Fair reward

A new challenge and opportunity for your business

Fair Reward includes multiple dimensions

Fair pay has been a topic of importance for employers. It has become even more important due to the upcoming voice of stakeholders, society and regulators as well as the increased preference of (potential) employees to work for companies paying fair. Fair pay means that employees regardless of gender and ethnicity receive equal pay for equal work have equal growth opportunities and are equally recognized for performance. Differences in pay arise due to a complex mix of (non) demographic factors such as gender, performance, location and time in role. Key in advocating pay fairness is transparency in pay and diversity.

Are you prepared to disclose the numbers on fair pay and improve equal (growth) opportunities within your organisation?

Fair Reward includes multiple dimensions

Key aspects of fair pay

Equal Pay

Equal opportunities and associated equal pay is no longer just a legal topic. For many organisations, it is also important in relation to business continuity; to attract diverse groups/talents reflecting customers and society as an attractive employer. Being able to offer diverse role models, retain and attract diverse talent is essential for business operations. 

The prohibition of discrimination based on gender, background and age is embedded in many constitutions. However, the link between age discrimination and pay is still often debated, given the value that seniority and repetition of performance of tasks and responsibilities can bring. The difference in value related to background and gender is no longer up for debate.

Gender | A strong focus in legislation and reporting is on the (in)equality in gender and gender pay

The benefits of gender equality and a diverse workforce continue to increase. By committing to diversity and equality, you improve your employer and company brand which enables you to attract and retain the best talent and understand and service your clients. Your data on this topic and your improvement efforts may directly affect your attractiveness as employer, value chain partner and investors.

Show that you’re paying people equally

Your commitment starts with insights and can even lead to external certification. PwC helps clients with internal benchmarking insights, job grading for equal work measurement, HR policy and process review and dashboarding tools, but more and more organisations are also opting for our external certification on equal pay through EQUAL SALARY certification.

Watch the animation about EQUAL-SALARY Certification

Risks and benefits

Equal pay is a legal requirement. Non-compliance could result in claims and high fines. A broader approach to achieve fair pay reduces legal risks.

Fair pay helps to avoid reputational damage and to build a positive brand as equal opportunity employer.

Ensuring and disclosing fair pay are high impact interventions. It helps to attract and retain talent, to improve employee satisfaction and to increase productivity and performance. 

PwC, your partner in fair pay audits

PwC can help with numerous activities around fair pay, from a broader HR perspective, such as

  • Audits to measure fair pay (e.g. pay gaps, pay ratios), and assistance with  respect to its reporting 
  • Design and review policies around diversity, performance and remuneration
  • Analyse Legal risk and advice on internal policies to mitigate these pay gap related risks going forward
  • (Re)design job frameworks, job grading and salary schemes
  • (Re)design performance and talent management frameworks
  • (Re)design (global) mobility policies
  • Reviews and optimization of internal processes, communications and implementation support
  • Training and coaching teams

PwC is a leading financial audit firm with extensive experience in fair pay audits. A worldwide network allows us to run global audits in an efficient and consistent manner. We have specialists in HR, Reward, Legal & Diversity and a successful methodology for in-depth quantitative & qualitative analysis. This puts us in a strong position to provide a comprehensive review enriched with subject matter expertise. Besides, we can advise on strategies to reduce the gaps and related risk.

Contact us

Bas van de Pas

Bas van de Pas

Partner, PwC Netherlands

Tel: +31 (0)62 263 83 99

Frank van Oirschot

Frank van Oirschot

Director, PwC Netherlands

Tel: +31 (0)65 111 38 73

Corien Dieterman

Corien Dieterman

Director, PwC Netherlands

Tel: +31 (0)64 846 25 54