{"id":24419,"date":"2024-06-14T15:26:55","date_gmt":"2024-06-14T15:26:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/?p=24419"},"modified":"2024-06-14T15:34:43","modified_gmt":"2024-06-14T15:34:43","slug":"developing-a-biblically-based-compensation-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/article\/developing-a-biblically-based-compensation-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"Developing a Biblically-Based Compensation Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"24419\" class=\"elementor elementor-24419\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f748c17 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f748c17\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-565d205\" data-id=\"565d205\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c947e7e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c947e7e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In today\u2019s rapidly evolving job market, Christian employers face unique challenges and opportunities regarding pay and benefits. A <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plansponsor.com\/employers-struggle-to-meet-employee-demand-for-higher-pay-better-benefits\/\">recent study<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> highlights that \u201cemployers are often out of touch with the needs of their employees, who seek higher compensation, better work-life balance, and quality benefits.\u201d <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plansponsor.com\/employers-struggle-to-meet-employee-demand-for-higher-pay-better-benefits\/\">80%<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of executives express difficulty adapting to these evolving demands.<\/span><b> As a Christian employer, you can rely on the wisdom of God\u2019s Word to develop a biblically-based compensation strategy that reflects the gospel and contributes to human flourishing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9f03b27 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9f03b27\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>What Does the Bible Say about Compensation?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although the terms \u201ccompensation package\u201d and \u201cemployee benefits strategies\u201d are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, biblical principles can still guide you in determining how to approach compensation:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cFor the Scripture says, \u2018You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,\u2019 and, \u2018The laborer deserves his wages.\u2019\u201d \u2013 <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=1+Timothy+5%3A18&amp;version=ESV\">1 Timothy 5:18<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBehold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.\u201d \u2013 <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=James+5%3A4&amp;version=ESV\">James 5:4<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAnd remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages\u2026\u201d \u2013 <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Luke+10%3A7&amp;version=ESV\">Luke 10:7<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWoe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages\u201d \u2013 <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Jeremiah+22%3A13+&amp;version=ESV\">Jeremiah 22:13<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The verses above underscore that <\/span><b>God condemns wage withholding out of greed and emphasizes the importance of honoring workers by paying them what they deserve for their labor<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, this does not mean you should overextend yourself financially (<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=James%205%3A4&amp;version=ESV\">James 5:4<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As Generation Z has entered the workforce in recent years, compensation expectations have significantly increased. A <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.realestatewitch.com\/college-graduate-salary-2022\/\">study<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> conducted in 2022 revealed that recent college graduates overestimated their post-graduate salaries by approximately $50,000. This disparity illustrates the <\/span><b>gap between what employees expect and what employers can realistically offer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As a Christian employer entrusted with financial resources, you have a responsibility to manage company resources responsibly to facilitate economic growth. At the same time, biblical stewardship demands that you compensate employees with a fair wage for their work. As the Bible says in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Luke%2010%3A7&amp;version=ESV\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Luke 10:7<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, \u201cThe laborer deserves his wages.\u201d<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">God\u2019s emphasis on justice is evident in the frequent use of the Hebrew word for justice, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mishpatim<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, appearing 36 times in the Old Testament (Michael Zigarelli, <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Management-Proverbs-Scriptural-Superior-Results\/dp\/0578718219\"><i>Management by Proverbs: Scriptural Wisdom for Superior Results<\/i><\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). In his book, Zigarelli suggests Christian employers align with God\u2019s heart for justice by ensuring fair compensation. <\/span><b>Fair compensation contributes to the flourishing of your employees\u2019 financial and personal well-being.<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1555332 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1555332\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>Four Principles for a Biblically-Based Compensation Strategy<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following four principles form the basis of a biblically-based compensation strategy: <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-f34168b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f34168b\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-88d4196\" data-id=\"88d4196\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-49a2488 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"49a2488\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-f890dd8\" data-id=\"f890dd8\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6be7458 elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"6be7458\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_3\" data-name=\"Layer 3\" viewBox=\"0 0 32.27 28.48\"><defs><style> .cls-1 { stroke-width: .86px; } .cls-1, .cls-2 { fill: none; stroke: #003b49; stroke-linecap: round; stroke-linejoin: round; } .cls-3 { fill: #003b49; stroke-width: 0px; } <\/style><\/defs><g><circle class=\"cls-1\" cx=\"16.1\" cy=\"17.42\" r=\"7.09\"><\/circle><path class=\"cls-3\" d=\"M15.76,21.43v-1.12l.2.19c-.42-.01-.81-.08-1.18-.19-.37-.12-.69-.28-.95-.49l.33-.86c.27.2.56.35.88.46.32.11.67.16,1.05.16.43,0,.74-.08.94-.23.2-.15.3-.34.3-.57,0-.19-.07-.34-.21-.45-.14-.11-.38-.21-.72-.28l-.91-.2c-.53-.11-.91-.31-1.17-.58-.25-.27-.38-.63-.38-1.07,0-.34.08-.64.25-.9.17-.27.4-.48.69-.64.3-.16.64-.25,1.04-.28l-.17.13v-1.08h.86v1.08l-.18-.14c.33.02.65.08.96.2.32.11.58.28.79.5l-.33.82c-.22-.2-.47-.35-.74-.45-.28-.1-.59-.15-.92-.15-.38,0-.67.08-.89.24-.22.16-.33.38-.33.64,0,.19.07.35.2.48.13.12.36.22.67.29l.91.2c.55.11.95.3,1.22.56.27.26.4.6.4,1.02,0,.33-.08.62-.25.88-.17.25-.39.46-.68.61s-.62.25-1.01.29l.16-.18v1.13h-.86Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M18.6,12.64c2.65,1.35,3.71,4.59,2.36,7.24\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M13.61,22.44c-2.65-1.35-3.71-4.59-2.36-7.24\"><\/path><\/g><polyline