HR’s Guide to Prorated Salary

Ensuring accurate and timely payroll is a cornerstone of any successful HR department. But what happens when an employee doesn’t work a full pay period? Understanding prorated salary meaning is essential for handling these scenarios effectively. This guide will break down everything you need to know about calculating and processing prorated salary.

What is a prorated salary?

A prorated salary, also known as pro rata salary, refers to a wage that is calculated based on the hours worked in relation to a full-time schedule. This can happen when someone starts or leaves mid-pay period, or takes unpaid leave. It is also a proportional payment system commonly used for part-time and contract jobs.

It is essential to have a clear understanding of the prorated salary meaning due to the following reasons:

Fairness and equity: Having a prorated salary structure ensures employees are paid fairly for time worked. Employees are paid in proportion to the time they invest in the work, ensuring they receive compensation that reflects their actual contribution to the role or project.

Encourages flexibility: By accommodating various arrangements, such as part-time work and temporary contracts, this gives more room for flexibility in the workplace. Offering a prorated salary provides a form of flexibility that can attract a diverse range of talent and meet the needs of both employees and employers, promoting work-life balance in the office.

Retains talent: For employees who may need temporary modifications to their work schedule or reduced hours due to personal circumstances, offering a prorated salary remains a useful tool in retaining these talents.

Read next: The Cost of Recruitment: HR’s Guide to Creating, Tracking and Implementing a Salary Budget

When will a salary be prorated?

prorated salary meaning

There are several situations where an employer can use a pro rata salary, such aàs part-time work or when an employee doesn’t work a full year. In these cases, prorated salary meaning is calculated based on the amount of time worked compared to the amount of time a full-time employee would be expected to work. Further examples are shown below:

Starting new job in the middle of pay period

For new salaried employees who start working for a company in the middle of the pay period, the method of payment for the first paycheck would be a prorated salary.

Since they haven’t worked the entire pay period, their first paycheck will reflect the portion of the period they actually were employed. It’s essentially a partial payment until the next regular paycheck, which will cover a full pay period.

For example:
An employee starts a new job on 15 September. The company has a biweekly pay period (pays every two weeks). In this case, their first paycheck would be prorated for the second half of September (from 15 September to 31 September).

Leaving or terminated from a job in the middle of pay period

An employer is entitled to terminate the appointment of an employee in accordance with the terms of the relevant contract of employment. A periodic employee is one who receives a salary per calendar month. The common practice is that a periodic employee whose appointment is terminated in the course of a particular month receives a pro rata salary for the number of days they worked in the exit month.

Received a promotion or pay raise in the middle of pay period

In this case, an employee’s paycheck will likely reflect two different pay rates. The beginning portion will be based on their original salary, and the remaining part will reflect their new higher salary. This ensures a smooth transition in an employee’s pay, reflecting the raise.

For example, a team member gets promoted on 1 September, with a raise included. Their September paycheck would likely show two separate earnings amounts:
The first half would reflect their original salary for the days worked before the promotion (1 August to 31 August).
The second half would show their new, higher salary for the days worked after the promotion (from 1 September to 15 September, assuming a biweekly pay period).

Relevant reads: Understanding and Administering Salary Adjustments

Working part-time with a fixed salary

Working part-time requires an employee to work fewer hours than a full-time schedule. Since a full-time salary represents a set amount for a full workload, a part-time employee logically earns a proportional amount based on their reduced hours.

Shortened workweeks due to holidays

If there are holidays that fall within a pay period and cause a reduction in an employee’s scheduled work hours, they might receive a prorated salary to reflect the fewer hours worked due to the holiday.

However, this depends on your company’s policy for holiday pay. Some employers might provide paid holidays where your pay wouldn’t be affected.

Taking unpaid leave

Unpaid leave refers to time off where an employee does not accrue regular pay. Since the individual is not working during this period, they would receive a prorated salary from their employer which would account for the days they were on leave and didn’t work.

Calculating Prorated Salary

While determining the prorated salary meaning can be complex in certain situations, here’s a simplified step-by-step process employers and HR managers can use for calculating prorated salary meaning:

1. Divide annual salary by number of weeks in a year

In order to calculate prorated salary, you’ll need to determine the exact number of days the employee worked and multiply the findings by the daily pay rate.

Prorated salary = (number of days worked) × (daily pay rate)

However, you cannot jump right in by making the above calculations. To get the daily pay rate, you’d have to follow a number of steps.

This first step involves converting the annual salary into a weekly amount. Annual salary refers to the total amount of income earned in a year. You need to calculate the total pay of the employee for the entire pay period (the whole year) without making any adjustments.

The next thing is to divide the employee’s yearly salary by the number of weeks in a year (typically 52 weeks). This gives you their weekly equivalent pay.

2. Divide weekly salary by the number of days employee normally works in a week

Next, you need to determine the employee’s daily pay rate. To do this, you’ll have to divide the weekly salary obtained in step 1 by the number of days the employee usually works in a week.

3. Multiply employee’s daily rate by the number of days employee worked in the pay period

This is where you get the prorated salary meaning amount. Multiply the daily rate (just calculated above) by the number of days the employee actually worked in the pay period.

Hence, we’ve arrived at our formula from the beginning:

Prorated salary = (number of days worked) × (daily rate)

Although there are some additional factors to consider, the steps outlined above are not a one-size-fits-all approach to calculating prorated salary meaning, due to varying circumstances.

For example, the steps above indicate that you’re prorating for a specific pay period, such as a biweekly paycheck. The timeframe may vary and adjustments may be necessary if prorating for a different period.

Also, if the employee took an unpaid leave during the pay period, you’ll need to factor that into the number of days or hours worked when understanding the prorated salary meaning.

Let’s look at further examples of how an employee’s pro rata salary can be calculated considering each factor listed above.

Example 1: New Employee – Biweekly Pay

Sarah is a new employee who starts on a Wednesday in the middle of a pay period. Sarah’s annual salary is $60,000, and your company uses a biweekly (every two weeks) pay schedule. Employees typically work 5 days a week (40 hours).

Step 1: Annual Salary to Weekly Salary

Weekly Salary = $60,000 / 52 weeks/year = $1,153.85

Step 2: Weekly Salary to Daily Rate

Daily Rate = $1,153.85 / 5 days/week = $230.77

Step 3: Daily Rate to Prorated Pay (since she starts mid-pay period)

Sarah worked three days (Thursday, Friday, and Tuesday of next week) in this biweekly pay period.

Sarah’s pro rata salary for her first biweekly pay period would be: 

Prorated Salary = $230.77/day × 3 days = $692.31

Example 2: Employee Taking Unpaid Leave – Monthly Pay

Jeremy is a salaried employee who makes $72,000 annually and is paid monthly.  Jeremy usually works 20 days a month, but he will be taking 3 unpaid vacation days during the upcoming pay period.

Step 1: Annual Salary to Monthly Salary

Monthly Salary = $72,000 / 12 months/year = $6,000

Step 2: Monthly Salary to Daily Rate

Daily Rate = $6,000 / 20 days/month = $300

Step 3: Daily Rate to Prorated Pay (considering unpaid leave)

Jeremy will be working 17 days (20 total – 3 vacation days) during this pay period.

Jeremy’s pro rata salary for this period will be: 

Prorated Salary = $300/day × 17 days = $5,100

Additional reading and tool: Payroll Template and Guide for HR Teams

Will statutory deductions be prorated?

Statutory deductions are mandatory contributions withheld from an employee’s salary by law. These typically include income tax, social security, and other government programs.

The deduction is prorated when an employee’s pro rata salary covers a portion of a pay period, such as starting a new job mid-month or leaving one mid-month. The general rule is that deductions will be calculated based on the proportion of the pay period during which they worked.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the process:

  • Gross Salary: The individual’s total pay before deductions.
  • Pay Period: The timeframe their salary covers (e.g., biweekly, monthly).
  • Days Worked: The number of days an employee worked within the pay period.

How to prorate statutory deductions?

There’s no one-size-fits-all method, but here are some common approaches:

Daily basis: Divide the monthly statutory deduction amount by the number of working days in the month and multiply by the number of days the employee worked.

Percentage basis: Calculate the percentage of the month in which the employee worked and apply that percentage to their monthly statutory deduction.

However, the specifics of statutory deductions and proration will vary depending on the country, employer, and type of deduction. For example, in Singapore prorated salaries are subject to income tax and Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions. Employees who receive prorated salaries must declare their income accurately and file their tax returns on time with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Therefore, It’s important to consult your local employment laws and regulations for any specific requirements regarding prorated salaries.

Read next: Payroll Singapore Reference Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Easily Navigate Prorated Salary with Omni Payroll

pro rata

Book a demo with our team today!

Prorated salary ensures fairness and transparency, boosting employee motivation and employee satisfaction, leading to higher productivity and reduced attrition rates. Given its benefits, implementing a pro rata salary structure is crucial for modern growing businesses. Thankfully, managing it doesn’t have to be complicated, thanks to HR tools.

All-in-one HR softwares like Omni can help you and your company efficiently tackle the pro rata salary process. By streamlining processes and gathering valuable insights through data analytics, our software can provide an ideal framework for businesses invested in creating a fair and transparent workplace culture.

Omni makes it easier than ever to calculate accurate employee prorated salary payments and tax calculations through automation that saves time and reduces errors. And with automated payroll information synchronization, end of month processing becomes a streamlined and seamless effort.

Our expert support and assistance is tailored to your businesses unique requirements and local regulations. Chat with the Omni team to learn more about how our HRIS solution can help you supercharge your business operations as you grow.

How to Compute Overtime Pay in the Philippines

A study found that 71% of employees worked overtime at least once a week. While this can boost productivity, failing to compensate your employees for these extra hours violates a major Philippines labor law. 

ADP Research Institute reports that unpaid overtime increased from an average of 7.3 hours a week in 2020 to 9.2 hours per week in 2021. This trend is concerning in a country like the Philippines, where protecting employees and ensuring fair compensation are priorities.

When it comes down to how to compute overtime pay Philippines, it can be complex for HR professionals and business owners, especially if they are not familiar with the labor laws. Manual methods can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

This guide explains how to compute overtime pay Philippines, helping you navigate this process and ensuring compliance with labor laws.

What is overtime pay?

Overtime pay is a crucial component of how to compute overtime pay and is mandated by Philippine labor law, governed by the Labor Code, as it compensates employees for working beyond regular hours. 

The law stipulates normal work hours of eight per day or 48 per week, with overtime pay rates varying depending on the day. For instance, on regular workdays, overtime pay is set at 25% of the regular hourly rate, while on rest days and holidays, it is 30% of the hourly rate.

This compensation is designed to protect employees from exploitation and ensure fair pay. HR teams and employers should foster transparency in their company culture. The essence of overtime pay is to protect employees from exploitation and ensure they receive fair compensation for their work. Understanding how to compute overtime pay rates accurately is essential to avoid errors.

What are the types of overtime pay?

In the Philippines, there are specific labor laws governing overtime pay. These regulations state the types of overtime pay and the different rates for regular days, special days, rest days, and holidays. 

1. Regular day overtime 

Employees get this compensation when they work overtime on ordinary work days

2. Rest day overtime 

This is the compensation for employees who work during their rest days. Usually, rest days are at least 24 hours after every six consecutive regular work days. 

3. Special holiday overtime 

When employees work on a day the government declares as a public holiday, they are to be compensated with extra pay for the additional hours rendered.

4. Regular holiday overtime

This is the pay for working on regular holidays like Christmas, Eid’l Fitr, Maundy Thursday, Christmas, or New Year’s Day.

5. Emergency overtime

This is the payment for work done during war, natural disasters, or emergencies when urgent work is needed to prevent loss of life or damage.

In addition to understanding how to compute overtime pay Philippines, it’s crucial to use an accurate formula that takes into account specific circumstances and labor regulations. This is necessary because computations differ for each additional hour worked, and employees can earn more based on the type of overtime pay.

