by Marlene Mcpherson

Created on: July 18, 2010

Common benefits offered to employees

 Full time employees are offered about five types of benefits that are in compliance with the government regulations and few more are given on the discretion of the employers.  All of the mandatory benefits are common and become a necessary part of the compensation package of the employees.  These indirect financial and non-financial payments will vary from country to country.   Within the Caribbean it is not as comprehensive as those in United States nor Canada never-the- less it is done.

One of these benefits is health and life insurance.   Some employers allow for the employees to participate in the scheme so each employee is required to pay into this group insurance. If their time is expired with that particular organization they have the opportunity to take that policy with them within a specific period.  This benefit is a necessity as coverage is usually extended to cases of accidents, death and ill health.

Another benefit is time off with pay or vacation leave.  Most employees are happy to receive this very important incentive because they are given a time to rejuvenate and come back refreshed and motivated to continue their task. Most of the employees will use the time to do a short course, or a time with family members or remain on the job and will get pay in lieu of leave.

Sick leave is yet another provision that is granted as a benefit to all full time employees.  According to the law once they are sick for three days and more a doctor's certificate should be sent in to confirm their illness so that they can still receive their full salary or wages..

Retirement benefits are another feature of many organizations. This is a provision of an income after attaining the age of 60 and 65 respectively for both females and males. Sometimes there is death so the surviving partner is usually eligible for his or her benefits.  There are cases when there is a need for the institution retire an employee due to some aspect of disability. Once this occurs the employee will now get disability payments under the retirement benefit act.

Another benefit is the maternity leave with pay.  This leave allows for mothers to get two months leave with pay.  A third month can be granted without pay if requested.

These are basis benefits that enhance the employee's tenure and welfare. They were legislated for us to enjoy after years of lobbying and the staging of different industrial actions.  These common benefits aim to compensate employees for work done.

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