class=\"cls-2\" points=\"27.93 10.33 27.93 27.98 4.28 27.98 4.28 10.33\"><\/polyline><line class=\"cls-2\" x1=\"1.1\" y1=\"27.98\" x2=\"31.1\" y2=\"27.98\"><\/line><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M.67,9.78h0c-.44-1.01.02-2.19,1.03-2.63L16.1.5l14.46,6.65c1.01.44,1.47,1.62,1.03,2.63h0c-.44,1.01-1.62,1.47-2.63,1.03l-12.86-5.95L3.3,10.81c-1.01.44-2.19-.02-2.63-1.03Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-45ee59c\" data-id=\"45ee59c\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2bba38 elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c2bba38\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fairness: Meet Employees Needs<\/span><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98e15f8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"98e15f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Bible emphasizes the importance of <\/span><b>fair wages<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Christian employers disregard God\u2019s directives if they do not pay fairly. Therefore, thoroughly examining the concept of fairness in compensation is essential.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A team at MIT has developed a tool called the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/livingwage.mit.edu\/\">MIT living wage calculator<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to assist employers in determining a living wage for typical families in every county in the United States. This calculator estimates a living wage, poverty, and minimum wage in each region, considering factors such as marital status and the number of dependents. You can utilize this tool to estimate a living wage for your employees, but it is important to recognize that the results simply serve as a <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">starting point<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This calculator cannot accurately account for various factors, such as your company\u2019s resources, industry, and location.<\/span><\/p><p><b>Your <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/leadership\/peter-demos\/\"><b>intentionality<\/b><\/a><b> in developing a compensation strategy based on biblical principles reflects your commitment to truly loving your neighbor.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Meeting this aspect of employee care requires you to <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/hire\/c\/info\/cost-of-living-adjustment\">learn and serve<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the unique needs of your employees.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-05f287e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"05f287e\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-7513d5a\" data-id=\"7513d5a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-056f00e elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"056f00e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_3\" data-name=\"Layer 3\" viewBox=\"0 0 32.27 28.48\"><defs><style> .cls-1 { stroke-linejoin: round; } .cls-1, .cls-2 { fill: none; stroke: #003b49; } .cls-2 { stroke-miterlimit: 10; } <\/style><\/defs><circle class=\"cls-2\" cx=\"16.13\" cy=\"1.93\" r=\"1.26\"><\/circle><line class=\"cls-2\" x1=\"16.13\" y1=\"3.2\" x2=\"16.13\" y2=\"24.19\"><\/line><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M9.99,27.01c0-1.56,2.75-2.82,6.14-2.82s6.14,1.26,6.14,2.82h-12.28Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M6.54,8.26s-.08-2.08,4.3-2.51,5.3-2.54,5.3-2.54\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M9.99,14.68c0,1.91-1.55,3.46-3.46,3.46s-3.46-1.55-3.46-3.46h6.91Z\"><\/path><polyline class=\"cls-1\" points=\"9.99 14.68 6.65 7.83 3.08 14.68\"><\/polyline><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M25.73,8.26s.08-2.08-4.3-2.51-5.3-2.54-5.3-2.54\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M22.27,14.68c0,1.91,1.55,3.46,3.46,3.46s3.46-1.55,3.46-3.46h-6.91Z\"><\/path><polyline class=\"cls-1\" points=\"22.27 14.68 25.62 7.83 29.19 14.68\"><\/polyline><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M19.11,17.42c0,1.64-1.33,2.98-2.98,2.98s-2.98-1.33-2.98-2.98\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-66c64c2\" data-id=\"66c64c2\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-81c63dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"81c63dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay Equity: Strike the Balance<\/span><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f8de42b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f8de42b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adp.com\/resources\/articles-and-insights\/articles\/p\/pay-equity.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Pay equity<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> refers to the concept of compensating employees who have similar job functions with comparably equal pay. This includes:\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>External Pay Equity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Compares the pay within your business to the external market.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Internal Pay Equity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Maintains consistent pay for employees in similar positions or with similar skill sets within the company.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Geographic Pay Equity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Considers adjusting employees\u2019 pay based on location. With the rise of remote work, this has become more relevant. It involves navigating complexities such as varying wage scales, local taxes, costs of living, and labor laws outside of the company\u2019s region.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">C12 member <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/leighculpepper\">Leigh Culpepper<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is CEO of <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.culpepper.com\/\">Culpepper and Associates<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a compensation survey and consulting firm that helps businesses benchmark and design competitive and effective compensation programs. Leigh says Christian employers must learn to \u201cstrike the balance\u201d between external and internal pay equity, exercising stewardship and analyzing objective data to be thoughtful on both sides.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employers can respond consistently by developing an <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theologyofwork.org\/case-studies\/ken-melrose-on-pay-equity-at-toro\">internal philosophy<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on pay, including pay grades, percentage of base versus variable pay, and where the company wants to target compensation packages compared to competitors. <\/span><b>Benchmarking<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> your numbers against other employers will give you insight into the market compensation for a given position, industry, and geography.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c16273 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"0c16273\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"272\" src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-768x272.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-24438\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-768x272.png 768w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-300x106.png 300w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-1024x363.