For example, when employees work on a special holiday, they should receive an additional payment of at least 30% of their regular wage. If the holiday falls on their scheduled rest day, the employee is entitled to an extra rate of at least 50% of their regular wage. 

Who is eligible for overtime?

overtime pay formula

To learn how to compute overtime pay Philippines, it is important to first understand who is eligible for overtime. Regular employees are eligible for overtime pay. However, exceptions include:

  • Managerial employees

These are employees whose main job involves supervising the company, a department, or other management team members. Managerial employees aren’t entitled to overtime pay when they exceed eight working hours.

  • Field personnel

This refers to non-agricultural employees who carry out their duties outside the principal place of business. They’re not eligible because their actual work hours in the field aren’t certain. 

  • Retail and service establishments

Retail and service establishments with less than ten workers are not eligible for overtime pay.

Other employees not eligible for overtime, as provided under Article 82 of the Labor Code, are:

  • The employer’s family members depend on them for support.
  • Domestic helpers 
  • Individuals in the personal service of another
  • Workers are paid by results determined by the Secretary of Labor in appropriate regulations.

When can employers require overtime work?

The Labor Code spells out the requirement for overtime work Philippines and provides a legal framework for fair compensation. Per the code, employers can request overtime work during:

  • National emergencies

The National Assembly or the Chief Executive can declare a national emergency during situations that threaten the nation’s security, economy, or welfare. Such emergencies include natural disasters, terrorist attacks, economic crises, and public health emergencies. You can request overtime work during this period.

  • Local emergencies

Demand extra work during certain events threatening public safety, health, or property within a particular city, state, or town. Such local emergencies include natural disasters, power outages, pandemics, or other unforeseen emergencies.

  • Urgent tasks on machines, installations, or equipment

When your company’s machines, installations, or equipment need urgent fixing, you’re entitled to demand extra hours.

  • Prevent loss or damage to perishable goods

Request additional working hours when needed to avoid the loss or damage of certain goods. However, you must be sure the situation requires overtime work by considering the nature of the perishable goods, how urgent they are, and the likely consequences of not acting on time.

  • Abnormal pressure of work due to special circumstances

Ask employees to work overtime when there’s much extra work due to special situations. This request should be made when alternatives like outsourcing tasks, hiring makeshift workers, or adjusting schedules are difficult to adopt.

  • Completion of work needed before the regular 8-hour workday

Employees can work extra hours if needed to complete or continue a task started before the eighth hour to avoid serious problems for business operations. 

Can employees request or refuse overtime work?

Employees can request overtime to extend their working hours beyond the regular schedule, but approval depends on factors like labor laws, operational needs and company policies. 

HR teams consider factors such as performance, availability, budget, workload, and staffing levels when granting these requests.

Overtime work in the Philippines is voluntary, and employers should not compel employees to work beyond their standard hours. However, compulsory overtime is allowed during emergencies, imminent losses, or critical business situations. Refusal to work additional hours during such circumstances may lead to disciplinary actions or termination. 

How to compute overtime pay Philippines?

Paying for overtime has the advantage of boosting employee productivity. The additional compensation enhances employee engagement, motivating employees to strive harder to achieve goals. Ultimately, this approach ensures that every hour worked is fairly compensated in accordance with the law.

However, it all begins with an accurate overtime pay formula to properly show you how to compute overtime pay. This process may appear complex at first glance. For example, you cannot simply calculate overtime pay by multiplying additional hours worked by a fixed rate. Instead, you must adhere to the specific regulations that govern how to compute overtime pay Philippines.

1. Determine the regular hourly rate

The first step on how to compute overtime pay Philippines is to set the hourly rate. As we established previously, the standard working hours in the Philippines are eight hours per day or 48 hours per week. So, to get the regular hourly rate, work with the employee’s salary or daily wage.

Read next: Philippines Minimum Wage Guide for Employers

Say you’re in the Davao region, and your company is in the non-plantation agricultural sector. The Philippine minimum wage for this sector is ₱457 per day. To get the hourly rate, divide the daily wage by eight hours.

For example: ₱457/8= ₱57.125 as hourly rate.

On the other hand, you’ll have to determine the daily wage if you’re working based on salaries. 

For example: if an employee earns ₱50,000 monthly and works 22 days per month, the daily wage would be:

₱50,000 / 22 = ₱2272.727

Now, to get the hourly rate, divide the daily wage by 8:

 ₱2,272.727 / 8 = ₱284.09 

2. Identify the applicable overtime rate

Up next on how to compute overtime pay, identify the applicable overtime rate, which typically ranges from 125% to 200% of the employee’s regular wage rate, with higher rates during rest days and holidays. 

Since the overtime rate depends on the type of overtime, here are examples of applicable rates per day:

  • Regular work day: 25% wage increase for each hour.
  • Rest day or special day: 30% wage increase per hour.
  • Special holiday that falls on a scheduled work day: 50% wage increase. 
  • Regular holiday: 30% wage increase.
  • Overtime work falling on a scheduled rest day: 30% wage increase.
  • Night shift: at least a 10% wage increase for each hour.

3. Calculate the overtime hours

The next step on how to compute overtime pay is to calculate the extra hours worked for overtime pay. For example, if an employee worked overtime for a day, that would be eight hours. If they worked an additional two hours, the overtime would be two hours. This information is crucial for the subsequent steps in the overtime pay formula.

4. Compute the overtime pay

Compute the overtime pay depending on the applicable OT rate. 

For example, using the 25% overtime rate for a regular workday:

Multiply the hourly rate by 125%, that is 1.25. 

If the base hourly rate is ₱100, the overtime pay per hour will be ₱125.

5. Add up the total overtime pay

The final step on how to compute overtime pay Philippines is to add up the total overtime pay. 

If an employee works two extra hours on a regular workday at an hourly rate of ₱100, their overtime pay would amount to ₱125 X 2, totalling an additional ₱250 to their regular wage. Working two hours for five days in a week would result in an additional of ₱1250 to their regular wage by the end of the week.

Calculating overtime pay for night shift employees

Employees who work between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am are entitled to a night shift differential (NSD) of at least 10% of their regular hourly wage.

In this case, the steps above to compute overtime pay for night-shift employees still apply.

For example, if an employee worked two additional hours during a night shift and their hourly wage was ₱100, it’ll amount to:

₱100 x 10% = ₱10 + ₱100 = ₱110 as the NSD rate.

₱110 x 1.25 = ₱137.50 as the overtime rate.

₱137.50 x 2 hours = ₱275 as overtime pay.

Ways to Ensure Responsible Overtime Practices

how to compute overtime pay Philippines

Overtime can boost productivity and income in a company. However, knowing how to compute overtime pay Philippines is just the beginning; effectively managing the process is equally important. 

Failure to manage extra working hours properly can lead to serious consequences, including a lack of work-life balance, employee burnout, reduced engagement, and ironically, lower productivity.

To mitigate these risks, consider these steps to manage your employees’ overtime effectively: 

Plan and schedule work effectively

Forecast workload changes by reviewing past data and business trends. This prepares you and leaves enough room to add extra working hours to the company’s schedule. Then, set realistic goals and delegate tasks based on importance and urgency for better execution.

Compensate employees fairly

Fair compensation is a fundamental aspect of the Philippine labor code and a key driver of employee motivation. By following the steps outlined on how to compute overtime pay Philippines, your company will give employees fair payment for additional hours worked.

Maintain clear communication and accurate records

Effective communication is essential in any organization. Internal communication channels should facilitate this to ensure employees provide prompt responses and feedback. It’s also important to align communication with your company values. Use channels such as newsletters, emails, communication apps, and 1-on-1 meetings to enhance communication and involve everyone, including remote workers.

Additionally, maintaining accurate records of employees on your payroll is crucial. Managing performance ensures alignment with your company’s remuneration and goals. Secure employee records allow HR teams to easily access employment contracts and necessary documents to assist with how to compute overtime pay Philippines and other wage adjustments. This approach helps in developing a company culture that fosters employee satisfaction and growth.

Promote healthy work-life balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a crucial aspect for employee well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction. Encourage employees to manage their time effectively and prioritize their health, relationships, and interests outside of work. 

Provide support through flexible work arrangements, rest periods, clear communication of expectations, time off, and activities that enhance mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Optimize Overtime Management with HR Tools

Ensuring accuracy in computing overtime pay is crucial for both employees and employers. It not only helps in complying with labor laws but also fosters trust and fairness in the workplace. 

Additionally, optimizing overtime management with HR tools like Omni can streamline processes, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency on how to compute overtime pay Philippines. 

With features like support for Philippine peso, automated tax calculations, and managed SSS, PhilHealth and PAG-IBIG contributions, Omni can help HR simplify the overtime pay formula and ensure compliance to the Labor Code with ease. 

Book a demo with us today and see how Omni can simplify the intricacies and complexities on how to compute overtime pay in the Philippines and minimize the costs associated with common errors.

The Employer’s Guide to Labor Codes in the Philippines

What is the Philippine Labor Code?

The Philippine Labor Code is a comprehensive legal framework designed to regulate employment practices, labor relations, and company standards within the Philippines. Established to protect the rights and welfare of workers, the Code sets forth the legal standards for wages, working hours, benefits, and conditions of employment. 

It serves as the cornerstone for labor relations, providing mechanisms for dispute resolutions between employers and employees and ensuring fair labor practices. The Labor Code of the Philippines 2024 is dynamic, periodically updated to address the evolving needs of the workforce and the economy, making it essential for employers in medium-sized businesses across APAC to stay informed and compliant to foster a positive work environment. 

Who is covered under the Labor Code?

The Labor Code of the Philippines 2024 encompasses a wide range of individuals within the employment sphere, aiming to provide comprehensive protections and standards across various employment types. Specifically, it covers:

  • Regular employees: Those who perform activities necessary to the usual business operations of the employer, signifying a long-term relationship.
  • Project employees: Individuals with fixed employment for a specific project, of which the employer specifies the duration and scope at the engagement time.
  • Seasonal employees: Workers employed for tasks or activities that are seasonal in nature, and their employment is limited to the duration of the season.
  • Casual employees: Those engaged in work that is not part of the employer’s regular business and is only occasional or temporary.
  • Probationary employees: Employees on trial during a given period, allowing the employer to determine their suitability for regular employment based on standards made known to the employee at the time of engagement.

Additionally, the Labor Code provides specific provisions for domestic workers, known locally as “Kasambahay,” covering their rights and welfare distinctly.

However, the Labor Code excludes certain groups from its coverage, including government employees governed by civil service regulations, international organizations with diplomatic immunities, and individuals in the informal sector under specific conditions.

This broad coverage ensures that the vast majority of workers in the Philippines are protected under labor laws, promoting fair treatment in the company and providing mechanisms for resolving employment disputes. Understanding this coverage as HR teams and business owners is essential in developing policies compliant with the Labor Code of the Philippines 2024, fostering a sound and supportive work environment.

What are the types of employment?

Labor Code of the Philippines 2024

The Labor Code of the Philippines 2024 defines various types of employment to accommodate the diverse nature of work arrangements and industry practices. Understanding these classifications is crucial for HR teams and business owners to ensure compliance with labor standards and foster a productive work environment. Here’s a breakdown:

Regular employment

This type signifies a permanent employment status, where an employee performs tasks necessary to the business’s operation. The Labor Code ensures that regular employees are entitled to full benefits and job security, including the right to unionize and receive employer-contributed social, health, and welfare benefits.

Project employment

Employers hire project employees for specific projects or undertakings with predetermined durations. The employment automatically ends at the project’s conclusion. While project employees receive the same benefits as regular employees during their project’s term, they lack tenure security after the project finishes.

Seasonal employment

Similar to project employment, employers hire seasonal employees for work that aligns with the seasonality of the operation, and the employment lasts only as long as the season does. One may consider these employees as regular employees, but this status lasts only during the season of their employment.

Casual employment

Casual employment involves hiring workers for tasks not typically essential to the employer’s main business. Employers may consider a casual employee as a regular employee with respect to the performed activity if they work for at least one year, continuously or intermittently.

