Total Compensation Survey Results Announced in Zambia

Sept. 13, 2009 - PRLog -- International human resources consultant Birches Group LLC has announced the results of their annual total compensation survey in Zambia.  The survey was conducted in Lusaka during the month of June 2009, capturing data from a broad cross-section of employers in the local labour market, including leaders in banking, trade and services,  consumer products, telecommunications, and international public sector organizations.

The survey results show an overall increase in total compensation of 21% in 2009 as compared to 2008.  Support staff positions increased an average of 17.5%, while professional staff salaries increased an average of 24.7%. High-level professionals and managers enjoyed the highest level of increases.

The compensation mix of the surveyed employers is moderately complex.  In addition to base salary, the survey found various bonuses, housing, and transportation-related benefits to be quite common.  Base salary makes up 50-70% of compensation packages for Professional staff, with 13th-month, transportation and performance-related bonuses and profit sharing arrangements comprising the remaining portion.  Company-provided vehicles, or the equivalent in cash allowances, are also frequently offered to managerial/executive levels as perquisites.

Support staff packages are largely dominated by base salary, which comprises 60-85% of total gross compensation. Thirteenth-month bonuses, fringe benefits and supplementary allowances often related to retention comprise the remainder of the package.

The presence of labour unions in the Zambian market has resulted in compensation packages that are determined by the market but influenced by collective bargaining agreements.

For more information about the survey results, or to obtain a copy of the full survey report, contact Birches Group in New York (+1-212-972-6970) or visit www.birchesgroup.com.

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Birches Group LLC is a specialized international HR consultancy focused on remuneration in the developing world, with an active program of compensation and benefit surveys in over 140 countries.