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-1536x544.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1.png 1626w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-b221035 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"b221035\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-7be31c5\" data-id=\"7be31c5\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-078add9 elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"078add9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_3\" data-name=\"Layer 3\" viewBox=\"0 0 30 30\"><defs><style> .cls-1, .cls-2 { stroke-width: .75px; } .cls-1, .cls-2, .cls-3 { fill: none; stroke: #003b49; } .cls-1, .cls-3 { stroke-miterlimit: 10; } .cls-2 { stroke-linecap: round; stroke-linejoin: round; } .cls-3 { stroke-width: .97px; } <\/style><\/defs><path class=\"cls-3\" d=\"M4.4,23.67l3.93-4.55c.55-.64,1.39-.94,2.22-.79l5.11.88c.61.11,1.24,0,1.78-.29l6.16-3.3c.18-.1.35-.21.51-.34l4.77-3.96c.6-.48.7-1.35.23-1.95h0c-.44-.55-1.22-.7-1.82-.33l-6.21,3.72c-.54.33-1.16.51-1.79.52l-4.19.42s-1.39-.02-1.13-1.56c.02-.13.06-.27.18-.32l2.87-1.19c.69-.27,1.08-1,.91-1.73h0c-.07-.55-.58-.93-1.13-.84-1.71.28-5.3.94-8.24,1.97-1.25.44-2.37,1.2-3.25,2.19L.79,17.3\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M22.79,9.48c.44-.28,1.02-.16,1.32.27l.02.03c.31.45.17,1.07-.3,1.36h0\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M22.83,9.19s-1.03,3.89-4.94,2.29c0,0,.6-3.69,4.94-2.29Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M16.68,10.8c.7.26,1.44.84,2.16,1.95,0,0-2.81,2.04-4.82-.64\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M23.49,6.78c-.26.96-1.36,1.5-1.44,1.53,1.92,2.35,4.53.54,4.53.54-1.05-1.65-2.17-2.08-3.09-2.07Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M19.13,6.6c.45-.27.94-.48,1.45-.59.08-.02,1.26-1.13,1.26-1.13-3.76-2.25-5.16,1.05-5.16,1.05.88.62,1.64.82,2.3.81.04-.05.09-.1.15-.14Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M26.92,6.65s-3.17,2.21-5.09-1.36c0,0,2.72-2.33,5.09,1.36Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M28.06,16.5s-1.16,3.68-4.86,2.03c0,0,.73-3.51,4.86-2.03Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M19.27,23.37s-1.19-3.04,2.13-3.91c0,0,1.38,2.7-2.13,3.91Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M27.41,24.51s-3-.33-2.3-3.42c0,0,2.8.03,2.3,3.42Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M14.42,8.16c.88-1.63,2.76-2.16,4.42-1.33\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M23.54,6.94s-2.05,3.27-5.21.74c0,0,1.59-3.21,5.21-.74Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-0a5c60e\" data-id=\"0a5c60e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5174a8b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5174a8b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abundance: Resist Fear<\/span><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44f5922 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"44f5922\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employee compensation packages are often the biggest line item in a business\u2019s budget. Due to their significant size, employers may experience fear and conflicting temptations regarding the impact of their decisions in this area.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75f6449 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"75f6449\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"210\" src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-768x210.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-24431\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-768x210.png 768w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-300x82.png 300w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-1024x280.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-1536x421.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying.png 2038w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6497192 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6497192\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The temptation to underpay may stem from fear of financial uncertainty. The temptation to overpay may come from fear of losing talent to competitors. Both temptations are based on fear. However, as a Christian employer, you must lean into the promises of Scripture that \u201cGod gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.\u201d (<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=2%20Timothy%201%3A7&amp;version=ESV\">2 Timothy 1:7<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). <\/span><b>When you make pay decisions based on fear, you undermine your company\u2019s future growth and success.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Instead, Christian business leaders must approach pay decisions thoughtfully, trusting God to provide for the business without succumbing to fear.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-886271b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"886271b\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-65365fb\" data-id=\"65365fb\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e5c5441 elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"e5c5441\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_3\" data-name=\"Layer 3\" viewBox=\"0 0 30 30\"><defs><style> .cls-1 { fill: none; stroke: #003b49; stroke-linecap: round; stroke-linejoin: round; } <\/style><\/defs><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M29.35,8.37c-.1-1.08-.4-2.11-.92-3.01-.58-.99-2.93-3.33-6.11-3.33-2.2,0-4.79,1.12-7.48,4.57C7.47-1.45,2.09,4.41,1.21,6.14c-.33.66-.55,1.39-.66,2.14\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M2.89,15.99c.1.11.2.21.31.31l12.25,11.58,10.8-11.43.02-.02\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M17.29,14.42l4.67,2.18c.26.12.44.34.51.59.06.21.05.44-.05.65-.16.34-.5.55-.86.55-.13,0-.27-.03-.39-.09l-.37-.17-2.35-1.09\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M18.79,19.3c.5.25.7.69.5,1.1-.14.31-.44.48-.75.48-.12,0-.24-.02-.35-.08l-1.16-.56-.9-.43\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M17.03,20.26c.42.19.6.69.4,1.11-.14.3-.44.48-.75.48-.12,0-.24-.02-.35-.08l-1.51-.73\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M20.8,18.14c.47.22.68.78.46,1.25-.16.34-.5.55-.86.55-.13,0-.27-.03-.39-.09l-1.2-.56-1.51-.7\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M20.49,13.5s-1.78,2.9-4.76-.38l-1.17.3c-1.22.31-2.5-.25-3.1-1.36-.04-.07-.05-.14-.05-.21,0-.18.11-.35.29-.41l2.64-.94,3.02-1.07c.74-.26,1.56-.19,2.24.19l1.47.83s3.51-.12,8.29-2.06\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M14.63,20.91l-.41.58c-.26.37-.77.45-1.14.19-.32-.23-.43-.64-.28-.99.02-.05.05-.1.08-.15l.78-1.09s.07-.09.11-.13c.28-.26.71-.29,1.03-.07.23.16.34.41.34.67,0,.16-.05.33-.15.47l-.36.51Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M10.93,17.53l-.77,1.09c-.26.37-.77.46-1.14.19-.29-.2-.4-.56-.32-.88.02-.09.06-.18.12-.26l.77-1.09c.26-.37.77-.46,1.14-.2.23.16.35.42.35.67,0,.16-.05.33-.15.47Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M12.8,20.7l-.15.21c-.26.37-.77.46-1.14.2s-.46-.77-.19-1.14l1.2-1.71c.26-.37.77-.45,1.14-.19.23.16.35.41.35.67,0,.16-.05.33-.15.47l-.08.12-.97,1.38Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M12.51,18.25l-1.25,1.77c-.26.37-.77.46-1.14.19-.37-.26-.46-.77-.19-1.14l1.07-1.51.36-.51c.26-.37.77-.46,1.14-.2.23.16.34.41.34.67,0,.16-.05.33-.15.47l-.18.25Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M14.34,10.5l-1.16-.6c-.79-.42-1.74-.41-2.52.02l-1.42.77s-3.6-.59-8.68-2.41\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M8.7,17.94c-.35-.12-.97-.44-1.5-1.22,0,0-1.49.08-4.32-.73\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M22.51,17.18s1.58-.2,3.75-.74\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-794de5f\" data-id=\"794de5f\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4dc79fa elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4dc79fa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human Dignity: Hold Tightly to Values<\/span><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b79f7fd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b79f7fd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Christian employers have faced increasing challenges with respect to government mandates for coverage of benefits that may not align with their biblical values. Examples include mandatory coverage of abortifacients and transgender reassignment surgeries.