Ken Abosch

The good news is that after seeing very significant reduced spending overall, companies are projecting a slight recovery for 2003.

The good news is that after seeing very significant reduced spending overall, companies are projecting a slight recovery for 2003.

We may never see base salary increases in the mid-to-upper 4 percent range again.

We may never see base salary increases in the mid-to-upper 4 percent range again.

Employers recognize that the value in tying awards to performance, as opposed to the holidays, better connects employees to the read more

Employers recognize that the value in tying awards to performance, as opposed to the holidays, better connects employees to the company's goals and objectives, eliminates 'entitlement' issues, and leads to increased productivity and improved business results.

Variable pay is designed to help employees concentrate on company goals and objectives, while eliminating 'entitlement' issues that often arise read more

Variable pay is designed to help employees concentrate on company goals and objectives, while eliminating 'entitlement' issues that often arise with a holiday bonus.

Most employees view base salary as a barometer of their worth, so thinking about a steady decrease in the amount read more

Most employees view base salary as a barometer of their worth, so thinking about a steady decrease in the amount of money being provided to them has had a psychological impact. That's why organizations looked to variable pay as a way to counteract that -- until recently.