Fixed-period employment

Also known as term or contract employment, this arrangement involves an employee agreeing to provide services for a specific period. This type of employment remains valid only when based on the intrinsic quality of the work and not aimed at circumventing workers’ tenure rights.

For modern, medium-sized businesses in APAC with a progressive mindset, recognizing these employment types and their respective rights, benefits, and limitations is key to managing a happier team. Proper classification avoids legal pitfalls and fosters a better company culture by ensuring employee engagement under fair and clear terms.

What are the key provisions of the Labor Code?

The Labor Code of the Philippines 2024 provides a framework of rights and standards aimed at protecting workers while ensuring that employers can maintain a productive and efficient workforce. Here are some of the key provisions outlined in the labor code that HR teams and business owners should be aware of:

Minimum wage

The Labor Code of the Philippines 2024 requires employers to pay a minimum wage for workers, which varies across regions to account for the differential cost of living. Employers must comply with the Philippines minimum wage rates, ensuring that employees receive fair compensation for their labor.

Read next: Philippines Minimum Wage Guide for Employers

Working hours

Standard working hours are set at eight hours per day, for a total of 48 hours per week. Employers must compensate employees at a higher rate for hours worked beyond the standard, known as overtime pay.

Night shift differential

Employees who work between 10 PM and 6 AM are entitled to a night shift differential of at least 10% of their regular wage. This provision ensures fair compensation for workers contributing labor during less desirable hours.

Rest days

The Labor Code guarantees employees a minimum of one rest day after every six consecutive workdays. This provision enables them to rest, recover, and allocate time for personal activities or spending time with family, thereby helping to prevent employee burnout.

Maternity & paternity leave

Female employees are entitled to maternity leave benefits, while male employees can avail of paternity leave, supporting parents in balancing their work and family responsibilities.

Parental leave

In addition to maternity and paternity leave, the law allows qualified solo parents to take parental leave, acknowledging the unique challenges single-parent families face.

13th month pay

Employers must give their employees a 13th-month pay, equal to 1/12 of the total basic salary an employee earns within a calendar year, and pay it on or before December 24th each year. This practice serves as a meaningful way to recognize and reward employees for their hard work and dedication throughout the year, boosting employee morale and fostering a positive work environment. 

Read next: 12 Employee Recognition Examples to Keep Your Team Engaged All Year

Special leaves for women

Female employees are entitled to special leaves for reasons related to their health and safety, such as cases of gynecological disorders, provided that they have rendered at least six months of continuous aggregate employment.

Service incentive leave

Employees who have rendered at least one year of service are entitled to a yearly service incentive leave of five days with pay.

For businesses in the APAC region striving to cultivate a progressive company culture, adherence to these provisions is about valuing employee welfare and promoting a supportive and equitable work environment. Understanding and implementing these key provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines 2024 can significantly contribute to fostering happier, more productive teams.

What are the three ways of termination under the Labor Code?

The Labor Code of the Philippines 2024 specifies conditions for terminating employment, protecting employees’ rights, and enabling employers to manage their workforce effectively. Understanding these conditions is crucial for HR teams and business owners to handle termination processes legally and ethically. Here are the three primary ways of termination as per the Labor Code of the Philippines 2024:

Termination for just cause

This refers to termination initiated by the employer due to actions of the employee that constitute a serious violation of company rules or standards. Examples include habitual neglect of duties, willful breach of trust, commission of a crime against the employer or any immediate family member, and other similar cases. The process requires due notice to the employee, providing an opportunity to explain or defend their actions.

Termination for authorized cause

This type of termination is due to operational requirements of the business such as installation of labor-saving devices, redundancy, retrenchment to prevent losses, closure or cessation of operation, and disease or illness of the employee that risks the health of the workforce. In such cases, the employer must give both the employees and the Department of Labor and Employment written notice at least 30 days before the termination takes effect, along with the appropriate separation pay as the law mandates.

Termination based on serious diseases or health conditions

When an employee cannot perform their duties due to a serious illness, the employer has the right to terminate employment to maintain operational productivity and protect the wellbeing of other employees. The Labor Code requires a medical certificate to support the termination decision, stating that the disease remains incurable within six months despite proper medical treatment. The employee is entitled to separation pay in accordance with the provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines 2024.

Navigating the termination process and notice periods with fairness, compassion, and legality is paramount for fostering a better company culture and growing productive teams. Adhering to the Labor Code’s stipulations on termination reinforces your company’s commitment to ethical business practices and respect for individual rights.

Relevant reads: 10 Impactful Exit Interview Questions to Improve Your Employee Experience

Ways to Stay Compliant with the Labor Code

Labor Code of the Philippines 2024

Staying compliant with the Labor Code of the Philippines 2024 is essential for businesses in the APAC region, to avoid legal repercussions and foster a positive company culture that values fairness and respect for employees’ rights. Here are practical ways for HR teams and business owners to ensure compliance:

Stay updated on regulations

Labor laws and regulations can evolve, reflecting changes in the socio-economic landscape or in response to emerging company trends. It’s crucial for businesses to stay informed about these changes. You can achieve this by regularly consulting with labor law experts and participating in seminars and training sessions focused on labor law compliance.

Adopt clear and transparent policies

Developing and implementing company policies that align with the Labor Code of the Philippines 2024 is fundamental. These policies should cover all aspects of employment, from hiring to termination, and include detailed provisions for wages, benefits, working hours, leave entitlements, and grievance-handling procedures.

Leverage HR technology 

Modern HR tools can significantly aid in maintaining Labor Code compliance. These systems can help in maintaining accurate employee records, which are crucial for audit purposes and in case of labor disputes. Investing in the right HR software not only streamlines administrative tasks but also minimizes the risk of non-compliance.

Read next: Top 6 HRIS Philippines for 2024

For businesses aiming to cultivate a progressive and inclusive company culture, adherence to the Labor Code of the Philippines 2024 is non-negotiable. By staying informed, adopting clear policies, and utilizing technology, HR teams and business owners can ensure compliance and build stronger foundations for happier, more productive teams.

Building a Just and Equitable Work Environment

The Labor Code of the Philippines 2024 plays a crucial role in shaping a fair and equitable work environment by providing clear guidelines for employment practices. Organizations can ensure compliance with its provisions by implementing HRIS. 

With Omni’s all-in-one HR solution, you can enhance transparency and communication between employers and employees. Our self-service portals empower employees to access their work related information, including payslips, leave balances and company policies, fostering trust and engagement within the team and promoting a positive workplace culture.

Omni streamlines payroll processes, reducing manual errors and reducing the administrative burden on HR. With secure and centralized employee records, HR teams can easily store, update and share employee information across departments and with employees, ensuring compliance with the Labor Code of the Philippines 2024 at every step of the way. 

If you’d like to learn more about how Omni’s all-in-one HR software automates the entire end-to-end employee lifecycle, book a demo with our team.

Malaysia’s Annual Tax EA & E Form Guide

Tax in Malaysia comes with varying regulations and frequent updates for individuals and businesses alike, it can be tough to keep up with these changes. 

Even though some employers use all-in-one HR systems that offer compliance to stay on top of their game, as the year unfolds, one of the tax-related responsibilities Malaysian employers are required to do for their employees is preparing the EA and E form with the Inland Revenue Board, or Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN)

In this article, we’ll guide you through understanding the EA Form Malaysia and Form E,  it’s importance, and overall human resource development 

Understanding EA Form Malaysia

As an employer operating in Malaysia, understanding the rules and regulations on payroll processes and taxation helps run your organization.

Employers or business owners are expected to prepare and provide the EA Form Malaysia for their employees as required by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM). 

Employers must prepare EA Form for every employee, regardless if they are full-time or part-time employees. As long as the employee has worked for more than seven days, and has received payment for their work, they are eligible for the EA Form Malaysia. 

To comply with regulations, HR managers must correctly prepare the EA Form Malaysia, which should be distributed to employees before the end of February as required by the revenue board. 

What is EA Form Malaysia?

The EA Form Malaysia is a statement of remuneration from employment, it is a statutory document that contains the summary of an employee’s total earnings from his/her employer for the year.

The EA Form Malaysia which can also be referred to or recognized as CP8A form or Borang EA, allows for individual tax returns to be put together and also includes statutory contributions paid from the past year.

Filling this form allows employees to file their taxes properly and enables them to accurately declare their earnings to LHDN. 

What is the purpose of the EA Form?

With the EA form Malaysia, employees can determine their income tax bracket and help with the payment of personal income tax in the year. 

The purpose of the EA Form is to make sure that the exact amount of earnings, deductions, contributions, exemptions, and any other taxes paid although the year is declared correctly in the employee’s income tax filing. 

Another purpose of EA Form Malaysia is that it serves as a guide for tax payment and can also be used as a reference to declare or disclose the accurate amount of yearly earnings as well as deductions when filing income tax in Malaysia.

Who is in charge of preparing the EA Form?

Employers are expected to prepare EA Form Malaysia for their employees, this is required by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM).

Although employers are not required to submit EA Form Malaysia to LHDN, neglecting to prepare it could lead to penalties including a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment for a maximum of six months, or both.

If an employee switches jobs multiple times within a year, they can have more than one EA Form. The HR manager of the organization must know how to prepare the forms correctly and distribute them to the company’s employees before the provided deadline.

What is included in the EA Form?

The EA Form Malaysia should include details on: 

  • Employee’s gross salary
  • Supplemental compensation
  • Contributions to private pensions done by by employers
  • Current rebates
  • Commission
  • Bonus or other gratuities
  • Allowances/perquisites (e.g. travel allowance, meal allowance)
  • Benefits-in-kind (such as health insurance, company apartment, and  car)
  • Value of Living Accommodation (VOLA)
  • Compensation for loss of employment
  • Additional tax deductions

Understanding Form E for Tax in Malaysia 

Aside from EA Form Malaysia, companies and business owners are expected to also submit another mandatory document for tax in Malaysia, which is Form E Malaysia. 

Form E Malaysia is an essential report that must be submitted by the company to the LHDN. Due to recent updates, the LDHN no longer accepts manual entries from companies when filing Form E, therefore companies have to use the LHDN’s e-PCB system or an LHDN-approved payroll software.

Read next: The Top 5 Payroll Software Malaysia Teams Are Using in 2024

What is Form E Malaysia?

Form E Malaysia is a report submitted by employers to the IRB, declaring the total number of employees the company has and the list of employees’ income details yearly.

Form E Malaysia, also known as Borang E, is an annual report submitted by employers to the Malaysian Inland Revenue Board. It includes the total number of employees in the company and details of their income. 

What is the purpose of Form E Malaysia?

Form E Malaysia is used by employers to report employment income, tax deductions, and other relevant information for their employees to the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia. 

It provides employees with information necessary for filing their tax returns for annual tax reporting and compliance with tax regulations. 

Who is in charge of preparing Form E Malaysia?

Similar to the EA Form Malaysia, companies or employers are responsible for preparing and submitting Form E Malaysia, with the human resource department typically managing this task.

Companies registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (Sdn Bhd, Berhad, LLP), whether or not they have employees, as well as sole proprietors and partnerships with employees, are required to submit Form E Malaysia. 

While sole proprietors and partnerships without employees are not obligated to prepare Form E Malaysia, it is advisable for them to maintain relevant details. 

What is included in Form E Malaysia?

Form E Malaysia includes details of the company/employer’s name, identification number and reference number.

It also contains information such as: 

  • Number of staff employed by the company
  • Amount of tax deductions annually 
  • Employee’s salaries 
  • Numbers of new employees hired
  • Amount given as compensation
  • Numbers of employees who have resigned and no longer work with the company.

When are the EA Form Malaysia and Form E Malaysia due? 

The employer is expected to distribute the EA Form Malaysia to employees by the last day of February following the end of the financial year, which is the year immediately following the first year mentioned. 

This requires employers to provide employees with an EA Form by the 28th of February of the assessment year. 