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a1a318 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7a1a318\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"291\" src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote-768x291.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-24430\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote-768x291.png 768w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote-300x114.png 300w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote-1024x389.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote.png 1328w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-57e017f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"57e017f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biblically-based compensation strategies will never violate Kingdom values and will fully align with God\u2019s heart for people. It may be a surprise, but <\/span><b>Christian-owned or Christian-led businesses can obtain exempt status from the requirement to cover some government mandates<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/christianemployersalliance.org\/\">Christian Employers Alliance<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014a C12 <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/baam-resource-organizations\/\">BaaM Resource Organization<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014is a membership-based association that affords Christian employers exempt status.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0145c75 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0145c75\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>Fair Pay: Performance-Based Compensation Packages<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In his book <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Biblical-Principles-Business-Foundations-marketplace\/dp\/089109556X\"><i>Biblical Principles and Business: The Foundations,<\/i><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harpercollins.com\/blogs\/authors\/richard-c-chewning\">Richard Chewning<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> emphasizes that pursuing excellence as a God-honoring attribute allows you to extend <\/span><b>variable-based compensation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> according to each person\u2019s abilities, efforts, and results, regardless of company hierarchy. This approach aligns with biblical principles and fosters a healthy work culture where employees are duly rewarded for their contributions.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c522346 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c522346\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"182\" src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote-768x182.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-24426\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote-768x182.png 768w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote-300x71.png 300w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote-1024x243.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote.png 1314w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d72c39 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0d72c39\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/workplaces.org\/\">Best Christian Workplaces<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, another C12 <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/baam-resource-organizations\/\">BaaM Resource Organization<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, lists \u201crewarding compensation\u201d as <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/workplaces.org\/articles\/engagement-ideas\/8-factors-of-a-flourishing-workplace\">one of eight factors<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contributing to a flourishing workplace. Employees must believe that their compensation is fair. The following compensation strategies <\/span><b>increase employee productivity, decrease turnover, incentivize each person to utilize his or her talents fully, and reward each person<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when he or she helps the business do well:<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Performance-based bonuses<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Profit sharing<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extra vacation time<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=99foyF39Ip0\">Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term incentives\/phantom equity plans<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-541c34b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"541c34b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>Blessing Employees with Benefits: Employee Benefits Strategies<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many companies, benefits can be seen as a perfunctory afterthought. Benefits plans are often purchased \u201coff the shelf\u201d from benefits providers, and for most employers, the determining factor is cost. However, benefits are a key component of a biblically-based compensation strategy. With some creativity, benefits can be<\/span><b> a powerful tool for employee satisfaction and fostering a strong company culture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go Beyond the Basics<\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/affordable-care-act\/employers\">Affordable Care Act<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, employers with 50 or more full-time-equivalent employees must offer affordable minimum essential coverage to employees and their dependents. While providing only the bare minimum healthcare coverage may be tempting, <\/span><b>crafting a benefits package that meets your employees\u2019 needs and wants can significantly improve employee loyalty and morale<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. One best practice is to solicit employee input to determine which benefits matter most to employees.<\/span><\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reflect the Company\u2019s Core Values<\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Christian employers, offering employee benefits based on the company\u2019s core values can become a means to build a flourishing culture. Offering childcare and maternity\/paternity leave benefits demonstrates the value of family. Offering gym memberships or counseling benefits demonstrates the value of physical and mental health. Offering classes on financial literacy demonstrates the value of stewardship. Employers may also consider offering paid time off to volunteer at a charity or for intentional rest and retreat. The possibilities are endless.