Unveiling the Evolving Remuneration and Reward Trends in South Africa

Two experts weigh in…

“In the ever-changing landscape of the South African business world, organisations face a constant challenge in attracting and retaining top talent. To tackle this obstacle head-on, employers are increasingly focusing on remuneration and reward strategies to not only entice the best candidates but also foster motivation and loyalty among their existing workforce.

Competitive Salary and Total Reward Packages: The Quest for Top Talent

“In the vibrant South African job market, where competition for skilled professionals is fierce, organisations are realising the importance of offering relevant and competitive salary structures. Aligning with industry standards, these attractive remuneration packages aim to entice the brightest talent across various sectors, including finance, technology, and engineering. Companies operating in the technology sector, for instance, are known to provide above-average salaries and enticing benefits to secure top-tier AI professionals to tackle the current technology developments. In addition to competitive salaries, employers are crafting comprehensive total reward packages encompassing benefits such as medical aid, retirement plans, and performance-based bonuses. This holistic approach enhances the allure of the overall offering, appealing to prospective employees. The key is to choose a relevant comparison, to consider skills that are critical or in short supply, whilst at the same time taking care of the stable portion of the workforce.

Variable Pay and Performance-based Incentives: Fueling Success Stories

“Within the South African employment landscape, organisations are increasingly embracing variable pay structures and performance-based incentive programs as catalysts for employee performance and motivation. In sectors such as retail, commission-based incentives are prevalent to recognise and reward exceptional sales achievements, thus stimulating sales growth. The financial services industry, on the other hand, often implements performance bonuses tied to key performance indicators (KPIs). By linking rewards directly to individual and team accomplishments, organisations foster a culture of excellence and drive employee engagement.

Non-Financial Rewards: Cultivating a Fulfilling Work Experience

“While financial incentives are paramount, forward-thinking South African organisations are placing increasing importance on non-financial rewards to motivate and satisfy employees. Flexibility is a significant consideration, with flexible work arrangements remaining popular across industries. Offering remote work options or flexible working hours demonstrates an employer's commitment to work-life balance and fosters a positive work culture. Organisations are also investing in training and development programs, mentorship initiatives, and career advancement opportunities to provide employees with growth prospects and enhance job satisfaction. A supportive work environment, coupled with recognition programs, contributes to employee well-being and happiness. An interesting non-financial reward that some companies are maximising post-covid is the benefits of team interaction and relationship. Companies are making specific effort to enhance the interactive and collaborative opportunities and to create opportunities where engagement with other people becomes a reward and job satisfier in itself.

Customisation and Personalisation: Tailoring Rewards for Individual Needs

“Embracing the diverse workforce in South Africa, organisations are personalising remuneration and rewards to cater to individual needs and preferences. Companies are developing flexible benefits packages that empower employees to choose benefits aligned with their unique circumstances. These packages may include customisable medical aid plans or leave options, granting employees a sense of control over their well-being. Moreover, tailored wellness programs, coaching and employee assistance programs further underline an organisation's dedication to employee engagement, reinforcing a positive employer brand.

Leveraging Technology for Reward Management: The Digital Advantage

“In the digital age, South African organisations are harnessing technology to streamline and optimise reward management processes. HR tech solutions and platforms are being leveraged to automate salary benchmarking, performance tracking, and recognition programs. Performance management software, for instance, facilitates the setting of objectives, real-time progress tracking, and feedback provision, enabling a data-driven approach to performance-based rewards. By embracing technology-driven solutions, South African employers can enhance accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in their remuneration and reward systems. Alongside these technology solutions, organisations are intentional not to lose the HUMAN part of HUMAN resources, using technology as an enabler rather than a replacement.

“In the fiercely competitive South African talent market, organisations must adapt their remuneration and reward strategies to attract and retain top talent. By offering competitive salary structures, total reward packages, performance-based incentives, and personalised non-financial rewards, companies position themselves as sought-after employers. Technology-driven solutions further streamline reward management processes, enabling organisations to stay ahead of the curve. By staying attuned to these emerging trends, South African organisations can cultivate and customise employee engagement, productivity, and long-term organisational success.”

This article is based on research conducted by 21st Century, one of the largest remuneration consultancies in Africa. Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any further information.

Written by:

Craig Raath, Master Reward Specialist (SARA), Executive Director at 21st Century, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Morag Phillips, Master Reward Specialist (SARA), Executive Director at 21st Century, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About 21st Century:

21st Century, a level 2 BBBEE company, is one of the largest Remuneration, Reward, HR, Organisation Development and Change Management consultancies in Africa, specialising in sustainable business solutions, with a team of more than 60 skilled specialists, servicing over 1700 clients – including non-profit organisations, unlisted companies, government, parastatals and over two-thirds of the companies listed on the JSE. 21st Century offers bespoke business and strategy planning services, operating model and organisational design, creative reward practice modelling, change, stakeholder and culture management, training courses and comprehensive human capital and talent plans. These are all underpinned by our analytic and survey capability tailored to the African environment. 21st Century continues to offer solutions via a combination of virtual channels and on-site presence. 

21st Century has expanded its services to offer a full turnkey sustainable business and remuneration service. Beyond remuneration and reward consulting, 21st Century offers local analytics for business advantage; remuneration and HR training; change management services; talent and people solutions; and end-to-end organisational design and development.

21st Century is the Africa representative for the GECN group of companies, specialists in global executive remuneration and governance.

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Issued By: The Lime Envelope
On Behalf Of: 21st Century
For Media Information: Bronwyn Levy
Telephone: 076 078 1723
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.