Form E Malaysia, on the other hand, is submitted by companies or employers once ever year. For those who fill out the form online using the portal, the last day of submission in the succeeding year (year of assessment) is the 30th of April.

What are the penalties for late submission?

EA Form Malaysia

Failing to meet deadlines for tax in Malaysia can result in significant consequences, both in terms of monetary fines and other penalties. Employers are acutely aware of these implications and must prepare EA forms for their employees on time to avoid the penalties imposed for non-compliance.

Here are some of the penalties associated with both the EA Form Malaysia and Form E Malaysia: 

Legal and monetary consequences 

According to Section 83(1A) of the Income Tax Act 1967, Malaysian employers are mandated to prepare and submit EA Forms to their employees on the last day of February.

Companies who fail to comply with this requirement can get penalties, including monetary damages ranging from RM200 to RM20,000, and imprisonment for up to six months, or both. 

When a company constantly submits late, the tax authorities will begin to closely review future submissions and it can tarnish the company’s reputation if not corrected. 

Possibility of errors in taxing 

Preparing the EA Form Malaysia and Form E Malaysia ahead of time gives employers ample time for thorough inspections, guaranteeing accuracy. 

Data inaccuracy can lead to errors in tax calculations and payments, potentially leading to issues with tax authorities. 

Employers should be reminded to also account for any change in employment status, such as promotions or resignations, and employee benefits while preparing EA Form Malaysia.

Risk of employee dissatisfaction 

Submitting the EA Form Malaysia and Form E Malaysia ahead of schedule can alleviate the tax season rush for employees. It also demonstrates employers’ commitment to employee well-being and tax compliance. 

When employers provide these forms early for tax in Malaysia, employees can concentrate on their tasks as planned. This enhances employee engagement and fosters trust in the employer, cultivating a more positive workplace culture.

Empowering HR Leaders for Tax Success

EA Form Malaysia

Timely submission of EA Form Malaysia and Form E Malaysia is crucial for both employees and employers for filing tax in Malaysia. It not only ensures compliance with tax regulations but also demonstrates an employers’ commitment to their employees’s financial security. That’s why it’s important to have the right HR tools by your side to ensure accuracy.

Omni helps HR teams stay up to date with the latest laws and regulations while streamlining the end-to-end employee management lifecycle. Our comprehensive payroll solution is tailored to Malaysia’s specific requirements. With features like support for MYR, automated tax calculations, and instant payroll reports, Omni can help HR teams simplify the preparation of EA Form Malaysia and Form E Malaysia, while ensuring compliance.

2024 Malaysia Tax Guide

Ensuring compliance with tax regulations in Malaysia is a crucial responsibility for both individuals and businesses. While tax filing can sometimes feel like a complex process, having a clear understanding of the relevant requirements can significantly reduce stress and expedite the completion of your tax return. We’ve prepared a guide that contains everything you need to know about filing Malaysia income tax. 

What is LHDN/IRBM?

The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM) also known as Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN), is the government agency responsible for managing Malaysia tax. They are directly connected to filing Malaysia tax either from individuals or businesses, and their roles include collection of taxes and administration of tax laws. Various taxes such as income tax Malaysia, corporate tax, and property tax are collected by the IRBM. They also oversee the implementation of Malaysia tax laws such as the Income Tax Act 1967. 

What is Potongan Cukai Bulanan (PCB)/ Monthly Tax Deduction (MTD)?

Malaysia tax

Potongan Cukai Bulanan (PCB) refers to the monthly tax deduction for Malaysia tax. It comprises a series of monthly deductions that go towards your employment income. These monthly deductions are retained by your employer and paid over to the inland revenue board. 

What is the purpose of PCB?

When it comes to filing Malaysia tax, PCB simplifies the process for both taxpayers and the government in two ways:

1. Spreading out payments: Employees can choose to file annual tax returns on their income, but instead of having a larger tax bill at the end of the year, PCB allows for a pay-as-you-earn system. In other words, employers can deduct from employees’ monthly salary. This makes tax payments more manageable and avoids a big financial burden come Malaysia tax season. 

2. Ensures timely collection of taxes: By collecting Malaysia income taxes throughout the year, the IRBM receives a steady stream of income. This helps the government with budgeting and ensures they have the funds they need to operate. It reduces the risk of people neglecting or delaying Malaysia tax payments.  

What is subject to PCB?

PCB is mandatory for employees whose annual employment income exceeds RM 34,000 after EPF deductions. This means you have to register for an income tax file with IRBM first. In other words, the monthly tax deduction applies to those who have registered for a tax file and whose salary surpasses the monthly threshold, which leads to the next thing — the income threshold.

The income threshold for filing for income tax Malaysia is the minimum amount of income you must earn to be required to file a tax return. The specific income threshold depends on several factors, including your filing status (single, married, filing jointly, etc) and age. 

For Malaysia tax, it falls under these two categories:

Single individual: RM 2,851 and above

Married and Unemployed spouses: RM 3,851 and above. 

While some items are not subject to PCB, such as certain benefits or allowances received with your salary, they are typically referred to as Benefits-in-kind (BIK) and Variable allowance (VOLA). 

BIK includes benefits that cannot be converted to money such as dental benefits, childcare benefits, leave passage (subject to specific conditions, which you should consult your employer and HR department about), and free transportation. You can choose to include these benefits in your PCB deductions by informing your employer through a specific form. 

Relevant reading: Your Guide to Malaysia Payroll

What is the income tax rate for residents?

The Malaysia income tax rate for residents refers to the percentage of an individual’s income that they are required to pay in Malaysia tax based on their tax residency status.

Tax residency status

In Malaysia, you are considered a tax resident if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • 182-Day Rule: This is the most common way to qualify as a tax resident. If you spend at least 182 days physically present in Malaysia during a calendar year, you’re considered a resident for tax purposes. The days don’t have to be consecutive.
  • Less Than 182 Days with Ties: Even if you’re in Malaysia for less than 182 days, you might still be a resident if you have strong ties to the country. This could include having a permanent home in Malaysia, your family residing there, or being employed in Malaysia for most of the year.
  • 90-Day Rule with History: This is a temporary rule valid until December 31st, 2026. If you’re present for at least 90 days in a year and have been resident/present for 90 days in any three of the past four years, you may be considered a resident.

Malaysia’s income tax rates for resident taxpayers are progressive. This means that higher-income earners pay proportionately higher taxes. 

To figure out how much tax you owe, you’ll need to refer to the official tax tables published by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN). 

However, If you’re a non-resident individual, your income is taxed at a flat rate of 30% on the taxable income.

If you’re filing for Malaysia tax, it is important to know the types of income that are taxable and they include:

  • Employment income
  • Gains or profits from a business
  • Dividends, interests, or discounts
  • Rent, royalties, or premiums
  • Pensions or annuities
  • Any benefits offered by the employer that can be converted to cash

Employer’s Responsibility for PCB

1. Register with IRBM

Employers need to register with the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM) to be authorized to deduct PCB from their employees’ salaries. If your employee is newly taxable, he/she must register an income tax reference number. You can also register online via e-Daftar. 

2. Monthly tax deduction

Calculate and deduct based on the schedule of MTD

Employers in Malaysia must calculate each employee’s monthly PCB income tax Malaysia using a schedule provided by the IRBM. 

This schedule considers factors like the employee’s salary and eligible tax reliefs. Deducting income involves calculating the total monthly remuneration. Reimbursements (money paid back for spending), allowances (money paid by employers for specific purposes, not as income), and other statutory deductions (EPF, SOCSO, and EIS) must be deducted from the monthly pay first. 

To determine the amount applicable to an employee, refer to the MTD table published periodically by LHDN. 

Pay deducted MTD amount to IRBM

After the deduction is done, you may proceed with submitting the MTD statement to LHDN through e-Data PCB.

You may remit payment in any of the following channels:

  • FPX on the IRBM website after filing e-CP39/e-Data PCB/e-PCB
  • IBG at all bank counters by using PCB/CP39 account number
  • IBG through Internet banking by using PCB/CP39 account number (CIMB only) or
  • Cheque/cash/counter (CIMB only)

3. Annual tax reporting

Employers are required to submit various forms to the IRBM annually for Malaysia tax reporting purposes. These forms include:

Form E submission

Employers are required under the Income Tax Act to file an annual tax report with the authorities by March for income tax Malaysia. This report consists of Form E, which summarizes employee headcount, and Form CP8D, detailing employee earnings. 

Form E is a declaration report submitted yearly to the IRBM, listing each employee’s income and deductions. It is crucial for accurate and timely submission, as it plays a critical role in reporting employee income. 

Form E requires information on employees’ income, benefits, allowances received in the previous year, and deductions such as EPF contributions. The submission deadline for Form E for Malaysia income tax is usually at the end of February. Late or inaccurate filing can result in penalties for employers.

According to Section 120(1)(b) of the Malaysia Income Tax Act, employers who fail to submit Form E are liable to a fine of not less than RM200 and not more than RM20,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or both.

Statement of Remuneration (Form EA/EC)

EA Form for Malaysia tax details the salaries, wages, pensions, and other taxable benefits paid to each employee. The purpose of this form is to enable employees to file their own taxes properly and declare their earnings to LHDN. That way, it can be determined what Malaysia income tax bracket they fall under. 

Incentive Payment Statement (Form CP58)

This form reports any incentive payments made to employees during the year.

4. Record keeping

Employers must maintain proper records of all PCB income tax Malaysia deductions made for their employees. These records should be kept for a minimum period as specified by the IRBM and be available for inspection by the tax authorities if needed.

Read next: The Top 5 Payroll Software Malaysia Teams Are Using in 2024

Employee’s Responsibility for PCB

Malaysia tax

When it comes to Malaysia tax, an employee’s responsibilities for PCB income tax Malaysia are different from an employer’s. Employees don’t directly handle filing the PCB, but they do have some key responsibilities to ensure a smooth tax filing process:

1. Filing income tax return

Filing deadline

Your filing deadline depends on the Malaysia income tax form you fill and this is determined by whether you’re a salaried employee, someone who carries on a business, resident/non-resident, and several other categories. 

For example, those with Form BE (residents who do not carry on a business) have a deadline on the 30 April(manual filing). If you choose to e-file, you get a grace period of 15 days and the deadline for e-filing is 15 May. 

For resident individuals who opt for Form B (individuals who carry on a business), the deadline falls on 30 June for manual filing and 15 July for e-filing. 

Filing methods

Under Malaysia tax, tax returns can be filed either manually or electronically through the e-filing system provided by the IRBM.

For the e-filing method, you can file your Malaysia tax returns online through the ezHASiL portal. E-filing offers several advantages, including automatic calculations, faster processing, and easier tracking of your submission.

Manual filing involves a traditional method of filing out a physical income tax return form (ITRF) manually and submitting it to a branch of the IRBM. This method can be time-consuming and bound to errors. 

2. Maintaining records

Keep copies of your payslips and any other income tax documents you receive throughout the year. This will be helpful when you review your annual Malaysia tax assessment or if there are any inquiries. Additionally, you should have your forms ready before filing Malaysia tax. The EA form (or Borang EA) should be given to you by your employer by February. 

3. Understanding tax reliefs

Familiarize yourself with the various tax reliefs you might be eligible for when submitting income tax Malaysia. These can include reliefs for medical expenses, education, or dependents. You can find information about reliefs on the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) website. 

4. Provide accurate information

You should ensure your employer has your correct tax identification number and other relevant details. This helps them withhold the appropriate amount of Malaysia tax from your salary.

5. Pay additional tax on time

While you don’t file the PCB income tax Malaysia yourself, you may need to pay additional tax if your annual income exceeds a certain threshold and it must be paid on time to avoid a 10% penalty on the unpaid amount. 

6. Stay updated on regulations

Tax regulations can change from time to time. It’s a good idea to stay updated on any Malaysia tax changes that might affect you. The LHDN website is a good resource for staying informed.