<\/span><\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get Creative<\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you <\/span><b>think creatively and consider the types of benefits that your employees genuinely appreciate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, your benefits package begins to better reflect your company\u2019s mission, vision, and values. C12 companies report a wide range of creative benefits, such as:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remote work environments<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flex scheduling<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Responsible paid time off (RPTO)<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Floating holiday for birthdays<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal shoppers<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trips and travel packages<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">House-cleaning services<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Childcare and elder-care support services<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enhanced mental health benefits for Christian counselors<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marriage retreat sponsorships<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kids\u2019 summer camp sponsorships<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Time off for mission trips<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Access to a corporate chaplain<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial counseling through Financial Peace University<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E1MzjEpszhc\">Dream Manager programs<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Time off and financial assistance for fostering or adopting children<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmental perks in the office (food, fitness centers, learning spaces)<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term incentives tied to company performance and value improvement<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05787f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"05787f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>Total Rewards: Visualizing the Big Picture<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, employees underestimate the actual value of their employers\u2019 compensation packages. Many payroll providers offer a \u201ctotal rewards\u201d statement to allow an employer to illustrate the \u201chidden paycheck\u201d items that may not be as visible to employees.<\/span><\/p><p><b>Total rewards statements convey the total value of each employee\u2019s compensation package, including pay, benefits, the value of paid time off, and employer contributions to employee retirement accounts. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Presenting statements like these annually can be illuminating for employees. By offering your employees a comprehensive view of the big picture, you empower them to understand the full extent of your investment in them and how you genuinely care for their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X7EJ3lIFRTY\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>well-being<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To begin developing your total rewards strategy, download our free tool, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/?post_type=fig_resources&amp;p=24441&amp;preview=true&amp;_thumbnail_id=24354\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Developing a Biblically-Based Total Rewards Statement<\/strong><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-40c6af2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"40c6af2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/resources\/developing-a-biblically-based-total-rewards-statement\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/May-ipad-mockup-1-qpilkyf0ksyneiqqg00y33s0307gcs94ddmjvw8dda.png\" title=\"May ipad-mockup\" alt=\"May ipad-mockup\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fea3609 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"fea3609\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/resources\/developing-a-biblically-based-total-rewards-statement\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Download the Free Tool<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6460481 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6460481\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>Implementing Biblically-Based Compensation Strategies<\/b><\/h2><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/david-jamar-4608a514b\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>David<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tanis-jamar-310652215\">Tanis Jamar<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are the leaders of <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gojbar.com\/\">J Bar Enterprises, LLC<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a company specializing in portable sanitary restroom rentals. Their business often attracted individuals seeking entry-level positions, putting them in direct competition with the fast-food industry. When major fast-food chains increased wages, David and Tanis faced a challenge in staying competitive in the job market. Watch <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ma7NHSnIhLM&amp;list=PLpqejP-vQ4rbSH62_0eNLa8y14kY62iOd\">this video<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to see how David and Tanis identified the problem and developed a plan for change:<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3f76d42 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"3f76d42\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=Ma7NHSnIhLM&amp;list=PLpqejP-vQ4rbSH62_0eNLa8y14kY62iOd&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a724821 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a724821\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>Compensation, Biblical Stewardship, and Human Flourishing<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Bible emphasizes the importance of justice and fair wages for workers, reflecting God\u2019s deep care for these matters. <\/span><b>His ideal workplace is one where employees are compensated fairly, feel valued and listened to, and finances are managed responsibly for advancing His Kingdom.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You serve a God who blesses, holds you accountable, rewards, and invites you to reflect Kingdom principles in the business you lead.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like all other business areas, your approach to compensation presents an opportunity to align company initiatives with God\u2019s heart. When you strategically and creatively develop a compensation strategy that aligns with God\u2019s heart for people, your workplace can become a vector for human flourishing as you build a great business for a greater purpose. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a1591e6 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"a1591e6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7d6ea55 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"7d6ea55\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c4d5ab elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"2c4d5ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"\/join-a-forum\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Find a C12 Forum Near You<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-32bfa2e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"32bfa2e\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b38fff4\" data-id=\"b38fff4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60d8e49 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"60d8e49\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">C12 Business Forums provides an architected environment for Christian business leaders that integrates work, life, and leadership transformation. To learn more about C12\u2019s approach to Christ-centered business leadership, <\/span><\/i><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/join-a-forum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>find a C12 Business Forum<\/i><\/a><\/strong><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> near you.