Employee Compensation Policy: A Comprehensive Guide for Empl

Employee compensation policy is the organized plan a company follows to decide how it compensates its employees for their efforts. It involves numerous elements, such as salaries, wages, bonuses, benefits, and incentives. 

One of the most essential duties of a company is to ensure a healthy and safe working environment. In the misfortune of an Employee suffering an injury to his body (temporary or permanent), or death whilst in the service,

Employer is bound under law to give compensation to the Employee under the Employee's Compensation Act 1923 and further amendments of the said Act, The Fatal Accidents Act 1855, and at Common Law. Protection is afforded by the policy against this statutory obligation. In the Indian context with the arrival of global work environment and growing employee right awareness that can mean expensive lawsuits and huge compensation the policy offers a shield to the employers. The Workmen's Compensation Insurance Policy covers legal liability for compensation to your employees in case of bodily injury or death arising due to accidents / occupational diseases arising out of and in the course of employment. The workmen's compensation insurance is the most important way an employer can show the capacity to meet the requirements placed by the worker's compensation laws. It is payment made under an arrangement provided in the Workmen's Compensation Act of India, regulated by the Ministry of Labour.

All manufacturing units with workers who come under the jurisdiction of the Workmen's Compensation Insurance Act, 1923 have Employers' Liability exposures under the Act.

All business organizations have Employers' Liability exposures under Common Law and such organizations constitute the target market for this class of business.

What is Workmen's Compensation Insurance?

• Comprehensive coverage of all statutory obligations of employers
• Reimbursement of legal costs incurred with the consent of the company
• Covers employees' death, permanent total and partial disability, and temporary disability when at work
• Optional coverage of medical, surgical and hospital costs, including transportation cost to hospital, on payment of additional premium
• Extension of the policy on payment of additional premium to include workmen's diseases enumerated in the Workmen's Compensation Act

Workmen's Compensation Insurance covers two types of insurance under Table A and Table B:

Table A:

Indemnity against legal liability to all employees (whether or not coming within the definition of the term Workmen) under the Workmen's Compensation Act 1923 and any subsequent amendments to the said Act up to and including the date of issue of the policy, the Fatal Accidents Act, 1855, and at Common Law.

Table B:

Indemnity for legal liability under the Fatal Accidents Act, 1855 and Common Law. (Table 'B' policies might not be written to indemnify the employees falling under the definition of "Workmen" under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923 as amended.

Why employers need a compensation policy

A compensation policy is a valuable and necessary instrument for any business. Compensation policies assist employers with the following:

Ensure equitable pay

Compensation policies establish a guideline for offering equitable pay and benefits to employees. Compensation usually has numerous variables, and policy simplifies the process to make sure that all employees are offered equal compensation for their efforts.

An international compensation policy also assists employers in controlling costs and budgets better to make sure they know the total cost of their employees and are able to pay their employees equally.

Stay competitive

A compensation policy enables an employer to compare their provision with the market. A company can maintain competitive wages relative to comparable roles and other firms within the sector to secure top employees.

Also, since employee values and auxiliary benefits differ by market, a global compensation policy enables employers to meet the demands and expectations of all their employees irrespective of the location.

Enhance engagement and retention

When employers pay talent equitably, employees feel more motivated and give their best efforts. A good compensation policy can result in high employee engagement, productivity, and organizational loyalty, all of which translate into low employee turnover.

A compensation policy also enables companies to attract, engage, and retain quality talent. Potential employees desire to be fairly compensated and generously supported for their well-being through good benefits.

Align employees' work with business goals

A well-defined compensation policy enables the employees to know how their work contributes to the organization's goals and objectives. For instance, when organizations connect economic rewards to business achievements, employees are more aware of how their job performance contributes to the business's success and how they can earn more money for their dedication.

The policy indemnifies the Insured/Employer against his liability as an "employer" for the accidental injuries (including fatal) suffered by the workers during work. All employers, such as contractors or principals, hiring and engaging 'employees' as defined in the Employees' Compensation Act or having an employer-employee relationship are eligible to purchase this cover.