Learn more: Top 5 Challenges of Malaysia’s Tax Season and How HRIS Solutions Can Help

Make Malaysia Tax Easy with Omni

Understanding Malaysia tax regulations is crucial for businesses to fulfill their tax obligations accurately and timely. That’s why it’s important to have the right tools by your side to ease this complicated process.

Omni offers a comprehensive payroll solution tailored to Malaysia’s specific requirements. With features like support for MYR and automated tax calculations, Omni can help HR teams simplify the process for Malaysia income tax. 

With our automated payroll software, digitized and secure pay slip distribution, and dedicated support teams to guide your team and ensure compliance with Malaysia income tax, Omni’s payroll processing reduces the administrative burden of your HR team and frees up valuable time to dedicate to more impactful business processes.

Book a demo today and learn how Omni can help you streamline your Malaysia tax processes and expertly navigate PCB income tax Malaysia management to ensure compliance for your organization.

The Benefits of Using Salary Bands

What are salary bands?

Organizations use salary bands, also known as pay ranges or salary banding, to define the minimum and maximum compensation for specific job levels. These ranges play a crucial role in your company’s compensation strategy, helping you make informed decisions during hiring, performance management, and career development processes.

In simpler terms, establishing and openly communicating salary bands can benefit your organization by attracting and retaining top talent, as it brings a level of transparency for employees and prospective hires. Furthermore, salary bands help tackle pay parity and can aid in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within your organization.

Examples of Salary Bands

salary bands

Salary bands vary by industry, location, and many other factors we will explore later on. Here are a few examples of salary bands as it stands today. Please note these are sample ranges based on general market research and should not be taken as definitive figures. Actual salaries may vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above.

  • Chief HR Officer (CHRO) in Singapore: SGD 250,000 – SGD 500,000+ (Highly dependent on company size, industry, and experience)
  • HR Generalist in Hong Kong: HKD 350,000 – HKD 500,000 (Experience and qualifications can significantly impact this range)
  • Onboarding Specialist in Kuala Lumpur: MYR 45,000 – MYR 65,000 (May vary based on company size and industry)
  • HRIS Analyst in Bangkok: THB 600,000 – THB 800,000 (Specific skills and experience in HRIS software can influence this range)

Determining Salary Bands

Determining salary bands is dependent on a number of factors, including market rates and job scope. There is no perfect formula for determining salary bands, instead leaders should take a holistic look at the following factors to help determine the appropriate salary bands for roles within their organization. Getting your salary banding strategy right will help attract top performers and remain competitive in the job market.

Market Data

There are 3 key areas to consider when determining your company’s salary bands, the first of which being market data. These are the external elements that will contribute to calculating your salary bands.

Industry standards: Research the average salaries for similar positions within your industry, considering both national and regional variations, seniority level, and any particular niche the role you’re salary banding for might entail.

Job market demand: Analyze the current demand for the specific role you’re determining the salary band for. For roles that are in higher demand, it may justify a wider or higher salary band to remain competitive and attract the top talent for that particular skill set.

Geographic location: In the world of remote work, geography can play a big role in salary banding. Account for the cost of living differences in the regions you are hiring and creating a salary band for. Salaries typically need to be adjusted to reflect varying living expenses.

Internal Factors

Internal factors are the information unique to your organization or particular role you are creating the salary band for. These factors should be taken into consideration along with the market data to help determine your salary band.

Job evaluation: Define the responsibilities, required skills, and experience level for the specific job role within your organization you are salary banding for. A role that has an industry standard of S$6,000 monthly salary but requires a special certification or additional experience in order to fill the need within your organization may warrant an increase in salary band.

Internal equity: Ensure pay bands are fair and consistent across similar positions within the company to maintain employee morale, uphold an inclusive and equitable workplace, and avoid pay parity.

Performance management: Consider your internal compensation strategy and performance management practices. Review how salary adjustments within the band might be linked to performance evaluations. For example, if your policy is to offer a guaranteed salary adjustment after 9 months when linked to high-performance, this should be taken into consideration when building your salary band.

Organization budget: Be realistic about your financial resources, HR budget, and the trajectory of your organization. Ensure salary bands align with your overall compensation and salary budget to avoid overspending.

Learn more: Tools and Tips for Building an HR Budget

Additional Considerations

Company size and growth stage: Smaller companies or startups might offer different salary structures compared to established corporations. Consider your organization’s budget restrictions, compensation strategy, and funding calendar when salary banding.

Benefits: Remember that salary bands and compensation are holistic, meaning employee benefits contribute to compensation. Do you offer a hybrid work structure, mental health days, learning and development programs, or any additional perks? This overall compensation package should be considered, including benefits alongside salary bands.

Additional resource: Employee handbook template

Competitiveness: Aim to offer salaries that are competitive enough to attract and retain talent within the market. You’ll be able to determine what is considered competitive by factoring in all of the above research to help benchmark your salary band.

Difference Between Salary Bands and Pay Scales

Both salary bands and pay scales are used in setting employee compensation, but there are some key differences between them. Salary bands offer a broader range of acceptable salaries for a specific job level or group of similar jobs. This allows for some flexibility in setting individual salaries within that range, and are often used in conjunction with job grades, which group similar jobs based on their level of responsibility and complexity. Each job grade can have its own associated salary band. Whereas a pay scale typically refers to a more specific range of salaries for a single job title or a very narrow group of similar jobs. It often includes defined increments within the range, like steps on a ladder.

Salary Band vs. Payscale Example

Scenario: A company is determining compensation for HR Generalists with 2-4 years of experience.

Salary band

Salary band: $55,000 – $65,000

Justification: This band reflects the average market salary for HR Generalists with similar experience in the region. The company can consider factors like individual performance, specific skills, and certifications when setting salaries within this range.

Pay scale

Step 1: $54,000 (Starting salary)

Step 2: $56,000 (After 1 year of satisfactory performance)

Step 3: $58,000 (After 2 years of satisfactory performance)

Justification: This pay scale offers a more structured approach, with defined salary increases tied to time and performance. It provides clear expectations for career progression and salary growth.

Benefits of Using Salary Bands

salary bands

Transparency and Fairness 

Salary bands provide employees with a clear understanding of the pay range associated with their job level. This transparency fosters a sense of fairness and mitigates the risk of unconscious bias in compensation decisions.

Flexibility

Salary bands allow your organization some flexibility when setting individual salaries within the defined range. This flexibility can be used to consider factors like experience, performance, skills, and certifications, leading to a more customized compensation approach.

Standardized Compensation

Salary banding helps ensure consistency in compensation across similar positions within your organization. This standardization minimizes the risk of internal pay inequity and promotes a structured compensation system.

Attracting and Retaining Employees

Competitive and transparent salary bands can be a useful tool in attracting and retaining top talent. In addition to offering competitive compensation, knowing the potential career progression within their salary band can motivate employees to stay with your company, giving them a clear path to growth and progress.

Budgeting and Cost Control

Salary banding provides a framework for budgeting and cost control related to compensation. By understanding the salary range for each position, you can better predict and manage your personnel expenses.

Learn more: HR’s Guide to Creating, Tracking and Implementing a Salary Budget

Performance-based Compensation

While not inherently linked to salary bands, they can be used to facilitate performance-based compensation. By setting specific criteria for exceeding expectations or falling below them, salary bands can provide a reference point for adjusting salaries within the defined range based on performance.

Additional reading: Pros and Cons of Performance Based Pay

Challenges of Using Salary Bands

Market Alignment

Outdated bands: Salary bands can become outdated if not regularly reviewed and adjusted to reflect changes in the market rate. This can lead to companies offering non competitive salaries, making it difficult to attract and retain top talent. Which is why it’s important to regularly audit your salary bands to remain competitive and relevant to the market.

Limited flexibility: Salary banding may not offer enough flexibility to accommodate exceptional candidates whose skills and experience exceed the typical level for the position. This can lead to losing valuable talent who command a higher salary than the band allows.

Performance Incentives

Limited differentiation: Salary bands may not provide enough range to adequately reward exceptional performance. This can discourage employees from putting in extra effort if the potential salary increase within the band is perceived as minimal.

Focus on seniority: In some cases, salary banding might be primarily linked to seniority rather than individual performance. This can demotivate high performers who are new to the role or lack seniority.

Communication and Transparency

Misunderstanding: If not communicated clearly, salary bands can lead to misunderstandings and dissatisfaction among employees. It is crucial to explain the rationale behind the bands, their limitations, and how individual salaries are determined within the range.

Loss of individual negotiation power: Salary bands can be perceived as reducing the room for individual negotiation during the compensation discussion. This might impact employee morale and the feeling of being valued based on individual merit.

Best Practices for Setting Salary Bands

Data-Driven

Market research and internal data is essential in setting equitable and data-driven salary bands. Conduct thorough research on average salaries for similar job titles in your industry and geographic location. Utilize reliable sources like salary surveys, competitor data, and government statistics to build an accurate picture of the market. Analyze internal compensation data to identify trends and ensure internal equity across similar positions. This helps maintain fairness and prevent internal pay discrepancies.

Transparency and Communication

Clearly communicate the purpose and rationale behind salary banding to all employees. Explain how salary bands are used and how they connect to individual compensation decisions. Make salary band information easily accessible to employees, through company intranets, handbooks, or internal communication platforms. This fosters transparency and reduces potential confusion.

Flexibility

Set a clear range for each salary band, allowing for some flexibility within the range to consider factors like individual experience, skills, certifications, and performance. Establish a clear process for handling exceptional candidates whose qualifications exceed the typical level for the position. This might involve seeking special approvals or utilizing alternative compensation strategies beyond the standard salary band.

Regular Reviews

Regularly review and update your salary banding strategy at least annually or more frequently if significant market fluctuations occur. This ensures they remain competitive and reflect any changes in market rates and internal factors. Continuously monitor external market trends and adjust salary bands accordingly to maintain competitiveness and attract top talent.

By adhering to these best practices, organizations can establish and maintain effective salary bands that promote fairness, transparency, and contribute to a strong overall compensation strategy.

Streamline Salary Banding and Compensation Management With Automation

Salary bands are a useful tool for bringing transparency and flexibility to your compensation strategy. Backed by market research, you can create a competitive and attractive compensation package to build high-performing and engaged teams.

Omni powers HR teams with easily accessible, real time data to fuel your salary banding strategy. Pull customized reports in a matter of minutes to review pay scales, compensation calendars, and employment data to inform your salary banding and ensure equitable and competitive compensation for your teams.

With localized payroll solutions, Omni helps streamline your payroll processes with automated payslips, tax calculations, and secure employee data for error-free and punctual payroll processing.

Further reading: Streamlining Payroll Processes with HRIS

Secure and centralized employee records allow HR teams to easily store, update, and communicate employee information across departments and with employees.

Omni makes it easier than ever to calculate accurate employee payments and tax calculations through automation that saves time and reduces errors. And with automated payroll information synchronization, end of month processing becomes a streamlined and seamless effort.

Book a demo with our team, or try out Omni for a free 14-day trial to learn how our HR solution can help you remain compliant and reduce your administrative workload for all of your payroll processes.

Understanding and Administering Salary Adjustments

A Pew Research study revealed that 63% of respondents cited low pay as a key reason to quit their jobs, with 42% seeking better pay and promotion opportunities. While company culture, leadership, and work-life balance are important, competitive salaries are crucial for retaining employees. 

Salary adjustments are essential for recognizing and rewarding high performers, but they should not be based solely on performance. Market forces must also be considered to ensure competitiveness with industry standards. Let’s explore how to understand and administer salary adjustments for a motivated and successful workforce. 

Understanding Salary Adjustments

Salary adjustments refer to the changes made to an employee’s compensation based on various factors, including performance metrics, shifts in job roles, and changing market conditions. These adjustments typically manifest as salary increases through bonuses, raises, or promotions. However, they may also entail reductions in pay during periods of financial strain within the company. Companies maintain workforce stability and improve employee motivation by opting for salary adjustments instead of resorting to layoffs during lean periods. 