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In today\u2019s rapidly evolving job market, Christian employers face unique challenges and opportunities regarding pay and benefits. A recent study highlights that \u201cemployers are often out of touch with the needs of their employees, who seek higher compensation, better work-life balance, and quality benefits.\u201d 80% of executives express difficulty adapting to these evolving demands. As [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24483,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24,26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24419","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-article","category-leadership"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Biblically-Based Compensation Strategies \u2013 C12<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As a Christian business leader, you can turn to the Bible for compensation philosophies and practices. Learn how to implement biblically-based compensation strategies in your business.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/article\/developing-a-biblically-based-compensation-strategy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Developing a Biblically-Based Compensation Strategy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"As a Christian business leader, you can turn to the Bible for compensation philosophies and practices. 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A <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plansponsor.com\/employers-struggle-to-meet-employee-demand-for-higher-pay-better-benefits\/\">recent study<\/a><\/strong> highlights that \u201cemployers are often out of touch with the needs of their employees, who seek higher compensation, better work-life balance, and quality benefits.\u201d <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plansponsor.com\/employers-struggle-to-meet-employee-demand-for-higher-pay-better-benefits\/\">80%<\/a><\/strong> of executives express difficulty adapting to these evolving demands.<b> As a Christian employer, you can rely on the wisdom of God\u2019s Word to develop a biblically-based compensation strategy that reflects the gospel and contributes to human flourishing<\/b>.<\/p><h2><b>What Does the Bible Say about Compensation?<\/b><\/h2><p>Although the terms \u201ccompensation package\u201d and \u201cemployee benefits strategies\u201d are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, biblical principles can still guide you in determining how to approach compensation:<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u201cFor the Scripture says, \u2018You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,\u2019 and, \u2018The laborer deserves his wages.\u2019\u201d \u2013 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=1+Timothy+5%3A18&amp;version=ESV\">1 Timothy 5:18<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u201cBehold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.\u201d \u2013 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=James+5%3A4&amp;version=ESV\">James 5:4<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u201cAnd remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages\u2026\u201d \u2013 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Luke+10%3A7&amp;version=ESV\">Luke 10:7<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u201cWoe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages\u201d \u2013 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Jeremiah+22%3A13+&amp;version=ESV\">Jeremiah 22:13<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul><p>The verses above underscore that <b>God condemns wage withholding out of greed and emphasizes the importance of honoring workers by paying them what they deserve for their labor<\/b>. However, this does not mean you should overextend yourself financially (<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=James%205%3A4&amp;version=ESV\">James 5:4<\/a><\/strong>).<\/p><p>As Generation Z has entered the workforce in recent years, compensation expectations have significantly increased. A <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.realestatewitch.com\/college-graduate-salary-2022\/\">study<\/a><\/strong> conducted in 2022 revealed that recent college graduates overestimated their post-graduate salaries by approximately $50,000. This disparity illustrates the <b>gap between what employees expect and what employers can realistically offer<\/b>. As a Christian employer entrusted with financial resources, you have a responsibility to manage company resources responsibly to facilitate economic growth. At the same time, biblical stewardship demands that you compensate employees with a fair wage for their work. As the Bible says in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Luke%2010%3A7&amp;version=ESV\"><strong>Luke 10:7<\/strong><\/a>, \u201cThe laborer deserves his wages.\u201d<\/p><p>God\u2019s emphasis on justice is evident in the frequent use of the Hebrew word for justice, <i>mishpatim<\/i>, appearing 36 times in the Old Testament (Michael Zigarelli, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Management-Proverbs-Scriptural-Superior-Results\/dp\/0578718219\"><i>Management by Proverbs: Scriptural Wisdom for Superior Results<\/i><\/a><\/strong>). In his book, Zigarelli suggests Christian employers align with God\u2019s heart for justice by ensuring fair compensation. <b>Fair compensation contributes to the flourishing of your employees\u2019 financial and personal well-being.<\/b><\/p><h2><b>Four Principles for a Biblically-Based Compensation Strategy<\/b><\/h2><p>The following four principles form the basis of a biblically-based compensation strategy: <\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_3\" data-name=\"Layer 3\" viewBox=\"0 0 32.27 28.48\"><defs><style> .cls-1 { stroke-width: .86px; } .cls-1, .cls-2 { fill: none; stroke: #003b49; stroke-linecap: round; stroke-linejoin: round; } .cls-3 { fill: #003b49; stroke-width: 0px; } <\/style><\/defs><g><circle cx=\"16.1\" cy=\"17.42\" r=\"7.09\"><\/circle><path d=\"M15.76,21.43v-1.12l.2.19c-.42-.01-.81-.08-1.18-.19-.37-.12-.69-.28-.95-.49l.33-.86c.27.2.56.35.88.46.32.11.67.16,1.05.16.43,0,.74-.08.94-.23.2-.15.3-.34.3-.57,0-.19-.07-.34-.21-.45-.14-.11-.38-.21-.72-.28l-.91-.2c-.53-.11-.91-.31-1.17-.58-.25-.27-.38-.63-.38-1.07,0-.34.08-.64.25-.9.17-.27.4-.48.69-.64.3-.16.64-.25,1.04-.28l-.17.13v-1.08h.86v1.08l-.18-.14c.33.02.65.08.96.2.32.11.58.28.79.5l-.33.82c-.22-.2-.47-.35-.74-.45-.28-.1-.59-.15-.92-.15-.38,0-.67.08-.89.24-.22.16-.33.38-.33.64,0,.19.07.35.2.48.13.12.36.22.67.29l.91.2c.55.11.95.3,1.22.56.27.26.4.6.4,1.02,0,.33-.08.62-.25.88-.17.25-.39.46-.68.61s-.62.25-1.01.29l.16-.18v1.13h-.86Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.6,12.64c2.65,1.35,3.71,4.59,2.36,7.24\"><\/path><path d=\"M13.61,22.44c-2.65-1.35-3.71-4.59-2.36-7.24\"><\/path><\/g><polyline points=\"27.93 10.33 27.93 27.98 4.28 27.98 4.28 10.33\"><\/polyline><line x1=\"1.1\" y1=\"27.98\" x2=\"31.1\" y2=\"27.98\"><\/line><path d=\"M.67,9.78h0c-.44-1.01.02-2.19,1.03-2.63L16.1.5l14.46,6.65c1.01.44,1.47,1.62,1.03,2.63h0c-.44,1.01-1.62,1.47-2.63,1.03l-12.86-5.95L3.3,10.81c-1.01.44-2.19-.02-2.63-1.03Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\n\t\t<h3>Fairness: Meet Employees Needs<\/h3><p>The Bible emphasizes the importance of <b>fair wages<\/b>. Christian employers disregard God\u2019s directives if they do not pay fairly. Therefore, thoroughly examining the concept of fairness in compensation is essential.