Compensation and Benefits

 

Write a 3-5 page compensation and benefits package for a new expatriate position working for either Java Corp or an organization with which you are familiar.

Introduction

Structuring and communicating a total compensation package that meets regulatory requirements and the needs of a global workforce requires a delicate balancing act between what is required and what will contribute to an effective relationship between employer, employee, and the community or country in which the company operates. Communicating benefits programs to employees can be as important as the benefits themselves. Knowing how to leverage all available compensation options is a necessary skill for any HR professional.

Preparation

Research compensation and benefits for either Java Corp or an organization of your choice. A minimum of four resources are required to support your work.

Scenario

For this assessment, choose either option 1 or 2. You do not need to do both. You will apply one of these scenarios in the instructions below. Both options will be graded using the same scoring guide.

Option 1

You are the new HR manager for Java Corp, a domestic cold coffee and tea company. Java Corp is opening a new office in London, England. You are planning on filling one executive level position with a U.S. citizen. In the scenario, the employee filling the role can either be an existing employee or a new hire. The term of the initial assignment is two years. Design a compensation package for this position as the new HR manager.

Option 2

Choose an organization to use for this assessment. It can be where you are currently employed or a company with which you are familiar. It must be an organization that is researchable, as you will need to gather and analyze information to complete the assessment. You may use the same organization you have used in past assessments.

If you choose the organization where you are currently employed, please keep in mind that the analyses you make must be based on facts that can be documented rather than your personal opinion as an employee.

Research the compensation and benefits of the chosen organization. The company is opening a new branch office in London, England. You are planning on filling one executive level position with a U.S. citizen. This employee can be newly hired or an existing employee. The term of the initial assignment is two years. You are the new HR manager and must design a compensation package for this position.

Instructions

Create a compensation package for a new expatriate position. Include the following:

Pay or Salary

In this part:

  • Describe key factors and decisions to make regarding base pay.
    • Specifically, discuss how base pay would be determined, what factors influence base pay, and in what way.
    • Note: You do not need to indicate exact salary figures for this assessment.
  • Analyze pay considerations specific to expatriate positions.
    • Consider foreign service premium, incentive pay, hardship allowance, mobility premium, and the like.
Benefits

In this part:

  • Analyze legally required benefits for an employee.
    • Include social security, Medicare, federal and state unemployment, and workers compensation.
    • Also, discuss any legally required benefits that may be different in England compared to the United States.
  • Analyze standard benefit offerings.
    • Include health insurance, paid time off, employee assistance programs, et cetera.
    • Discuss factors that might influence these offerings such as company size, role of the employee, company location, et cetera.
  • Analyze the appropriateness of offering additional benefits or resources to employees facing an overseas work assignment that would ease their transition.
    • These types of benefits could include relocation assistance, home leave reimbursement, spousal support for finding work, cultural or language training, among others.
Additional Requirements

Your assessment should also meet the following requirements:

  • Length: 3-5 typed, double-spaced pages, plus a reference page.
  • Written communication: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly and professional. Your writing should be:
    • Concise and logically organized.
    • Free of errors in grammar and mechanics.
  • Validation and support: Use a minimum of four relevant and credible scholarly or professional resources such as the Wall Street Journal to support your work.
  • APA format: Format all citations and references in accordance with current APA guidelines. Refer to the Campus page for guidance.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:

  • Competency 1: Apply human resource strategies to business needs.
    • Analyze the appropriateness of offering additional benefits and resources for expatriate employees.
  • Competency 2: Analyze core functions of human resource management.
    • Describe key factors and decisions to make regarding base pay.
    • Analyze legally required benefits and standard benefit offerings for an employee.
  • Competency 3: Analyze the strategic value of human resource management within a competitive global business environment.
    • Analyze additional pay considerations for expatriate positions.
  • Competency 4: Communicate effectively in a scholarly and professional manner.
    • Apply APA formatting to in-text citations and references.
    • Convey purpose in an appropriate tone and style, incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.