Reasons For a Salary Adjustment

Salary adjustments can occur for various reasons, such as an increase in job responsibilities, changes in industry standards, or shifts in organizational structures. 

Performance-based

Your top performers should be financially rewarded for meeting targets, contributing innovative ideas, and demonstrating exceptional leadership. Regular performance reviews are essential to accurately recognize and compensate these employees. Failing to do so could lead to high cost of recruitment. Conversely, underperformance may warrant a salary decrease. 

Market forces

To attract and retain talented employees, it’s crucial to provide competitive salaries that match industry standards for similar positions. Offering below-market salaries can make it difficult to recruit qualified candidates and may cause high-performing employees to seek better opportunities elsewhere, affecting attrition rates.

Internal adjustments

Internal adjustments refer to changes within a company that impact employees’ salaries, such as shifts in job responsibilities or company structure. For example, a promotion to a higher position with more responsibilities would warrant a salary increase. 

Similarly, if the company reorganizes its departments, salary adjustments would align with the new structure. These adjustments ensure employees’ salaries reflect their roles and contributions within the company.

Types of Salary Adjustments

Let’s explore the types of salary adjustments to ensure comprehensive coverage for employee satisfaction

Merit increases

Merit increases are awarded to employees for exceptional work, meeting or exceeding goals, and going beyond set expectations. These salary adjustments are based on individual performance and contributions to the company. They serve as incentives for employees who consistently excel. An average merit increase is anywhere between 3% to 5% and motivates employees to strive for excellence. They can be awarded annually or directly tied to performance. 

Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)

To ensure your employees can maintain a decent standard of living, it’s essential to offer salaries that match this high cost. For example, Singapore stands out as the priciest city in Asia, with a cost of living surpassing that of 94% of cities worldwide. Monitoring inflation and the rising cost of living in specific geographic regions is essential to prevent employee stress and burnout due to low payouts. Implementing period salary adjustments will help retain top talent and keep them thriving in their roles. 

Market adjustments 

HR departments should conduct and analyze salary surveys, job market reports, and benchmarking data from similar organizations. This data is then compared to the current salary structure to identify any discrepancies. 

Salary adjustments are recommended to align the organization’s salaries with market rates. This may involve increasing salaries that are below the market average or adjusting salaries downward if they exceed market rates.

Equity adjustments

Equity adjustments are made to ensure pay parity and fairness among employees within an organization. It is important that employees in similar roles or with similar skills and experience are equally compensated. 

These adjustments become necessary when disparities exist, such as significant salary differences among employees in the same department. They are intended to rectify pay inequities and eliminate gender discrimination and other biases in the workplace. Organizations must actively identify such issues to promote an equitable working environment. 

Read next: 10 DEI Policies Your Organization Needs and How to Implement Them

Key Considerations for a Salary Adjustment

salary adjustment

While making salary adjustments, it is important to consider the following:

Budgeting

When planning for salary adjustments, it is essential to establish a HR budget that takes into account the organization’s financial resources and constraints. Determine the amount that can be allocated towards salary adjustments without compromising other financial commitments. 

Focus on critical job roles that are at higher risk of turnover due to salary disparities. Additionally, maintain flexibility in the budget to accommodate unforeseen circumstances or new priorities that may arise during the year.

Communication

Employees require clear explanations for salary adjustments within the organization, especially if there are reductions or raises for specific positions. Communicate these adjustments in a timely manner, ideally shortly before or when they will take effect, such as the beginning of a fiscal year or performance review cycle.

Consistency

Ensure employees do not perceive favoritism or unconscious bias during salary adjustments by establishing clear guidelines and criteria. Maintain consistency across different departments, roles, and levels. Regularly review salary structures and adjustment processes to identify and address any disparities in compensation.

Compliance

Organizations must ensure that the salary adjustment complies with applicable labor laws, anti-discrimination regulations, and contractual obligations. Thorough audits and reviews of salary adjustment practices can help mitigate compliance risks and ensure alignment with legal standards. 

Confidentiality

Maintaining salary confidentiality prevents gossip and feelings of unfairness among employees. In fact, many jurisdictions have laws governing this. Ensure confidentiality during salary adjustments by: 

  • Limiting access to salary information to HR and relevant managers.
  • Using secure communication channels like encrypted emails or password-protected documents.
  • Emphasizing confidentiality with employees involved in the process.
  • Establishing clear policies for handling salary information.

Steps to Administer a Salary Adjustment

Administering salary adjustments requires focusing on many different areas to ensure the calculation and implementation align with the business objectives. Here’s how:

1. Set objectives and budget

What are your salary adjustment goals? Do you aim to reduce turnover by offering competitive packages to enhance employee engagement or boost employee morale by rewarding high performers? Clarifying these objectives helps determine who receives adjustments, how much, and when. Communicating these goals ensures transparency.

After setting your objectives, budget for adjustments within your means. For example, to stay competitive, a 5% increase might be necessary. Calculate your total salary expenditure for the upcoming year. For example, if it’s $10 million, a 5% increase would require a $500,000 budget for adjustments. Distribute this based on performance and market competitiveness.

2. Define criteria and policies

Clarity is crucial among all stakeholders regarding who will receive salary adjustments. Clear guidelines and policies should be in place, considering factors like performance metrics, experience levels, internal equity, and more. 

When setting criteria, ensure policies are in place to manage salary adjustments: 

  • Allocate the total adjustment budget annually based on priorities and financial capabilities.
  • Maintain pay parity for fairness among employees in similar roles.
  • Determine increment percentages based on demonstrated improvement.
  • Make adjustment decisions through comprehensive reviews considering performance and goals.
  • Ensure salary adjustments comply with relevant employment laws and regulations.

3. Collect data and conduct reviews

With your budget set, gathering employee information is key for salary adjustments. Identify top performers with critical roles and assess their improvement. Use credible sources like:

  • Performance evaluations: supervisor reviews provide insights into contributions, strengths, and areas for growth
  • Employee records: review tenure, promotions, and past salary adjustments to ensure fairness
  • Employee feedback: gather input through employee satisfaction surveys or meetings to gauge perceptions of compensation relative to contribution

Analyze this data for trends and patterns. Discuss findings with HR, department managers, and senior leaders to determine adjustments. 

Calculate and communicate adjustments

With clarity on which employees will receive salary adjustments, use the collected data to calculate each adjustment based on set criteria. Ensure adjustments align with budgetary constraints while keeping top talent satisfied. 

After calculating salary adjustments, notify employees promptly and clearly. Schedule individual meetings or send personalized communications to discuss adjustments confidentially. Clearly communicate the factors considered in the calculation and the effective date of the adjustments.

Omni Tip: Keep precise records of each employee’s salary adjustments, supported by data, for future reference.

Implement adjustment and monitor

After approval, HR oversees salary adjustment implementation. Update records and payroll systems accurately, which can be simplified with payroll systems

Monitor adjustments for fairness, transparency, and policy adherence. Regularly review decisions for compliance with performance criteria, budgets, and tenure guidelines. Ensure fair distributions across departments or demographics.

Perform reviews and adaptation

Regularly review the salary adjustment process to ensure alignment with organizational goals. The process should enhance current employee satisfaction and attract potential talent.

Involve relevant stakeholders, including HR managers and employees, to gather diverse perspectives and improve the process.

Harnessing HRIS for Efficient Salary Adjustment

salary adjustment

Administering salary adjustments requires careful planning, clear communication, and adherence to policies and regulations. While this can pose a challenge, utilizing the rightHR tools can streamline the process, ensuring efficient management of salary adjustments.

All-in-one HR softwares like Omni can help you and your company efficiently tackle salary adjustments. By streamlining processes and gathering valuable insights through data analytics, our software can provide an ideal framework for businesses invested in creating a fair and transparent workplace. 

Omni allows you to design, schedule, and conduct performance reviews that offer insights on promotions and advancement. From defining performance metrics to conducting evaluations, our solution provides you with real-time feedback to enhance salary adjustments, foster high performance, attract top talent, and drive growth for your modern business. 

To explore why Omni is the preferred tool for modern businesses aiming to cultivate an inclusive and fair culture, book a demo with our team today.

Inflation is a challenging economic situation. It puts the squeeze on consumers for everything from the petrol they fill their cars up with, to the groceries they buy. When inflation spikes, it also means that the wages employees earn have less purchasing power—basically handing them a salary cut.

In HR, this is a tricky situation to navigate. Naturally, your employees are going to be interested in a salary inflation adjustment, but not every organization can accommodate a company-wide raise that actually keeps up with inflation.

Even when a salary inflation adjustment is feasible, it may not fully diminish the feelings of anxiety and low morale that inflation can create for your team. Fortunately, it’s not the only option that organizations can take. There are a few tactics that organizations can rely on to ensure they’re helping their workforce to the best of their ability during periods of high inflation.

Here, we dive into what inflation is, how it impacts HR professionals, and what exactly you can do to keep employee engagement high and reduce attrition rates during tough economic times.

The Basics of Inflation

When referring to inflation, we’re talking about the general increase in prices of goods and services over time, resulting in a decrease in the purchasing power of money. When inflation occurs in a given economy, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services than it did before. For example, if the inflation rate is 3% annually, a product that cost $100 last year would cost $103 this year.

The unfortunate reality for many around the world is that 3% inflation is a pittance compared to what’s actually happening. In Singapore, for instance, inflation rose by 7.4% in 2023 which is actually down nearly a percent from 2022—but still far too high, and noticeably increasing the cost of living there.

The impact of inflation is far-reaching and affects all aspects of the economy, including your organization and its ability to maintain pay fairness among employees. As the cost of living rises due to inflation, your employees will experience a decrease in their real wages if their salaries don’t keep pace with inflation. This can lead to dissatisfaction and morale issues within your workforce, and it’s not necessarily an easy fix—it would be nice to have a company-wide salary inflation adjustment, but that isn’t always financially feasible.

During periods of inflation, your organization will face the challenge of balancing the need to remain competitive and profitable while also ensuring employees are fairly compensated for their work. Failure to address pay fairness during periods of high inflation can result in talent retention issues and hinder overall employee morale and productivity. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to understand the basics of inflation and implement strategies to address pay fairness effectively.

Impacts of Inflation on HR

salary inflation adjustment

Of all the sectors hit hard by inflation, few feel its effects as intensely as Human Resources. While HR has plenty of tools to solve other problems, inflation often feels like a force of nature that little can be done about. Here’s how inflation tends to affect HR professionals: 

Recruitment and retention

Inflation can significantly impact your organization’s ability to attract and retain top talent. As the cost of living rises, job seekers may seek higher salaries to maintain their standard of living, making it more challenging for your company to recruit within HR budget constraints. Similarly, existing employees may feel compelled to seek better-paying opportunities elsewhere if they fail to receive a salary inflation adjustment. HR teams must adjust recruitment strategies to remain competitive in the job market and implement retention initiatives to retain valuable talent.

Also, as cost of living goes up locally, employees may seek to move to more affordable communities, leaving the footprint of your organization. And while remote work might be an option, it’s one more problem to solve caused by a spike in inflation.

Read next: The Cost of Recruitment: HR’s Guide to Creating, Tracking and Implementing a Salary Budget

Employee morale and engagement

Inflationary pressures can also affect employee morale and engagement. When salary inflation adjustments aren’t possible and employees feel their pay isn’t keeping pace with the cost of living, it can lead to frustration, demotivation, and disengagement. Your HR team has to proactively address these concerns by keeping open communication channels, listening to employee feedback, and implementing initiatives that demonstrate the organization’s commitment to supporting its workforce during times of economic uncertainty. 

Creating a company culture that has clear channels for growth within your organization is a great way to combat inflation-caused uncertainty. When your team sees a path for growth and a brighter future, they’re less likely to be overburdened with the anxiety of the moment.

Performance management and development

When inflation hits, your organization might need to take a reevaluation of performance management and development strategies. Your HR team may need to recalibrate performance metrics and goals to account for changing economic conditions and ensure that employees are appropriately incentivized and recognized for their contributions

Also, investing in employee development programs becomes increasingly important to upskill and reskill workers during inflationary periods. Demonstrating that your organization is invested in the career and personal growth of its employees, even when there are economic pressures, is a great way to maintain engagement and morale.