<\/p><p>A team at MIT has developed a tool called the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/livingwage.mit.edu\/\">MIT living wage calculator<\/a><\/strong> to assist employers in determining a living wage for typical families in every county in the United States. This calculator estimates a living wage, poverty, and minimum wage in each region, considering factors such as marital status and the number of dependents. You can utilize this tool to estimate a living wage for your employees, but it is important to recognize that the results simply serve as a <i>starting point<\/i>. This calculator cannot accurately account for various factors, such as your company\u2019s resources, industry, and location.<\/p><p><b>Your <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/leadership\/peter-demos\/\"><b>intentionality<\/b><\/a><b> in developing a compensation strategy based on biblical principles reflects your commitment to truly loving your neighbor.<\/b> Meeting this aspect of employee care requires you to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/hire\/c\/info\/cost-of-living-adjustment\">learn and serve<\/a><\/strong> the unique needs of your employees.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_3\" data-name=\"Layer 3\" viewBox=\"0 0 32.27 28.48\"><defs><style> .cls-1 { stroke-linejoin: round; } .cls-1, .cls-2 { fill: none; stroke: #003b49; } .cls-2 { stroke-miterlimit: 10; } <\/style><\/defs><circle cx=\"16.13\" cy=\"1.93\" r=\"1.26\"><\/circle><line x1=\"16.13\" y1=\"3.2\" x2=\"16.13\" y2=\"24.19\"><\/line><path d=\"M9.99,27.01c0-1.56,2.75-2.82,6.14-2.82s6.14,1.26,6.14,2.82h-12.28Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M6.54,8.26s-.08-2.08,4.3-2.51,5.3-2.54,5.3-2.54\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.99,14.68c0,1.91-1.55,3.46-3.46,3.46s-3.46-1.55-3.46-3.46h6.91Z\"><\/path><polyline points=\"9.99 14.68 6.65 7.83 3.08 14.68\"><\/polyline><path d=\"M25.73,8.26s.08-2.08-4.3-2.51-5.3-2.54-5.3-2.54\"><\/path><path d=\"M22.27,14.68c0,1.91,1.55,3.46,3.46,3.46s3.46-1.55,3.46-3.46h-6.91Z\"><\/path><polyline points=\"22.27 14.68 25.62 7.83 29.19 14.68\"><\/polyline><path d=\"M19.11,17.42c0,1.64-1.33,2.98-2.98,2.98s-2.98-1.33-2.98-2.98\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\n\t\t<h3>Pay Equity: Strike the Balance<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adp.com\/resources\/articles-and-insights\/articles\/p\/pay-equity.aspx\"><strong>Pay equity<\/strong><\/a> refers to the concept of compensating employees who have similar job functions with comparably equal pay. This includes:\u00a0<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>External Pay Equity:<\/b> Compares the pay within your business to the external market.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Internal Pay Equity:<\/b> Maintains consistent pay for employees in similar positions or with similar skill sets within the company.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Geographic Pay Equity:<\/b> Considers adjusting employees\u2019 pay based on location. With the rise of remote work, this has become more relevant. It involves navigating complexities such as varying wage scales, local taxes, costs of living, and labor laws outside of the company\u2019s region.<\/li><\/ul><p>C12 member <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/leighculpepper\">Leigh Culpepper<\/a><\/strong> is CEO of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.culpepper.com\/\">Culpepper and Associates<\/a><\/strong>, a compensation survey and consulting firm that helps businesses benchmark and design competitive and effective compensation programs. Leigh says Christian employers must learn to \u201cstrike the balance\u201d between external and internal pay equity, exercising stewardship and analyzing objective data to be thoughtful on both sides.<\/p><p>Employers can respond consistently by developing an <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theologyofwork.org\/case-studies\/ken-melrose-on-pay-equity-at-toro\">internal philosophy<\/a><\/strong> on pay, including pay grades, percentage of base versus variable pay, and where the company wants to target compensation packages compared to competitors. <b>Benchmarking<\/b> your numbers against other employers will give you insight into the market compensation for a given position, industry, and geography.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"768\" height=\"272\" src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-768x272.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-768x272.png 768w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-300x106.png 300w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-1024x363.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-1536x544.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1.png 1626w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_3\" data-name=\"Layer 3\" viewBox=\"0 0 30 30\"><defs><style> .cls-1, .cls-2 { stroke-width: .75px; } .cls-1, .cls-2, .cls-3 { fill: none; stroke: #003b49; } .cls-1, .cls-3 { stroke-miterlimit: 10; } .cls-2 { stroke-linecap: round; stroke-linejoin: round; } .cls-3 { stroke-width: .97px; } <\/style><\/defs><path d=\"M4.4,23.67l3.93-4.55c.55-.64,1.39-.94,2.22-.79l5.11.88c.61.11,1.24,0,1.78-.29l6.16-3.3c.18-.1.35-.21.51-.34l4.77-3.96c.6-.48.7-1.35.23-1.95h0c-.44-.55-1.22-.7-1.82-.33l-6.21,3.72c-.54.33-1.16.51-1.79.52l-4.19.42s-1.39-.02-1.13-1.56c.02-.13.06-.27.18-.32l2.87-1.19c.69-.27,1.08-1,.91-1.73h0c-.07-.55-.58-.93-1.13-.84-1.71.28-5.3.94-8.24,1.97-1.25.44-2.37,1.2-3.25,2.19L.79,17.3\"><\/path><path d=\"M22.79,9.48c.44-.28,1.02-.16,1.32.27l.02.03c.31.45.17,1.07-.3,1.36h0\"><\/path><path d=\"M22.83,9.19s-1.03,3.89-4.94,2.29c0,0,.6-3.69,4.94-2.29Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M16.68,10.8c.7.26,1.44.84,2.16,1.95,0,0-2.81,2.04-4.82-.64\"><\/path><path d=\"M23.49,6.78c-.26.96-1.36,1.5-1.44,1.53,1.92,2.35,4.53.54,4.53.54-1.05-1.65-2.17-2.08-3.09-2.07Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M19.13,6.6c.45-.27.94-.48,1.45-.59.08-.02,1.26-1.13,1.26-1.13-3.76-2.25-5.16,1.05-5.16,1.05.88.62,1.64.82,2.3.81.04-.05.09-.1.15-.14Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M26.92,6.65s-3.17,2.21-5.09-1.36c0,0,2.72-2.33,5.09,1.36Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M28.06,16.5s-1.16,3.68-4.86,2.03c0,0,.73-3.51,4.86-2.03Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M19.27,23.37s-1.19-3.04,2.13-3.91c0,0,1.38,2.7-2.13,3.91Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M27.41,24.51s-3-.33-2.3-3.42c0,0,2.8.03,2.3,3.42Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M14.42,8.16c.88-1.63,2.76-2.16,4.42-1.33\"><\/path><path d=\"M23.54,6.94s-2.05,3.27-5.21.74c0,0,1.59-3.21,5.21-.74Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\n\t\t<h3>Abundance: Resist Fear<\/h3><p>Employee compensation packages are often the biggest line item in a business\u2019s budget. Due to their significant size, employers may experience fear and conflicting temptations regarding the impact of their decisions in this area.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"768\" height=\"210\" src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-768x210.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-768x210.png 768w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-300x82.png 300w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-1024x280.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-1536x421.