesDescribe the role in one line — we write the job description.
  • Verified applicantsEvery applicant has a verified mobile number.
  • Resume databaseSearch experienced candidates by skill, city and experience.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a compensation policy and a salary structure?+

The compensation policy explains the principles and components of pay. The salary structure is the actual breakup of CTC into Basic, HRA, allowances and contributions for each employee.

What does 'pay at the 50th percentile' mean?+

It means the company aims to pay around the median of the market for comparable roles. Companies competing for scarce skills often target higher percentiles for those roles.

Is equal pay for men and women required by law?+

Yes. Indian law prohibits discrimination on the ground of gender in wages for the same work or work of a similar nature. The policy should state this and HR should check it in practice.

All 50 hr policies →