Compensation and benefits

Among all HR functions, compensation and benefits management is perhaps the most directly impacted by inflation. Rising inflation erodes the purchasing power of salaries, making it imperative for your organization to periodically review and conduct a salary inflation adjustment to ensure its compensation structures remain competitive. 

Your team needs to conduct a comprehensive market analysis to benchmark salaries against evolving industry standards and ensure that your employees are fairly compensated relative to their peers. You’ll also need to consider revisiting benefits packages to include provisions that help alleviate financial strain, such as cost-of-living adjustments, healthcare benefits, and retirement plans, which can enhance employee satisfaction and maintain healthy retention levels during a period of inflation.

Strategies for Salary Inflation Adjustment

As your organization looks to navigate this period of high inflation, your HR team is going to play a crucial role in ensuring that employee compensation remains fair and competitive. Here are five strategies for you to consider, that will help manage salary inflation adjustment:

1. Transparency and communication

Maintaining open and transparent communication with your employees about the impact of inflation on compensation is essential. Your HR team should clearly communicate the organization’s approach to managing salary inflation adjustment, including the factors considered, timelines, and rationale behind decisions. Providing your employees with regular updates and opportunities to ask questions can help alleviate concerns and build trust within the workforce. 

Make sure that it’s not just talk, though. As you outline your action plans and give updates, clearly show the steps taken, and act on employee feedback gathered during your Q and As.

Relevant reads: 15 Employee Satisfaction Survey Questions You Need to be Asking

2. Perform data-driven analysis

Data-driven analysis is necessary for making informed decisions about salary inflation adjustments. Your team should leverage market data, industry benchmarks, and internal compensation metrics to make sure you have the full picture about the impact of inflation on your employee salaries. 

By analyzing trends and identifying areas where adjustments are most needed, your organization can allocate resources to where they’re needed most and ensure that compensation remains competitive in the market.

3. Perform targeted pay adjustments

This is probably the go-to strategy for a lot of organizations, and certainly what most of your employees will be interested in. But rather than implementing across-the-board salary inflation adjustments, consider targeted pay adjustments based on individual employee performance and circumstances. 

For instance, high-performing employees, those with critical skills, or those in roles that are particularly affected by inflation may warrant higher adjustments. This approach allows your organization to allocate resources strategically while recognizing and rewarding top talent.

4. Provide alternative benefits and support

In addition to conducting a salary inflation adjustment, consider offering alternative benefits and support to help mitigate the impact of inflation on your employees’ finances. This could include enhanced healthcare benefits, flexible or hybrid work models, additional paid time off, or financial wellness programs. 

Providing real, tangible support beyond salary increases demonstrates your organization’s commitment to supporting its workforce during challenging economic times. It also might be easier to extend to everyone than across-the-board raises, making for a cost-effective alternative.

5. Proactive planning and communication

Effective salary inflation adjustment strategies require proactive planning and communication. Your HR team should anticipate inflationary pressures by keeping up to date with economic projections and develop contingency plans well in advance. 

By staying ahead of market trends and economic indicators, your organization can implement timely and well-calibrated adjustments that meet both the top-down business objectives and real employee needs. Regular communication with your employees throughout the adjustment process keeps things transparent and helps develop a sense of trust and engagement within the workforce.

Harnessing HRIS to Navigate Salary Management

salary inflation adjustment

Implementing effective strategies for salary inflation adjustment is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and retaining top talent. 

Affordable, functional, and suitable for modern growing businesses—HRIS solutions like Omni can significantly ease the salary inflation adjustment process. By offering real-time data, automated calculations, and compliance assurance, our comprehensive payroll solution is designed to meet your unique b business needs, no matter where you operate. 

Ready to enhance your salary management? Schedule a demo with us today. We’ll walk you through the platform’s features and demonstrate how Omni can streamline your processes, saving time, reducing administrative workload, and enhancing overall efficiency for your team.

What is FTE and How is it Calculated?

Having a comprehensive understanding of your workforce is absolutely essential as an HR professional. As part of this, calculating a Full Time Equivalent (FTE) count is essential. It paints the full picture of working hours and labor at your organization and breaks it down to a simple number.

While the outcome is simple and easy to understand and use, the steps you need to take to actually calculate your Full Time Equivalent can be a bit complicated. Here, we break down the steps to do so with detailed examples, and a thorough understanding of the benefits of FTEs.

What is a Full Time Equivalent?

When used in HR, a Full Time Equivalent refers to the total number of working hours contributed by an employee or a group of employees on a full-time basis. Essentially, FTE represents the total workload (or the equivalent) of one full-time employee.

FTE is an incredibly useful metric for organizations looking to assess and quantify the total labor resources available within their workforce. It provides a standardized measurement that companies can use to compare the productivity and capacity of their different departments, teams, or projects.

As the name implies, calculating Full Time Equivalent involves converting the working hours of part-time or temporary employees into the equivalent of a full-time position. This calculation is necessary for accurate HR budgeting, resource allocation, and workforce planning purposes. By understanding the FTE count, organizations like yours can make informed decisions about staffing levels, hiring needs, and project allocations to meet all the goals your business has set out.

How is Full Time Equivalent Calculated?

If you’re looking for an accurate accounting of your organization’s FTE, there are six steps you need to take, each one important for determining the organization’s workforce capacity. Here’s what you need to do for an accurate picture of your FTE:

  1. Compile a list of all employees and total hours worked: Gather data on all your employees, including full-time, part-time, and temporary workers. Record their total hours worked over a specific period, such as a week, month, or year.
  2. Define the total number of hours for a full-time position: Determine the standard number of hours constituting a full-time position in your organization. This typically ranges from 35 to 40 hours per week, depending on your company’s policies and local regulations.
  3. Calculate the annual hours worked for all employees: Multiply the total hours each of your employees worked by the number of weeks or months they worked during the period you’re looking at. This yields their annual hours worked.
  4. Add up annual hours worked for both full and part-time employees: Sum the annual hours worked for all your employees, regardless of their employment status (full-time or part-time).
  5. Determine the part-time FTE: Divide the total annual hours worked by part-time employees by the standard number of hours for a full-time position. This gives you the FTE value for your part-time employees.
  6. Calculate the total FTE: Sum the FTE values for both full-time and part-time employees. This provides the total FTE count for your organization, representing the equivalent number of full-time employees based on the total hours worked by all employees.

Example of Full Time Equivalent Calculation

To help you fully understand how Full Time Equivalent is determined, let’s take a look at a hypothetical example of FTE calculations and break down the math step by step.

Step 1: Compile a list of all employees and total hours worked

  • Example: Suppose your organization has three employees:
    • Employee A: Full-time, works 40 hours per week
    • Employee B: Part-time, works 20 hours per week
    • Employee C: Part-time, works 30 hours per week

Step 2: Define the total number of hours for a full-time position

  • Example: Assuming a standard full-time workweek of 40 hours.

Step 3: Calculate the annual hours worked for all employees:

  • Example:
    • Employee A: 40 hours/week × 52 weeks = 2,080 hours/year
    • Employee B: 20 hours/week × 52 weeks = 1,040 hours/year
    • Employee C: 30 hours/week × 52 weeks = 1,560 hours/year

Step 4: Add up annual hours worked for both full and part-time employees

  • Example: Total annual hours worked = 2,080 (Employee A) + 1,040 (Employee B) + 1,560 (Employee C) = 4,680 hours

Step 5: Determine the part-time FTE

  • Example: Calculate the FTE for each part-time employee by dividing their annual hours worked by the standard full-time annual hours (2,080 hours):
    • Employee B: 1,040 hours / 2,080 hours = 0.5 FTE
    • Employee C: 1,560 hours / 2,080 hours = 0.75 FTE

Step 6: Calculate the total FTE

  • Example: Add the FTEs of all employees:
    • Full-time Employee A: 1 FTE
    • Part-time Employee B: 0.5 FTE
    • Part-time Employee C: 0.75 FTE

 Total FTE = 1 + 0.5 + 0.75 = 2.25 FTE

By using the above example as a reference, and taking it step by step, you simply need to expand it to encompass your entire workforce, and you’re on track for an accurate look at your organization’s FTE.

Struggling to calculate your Full Time Equivalent?

Benefits of Calculating Full Time Equivalent

When it comes to workforce management, having comprehensive and accurate information is paramount. To make the right decisions, you need the right data, and a calculation of your Full Time Equivalent is an essential tool in your box. Benefits include:

Assess staffing needs

An FTE calculation will help your organization determine the right number of employees needed to meet the demands of your organization. This assessment helps prevent understaffing and overstaffing, ensuring cost-effective resource utilization, including recruitment fees

Identify gaps and inefficiencies

By comparing actual Full Time Equivalent counts with targeted FTEs, your organization can identify gaps in its workforce coverage and weed out any inefficiencies. This insight allows you to address staffing imbalances, reducing potential burnout and enhancing productivity.

Analyze team performance

FTE data enables your organization to analyze team performance by comparing productivity levels across different departments or teams. This analysis helps you identify high-performing teams and areas requiring improvement, meaning you can make targeted interventions to enhance overall performance, without any major disruptions where there doesn’t need to be.

Relevant readings: How Managers Can Help Low-Performing Employees?

Cost analysis

Understanding FTE counts allows your organization to conduct cost analyses related to labor expenses, and ultimately update the recruitment budget accordingly. By calculating FTE-related costs such as salaries, benefits, and overhead expenses, your organization can optimize its budgeting and financial planning processes for the most efficient spending strategy.

Tracking FTE calculation over time enables your organization to identify workforce trends and anticipate future staffing needs. This insight is very important for strategic workforce planning, expansion initiatives, and continued, sustainable growth over time.

Regulatory compliance

Many regulatory requirements, like compliance with labor laws and benefit programs, are based on Full Time Equivalent counts. Accurate FTE calculations ensure your organization remains compliant with legal obligations and eligibility criteria for government programs and support that look at FTE.

Improved communication

FTE data serves as a common metric for communication and decision-making across departments and organizational levels. Clear and consistent communication about staffing levels is important for a company culture of transparency and alignment with top-level strategic goals.

Read next: Strategies and Tools for Defining Culture in the Workplace

Frequently Asked Questions

Full Time Equivalent

1. What is the difference between full-time equivalent and full-time employee?

While a full-time employee typically works a standard number of hours per week, a Full Time Equivalent is a unit that measures the total workload of multiple part-time or full-time employees. FTE considers all of your employees, regardless of their hours worked, on a standardized scale to represent the equivalent of one full-time employee.

2. What is the difference between full-time equivalent and headcount?

Headcount refers to the total number of people employed by your organization, including both full-time and part-time employees. In contrast, FTE calculates the total workload based on the number of hours worked by employees, converting part-time hours into the equivalent of full-time hours to provide a standardized measure of workforce capacity.

3. Are interns taken into account when calculating FTE?

Interns may or may not be included in Full Time Equivalent calculations, depending on their employment status and your organization’s policies. If interns are considered employees and their hours contribute to your organization’s workload, they should be included in FTE calculations. That said, if interns are classified differently or their hours are not counted toward operational capacity, they should be excluded from your FTE calculations.

4. What does FTE 1.0 represent?

FTE 1.0 represents the workload equivalent to one full-time employee. It means that an employee is working the standard number of hours expected for a full-time position within your organization. FTE values that are greater than 1.0 represent a greater workload that goes beyond a single full-time employee, while values less than 1.0 represent part-time workloads.

5. How does FTE impact the payroll process?

Full Time Equivalent calculations are an important part of the payroll process because they help determine the total cost of labor being spent by your organization. Payroll calculations look at FTE values to determine employee compensation, benefits eligibility, and payroll taxes. FTE data also informs decisions related to staffing levels, budgeting, and resource allocation.

FTE Calculations Made Easy with Omni

Full Time Equivalent

Full Time Equivalent calculations are crucial for determining staffing needs and optimizing resource allocation. By leveraging HRIS like Omni, organizations can elevate this process to the next level. 

Omni helps you track, analyze and gain actionable insights from employee data through an automated and digitized platform. Easily and quickly gather the data you need to calculate your organization’s FTE so you can spend more time on the strategic planning necessary to drive business outcomes. 

For more support in calculating your organization’s Full Time Equivalent, download our free FTE Template and streamline your staffing calculations for efficient resource allocation.

If you’re ready to take your workforce management to the next level, book a demo with us today. We’ll walk you through the platform’s features and demonstrate how Omni can transform your processes, saving you time, reducing administrative burden, and enhancing overall efficiency for your team.

Employer’s Manual for Taxation in Singapore

According to Deloitte’s survey, 46% of respondents find tax compliance and reporting requirements in Singapore to be straightforward. This percentage is among the highest in the region, trailing only behind Hong Kong, Macau, and Mauritius.

With that in mind, income tax Singapore filing doesn’t need to be stressful, and the different Singaporean taxes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. All you need is a reliable guide on taxation in Singapore to get you started. By doing so, you can ensure your business remains compliant and safeguards its reputation and revenue.

Key Taxes Applicable to Employers

Understanding the SG taxes and Singapore tax rate regulations that the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) sets out, helps keep your business compliant.

Corporate Income Tax

The IRAS collects the Corporate Income Tax Singapore on business profits sourced in the country. The income tax Singapore mandates is a flat rate of 17%. Partial tax exemptions and three-year start-up tax exemptions apply to qualified startups when it comes to this Singapore tax rate.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Aside from income tax, Singapore mandates the GST: a consumption tax that you file for the supply of goods and services and the goods imported into Singapore.

If you run a GST-registered business, you have to pay such SG taxes for the selling price of your goods and services at a Singapore tax rate of 9%.

Property Tax

The property tax, another of the required SG taxes, applies to the ownership of immobile properties in Singapore. For your company, a non-residential property, you’re taxed at a flat Singapore tax rate of 10%.

To calculate your property tax, you multiply this Singapore tax rate by the Annual Value (AV) of that property. The AV depends on the value of similar or comparable market rentals.

Payroll Taxes

In Singapore, SG taxes or payroll taxes encompass all tax rates applied to various forms of compensation. While you are responsible for filing your own annual income tax declaration in Singapore, the taxation system does not require you to withhold SG taxes for your employees. 

However, despite not having to file taxes like income tax, Singapore’s Employment Act mandates that you withhold certain contributions and levies.

Read more: Payroll Singapore Reference Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Employer’s CPF Contributions

For monthly wages exceeding S$750, employers are required to make contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF). This CPF is a government-managed social security fund that supports retirement, housing, and healthcare, funded by contributions from both you and your eligible employees (at a variable Singapore tax rate).

The specific Singapore tax rate deducted from your employee’s salary is determined by their age. Additionally, you are required to make certain CPF contribution rates from your own funds to your employees’ CPF accounts.

Foreign Worker Levy

The system of taxation in Singapore incorporates the Foreign Worker levy as a way to regulate the number of foreign workers in the country.

You pay this monthly income tax Singapore or, more accurately, levy for every employee in your company with a Work Permit or S Pass. The exact Singapore tax rate differs according to your industry, employee qualifications, and the ratio of foreign employees to total employees in your company.

Read next: Singapore Employment Pass: Updates & Requirements in 2023

Skills Development Levy (SDL)

The fund provides support for workforce upgrading programs and offers training grants for when you enroll your employees in training under the National Continuing Education Training. You’re obliged to pay the SDL, which is a Singapore tax rate of 0.25% deducted from your employees’ monthly wages, subject to minimum and maximum contribution limits.

Employer Responsibilities

taxation in Singapore

As an employer, it’s important to incorporate these compliance practices for SG taxes into your business operations to ensure adherence to regulations to the Singaporean Employment Act.

Registering for taxes

Before you can pay your income tax, your company needs to be registered for Singaporean taxes. Fortunately, Singapore is ranked as the second easiest country to do business in and the fourth best country to start a business in. To register your business, you’ll need to register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and also register for GST.

Filing tax returns

Tax returns are income tax Singapore forms used to report income, expenses, and other details related to taxes. According to the IRAS, “employers are required by law (S68(2) of the Income Tax Act) to prepare Form IR8A and Appendix 8A, Appendix 8B or Form IR8S (where applicable) for employees who are employed in Singapore by 1 Mar each year.”

The system of taxation in Singapore requires businesses to file tax returns by 15 April each year, with the possibility of later deadlines in some cases. E-filing using the IRS Free File and tax preparation software are available options for filing your taxes.

Paying taxes

This guide to taxation in Singapore aims to assist you in meeting all income tax requirements promptly and accurately. To do so, you must calculate the Singapore tax rate and accurately process and report all payroll components, including benefits, wages, and deductions.

If managing SG taxes seems overwhelming, don’t worry. Payroll software can automate the process, ensuring precise payroll calculations for you.

Maintaining record

Record keeping is crucial when it comes to income tax Singapore. The IRAS says that you should keep records for five years so that you can easily determine the claimed income and business expenses.

Records relate to income or sales and claims or expenses. To authenticate these records, keep receipts, invoices, payslips, vouchers, and other relevant documents to SG taxes. Aside from information about income tax, the regulation requires you to keep records about employees, including the following information:

  • Employee Address
  • Gender
  • Employee NRIC or Work Pass number and date of expiry
  • Date of joining of employment
  • Employment date of leaving
  • Working hours (including breaks duration)
  • public holidays and leaves used

Withholding taxes

A unique aspect of taxation in Singapore is that you are not required to withhold SG taxes from your employees’ monthly salaries. However, you must withhold certain Singapore tax rate variations, such as contributions and levies.

Reporting foreign workers

According to the IRAS, you must submit employment income information for foreign workers in Singapore for the respective year.

Employers are required to use the Foreign Identification Number (FIN) issued to foreign employees by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) or Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in their AIS submissions. This reporting enables you to pay the relevant Singapore tax rate, known as the Foreign Worker levy.

Struggling to understand the Singaporean Employment Act?

Key Steps for Preparing Employee Income Tax

If you’re still uncertain about taxation in Singapore, let’s get straight to the point and provide you with the steps for preparing employee income tax, Singapore edition.

1. Understanding your responsibilities as an employer

Understanding your responsibilities as an employer makes Taxation in Singapore straightforward. You must file employee earnings, submit specific tax forms, and ensure accurate application of the correct Singapore tax rates.

2. Determine tax withholding for your employees

Now is the time to calculate the amount you should withhold for SG taxes, including contributions, deductions, and levies on behalf of your employees. Unless the Singapore tax rate is fixed, you’ll need specific data, such as employee age or qualifications, to determine the IRAS rate. 

3. Stay updated with tax regulations

Tax regulations get updated regularly, and their complexity and the pace by which they change has increased. Staying up to date with taxation in Singapore enables you to file the correct documents and pay the correct Singapore tax rate.

You can check the IRAS Overview of Tax Changes for the financial year 2024, which includes changes to tax incentive schemes, tax deductions, and the Singapore tax rate.

4. Utilize payroll software

As you may have discovered, payroll software simplifies the management of taxation in Singapore. With payroll software, you can calculate the income tax Singapore regulations require you to pay, subtract deductions, calculate benefits, bonuses, and paid leave, generate payslips, and easily store, access, and manage payroll and employee data. 

Additionally, it automates various payroll processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance, and saving you time and money on SG tax management.

5. Prepare for reporting deadlines

Preparing for reporting deadlines for taxation in Singapore requires careful planning and organization.

It is essential to keep accurate records of income, expenses, and other financial transactions throughout the year. Employers should ensure that they have the necessary information and forms ready for reporting deadlines, such as Form IR8A for employee income. 

Understanding the specific deadlines set by IRAS is crucial to avoid late filing penalties.

Ensuring Compliance with Singaporean Tax

taxation in Singapore

The primary objective of understanding taxation in Singapore and abiding by SG taxes is to avoid penalties, fines, and legal action. Here are some ways on how you can ensure compliance:

Stay updated with regulations

Staying updated with regulations is crucial for managing taxation in Singapore.

Fortunately, certain payroll providers stay abreast of regulatory changes to income tax Singapore and notify you about every update. What’s more, some all-in-one HR systems offer real-time compliance updates. 

Register with IRAS

Taxation in Singapore starts with registering your business. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) enables you to register your business online in one to two days. The process looks like this:

  • Getting the business name approved
  • Preparing the needed documents
  • Submitting the application to ACRA

Note that you’ll have to register for the GST Singapore tax rate. This process is composed of the following steps:

  • Choosing the GST registration type
  • Completing the e-learning course
  • Submitting the GST tax application

Maintain accurate records

You’re aware of the need to maintain records of your income/sales, claims/expenses, income tax Singapore forms, and employee information (including source documents and bank statements) for five years. However, managing every Singapore tax rate manually without encountering false, missing, or outdated data can be difficult. 

Fortunately, the IRAS provides a checklist for record keeping. Also, payroll software solutions help ensure error-free records by creating digital copies of employee payslips, assisting with timesheet management, and calculating your employees’ time off and attendance.

Identify applicable taxes

Identifying the SG taxes that apply to your business and employees is crucial to ensuring that you pay the correct amount. It is also important to identify any tax breaks, deductions, and grants that apply when calculating each Singapore tax rate. For instance, you must pay the Foreign Worker Levy for your foreign employees.

File returns and pay taxes on time

To manage taxation in Singapore, you must make tax payments and file returns on time, which is one month after you receive the Notice of Assessment (Tax Bill). If you don’t make the deadline the income tax Singapore requires, you may be subjected to a 5% penalty and enforcement action, such as a travel restriction order or legal action.

Train your employees

It is crucial to train your employees to ensure compliance with SG tax regulations. Proper training can help them understand their roles and responsibilities regarding tax reporting and payment, reducing the risk of errors or non-compliance. 

Additionally, training can help employees stay updated with changes in Singapore tax laws and regulations, ensuring that your business remains compliant. By investing in training, you can help your employees perform their tax-related duties accurately and efficiently, ultimately avoiding penalties and legal issues. 

Conduct regular reviews

Tax reviews are routine assessments that encompass all facets of taxation in Singapore. They enable you to verify compliance with obligations, identify opportunities for tax savings, reduce the tax burden, and manage risks effectively.

Utilize payroll software

Streamline the process of taxation in Singapore with payroll software services. These services automate numerous payroll processes such as calculating SG taxes, deductions, bonuses, benefits, and hours worked, issuing payslips, generating the necessary forms for income tax Singapore demands, and storing data securely.

This approach helps reduce errors, ensures data security, promotes compliance with tax regulations, and facilitates effective filing of SG taxes. 

Automating Singapore Tax Compliance with Omni

Managing taxation in Singapore is a complex and detail-oriented task that demands a deep understanding of the region’s unique legal requirements and a commitment to accuracy and compliance. That’s why it’s important to have the right technology on your side.

Omni offers a comprehensive payroll solution tailored to Singapore’s specific requirements. With features like support for SGD, automated tax calculations, and managed CPF contributions, Omni can help HR teams simplify their payroll processing and ensure compliance with ease. 

Omni’s suite of features makes the requirements for running a compliant and efficient payroll system in Singapore easy. With secure and centralized employee records, HR teams can swiftly access employment contracts and essential documents that support payroll practices.

Our time and attendance features empower teams to automate data and produce accurate reports in minutes, making payroll calculations seamless and accurate. And with payroll solutions that support SGD and pay schedules, Omni offers an entire suite of solutions to make your payroll system Singapore seamless. 

If you’re ready to take your payroll Singapore management to the next level, book a demo with us today. We’ll walk you through the platform’s capabilities and demonstrate how Omni can transform your payroll processing, saving you time, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing overall efficiency.

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