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying.png 2038w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<p>The temptation to underpay may stem from fear of financial uncertainty. The temptation to overpay may come from fear of losing talent to competitors. Both temptations are based on fear. However, as a Christian employer, you must lean into the promises of Scripture that \u201cGod gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.\u201d (<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=2%20Timothy%201%3A7&amp;version=ESV\">2 Timothy 1:7<\/a><\/strong>). <b>When you make pay decisions based on fear, you undermine your company\u2019s future growth and success.<\/b> Instead, Christian business leaders must approach pay decisions thoughtfully, trusting God to provide for the business without succumbing to fear.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_3\" data-name=\"Layer 3\" viewBox=\"0 0 30 30\"><defs><style> .cls-1 { fill: none; stroke: #003b49; stroke-linecap: round; stroke-linejoin: round; } <\/style><\/defs><path d=\"M29.35,8.37c-.1-1.08-.4-2.11-.92-3.01-.58-.99-2.93-3.33-6.11-3.33-2.2,0-4.79,1.12-7.48,4.57C7.47-1.45,2.09,4.41,1.21,6.14c-.33.66-.55,1.39-.66,2.14\"><\/path><path d=\"M2.89,15.99c.1.11.2.21.31.31l12.25,11.58,10.8-11.43.02-.02\"><\/path><path d=\"M17.29,14.42l4.67,2.18c.26.12.44.34.51.59.06.21.05.44-.05.65-.16.34-.5.55-.86.55-.13,0-.27-.03-.39-.09l-.37-.17-2.35-1.09\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.79,19.3c.5.25.7.69.5,1.1-.14.31-.44.48-.75.48-.12,0-.24-.02-.35-.08l-1.16-.56-.9-.43\"><\/path><path d=\"M17.03,20.26c.42.19.6.69.4,1.11-.14.3-.44.48-.75.48-.12,0-.24-.02-.35-.08l-1.51-.73\"><\/path><path d=\"M20.8,18.14c.47.22.68.78.46,1.25-.16.34-.5.55-.86.55-.13,0-.27-.03-.39-.09l-1.2-.56-1.51-.7\"><\/path><path d=\"M20.49,13.5s-1.78,2.9-4.76-.38l-1.17.3c-1.22.31-2.5-.25-3.1-1.36-.04-.07-.05-.14-.05-.21,0-.18.11-.35.29-.41l2.64-.94,3.02-1.07c.74-.26,1.56-.19,2.24.19l1.47.83s3.51-.12,8.29-2.06\"><\/path><path d=\"M14.63,20.91l-.41.58c-.26.37-.77.45-1.14.19-.32-.23-.43-.64-.28-.99.02-.05.05-.1.08-.15l.78-1.09s.07-.09.11-.13c.28-.26.71-.29,1.03-.07.23.16.34.41.34.67,0,.16-.05.33-.15.47l-.36.51Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M10.93,17.53l-.77,1.09c-.26.37-.77.46-1.14.19-.29-.2-.4-.56-.32-.88.02-.09.06-.18.12-.26l.77-1.09c.26-.37.77-.46,1.14-.2.23.16.35.42.35.67,0,.16-.05.33-.15.47Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12.8,20.7l-.15.21c-.26.37-.77.46-1.14.2s-.46-.77-.19-1.14l1.2-1.71c.26-.37.77-.45,1.14-.19.23.16.35.41.35.67,0,.16-.05.33-.15.47l-.08.12-.97,1.38Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12.51,18.25l-1.25,1.77c-.26.37-.77.46-1.14.19-.37-.26-.46-.77-.19-1.14l1.07-1.51.36-.51c.26-.37.77-.46,1.14-.2.23.16.34.41.34.67,0,.16-.05.33-.15.47l-.18.25Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M14.34,10.5l-1.16-.6c-.79-.42-1.74-.41-2.52.02l-1.42.77s-3.6-.59-8.68-2.41\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.7,17.94c-.35-.12-.97-.44-1.5-1.22,0,0-1.49.08-4.32-.73\"><\/path><path d=\"M22.51,17.18s1.58-.2,3.75-.74\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\n\t\t<h3>Human Dignity: Hold Tightly to Values<\/h3><p>Christian employers have faced increasing challenges with respect to government mandates for coverage of benefits that may not align with their biblical values. Examples include mandatory coverage of abortifacients and transgender reassignment surgeries.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"768\" height=\"291\" src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote-768x291.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote-768x291.png 768w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote-300x114.png 300w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote-1024x389.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote.png 1328w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<p>Biblically-based compensation strategies will never violate Kingdom values and will fully align with God\u2019s heart for people. It may be a surprise, but <b>Christian-owned or Christian-led businesses can obtain exempt status from the requirement to cover some government mandates<\/b>. The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/christianemployersalliance.org\/\">Christian Employers Alliance<\/a><\/strong>\u2014a C12 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/baam-resource-organizations\/\">BaaM Resource Organization<\/a><\/strong>\u2014is a membership-based association that affords Christian employers exempt status.<\/p><h2><b>Fair Pay: Performance-Based Compensation Packages<\/b><\/h2><p>In his book <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Biblical-Principles-Business-Foundations-marketplace\/dp\/089109556X\"><i>Biblical Principles and Business: The Foundations,<\/i><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harpercollins.com\/blogs\/authors\/richard-c-chewning\">Richard Chewning<\/a><\/strong> emphasizes that pursuing excellence as a God-honoring attribute allows you to extend <b>variable-based compensation<\/b> according to each person\u2019s abilities, efforts, and results, regardless of company hierarchy. This approach aligns with biblical principles and fosters a healthy work culture where employees are duly rewarded for their contributions.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"768\" height=\"182\" src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote-768x182.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote-768x182.png 768w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote-300x71.png 300w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote-1024x243.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote.png 1314w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/workplaces.org\/\">Best Christian Workplaces<\/a><\/strong>, another C12 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/baam-resource-organizations\/\">BaaM Resource Organization<\/a><\/strong>, lists \u201crewarding compensation\u201d as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/workplaces.org\/articles\/engagement-ideas\/8-factors-of-a-flourishing-workplace\">one of eight factors<\/a><\/strong> contributing to a flourishing workplace. Employees must believe that their compensation is fair. The following compensation strategies <b>increase employee productivity, decrease turnover, incentivize each person to utilize his or her talents fully, and reward each person<\/b> when he or she helps the business do well:<\/p><ul><li>Performance-based bonuses<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Profit sharing<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Extra vacation time<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=99foyF39Ip0\">Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Long-term incentives\/phantom equity plans<\/li><\/ul><h2><b>Blessing Employees with Benefits: Employee Benefits Strategies<\/b><\/h2><p>For many companies, benefits can be seen as a perfunctory afterthought. Benefits plans are often purchased \u201coff the shelf\u201d from benefits providers, and for most employers, the determining factor is cost. However, benefits are a key component of a biblically-based compensation strategy. With some creativity, benefits can be<b> a powerful tool for employee satisfaction and fostering a strong company culture<\/b>.<\/p><h3>Go Beyond the Basics<\/h3><p>Under the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/affordable-care-act\/employers\">Affordable Care Act<\/a><\/strong>, employers with 50 or more full-time-equivalent employees must offer affordable minimum essential coverage to employees and their dependents. While providing only the bare minimum healthcare coverage may be tempting, <b>crafting a benefits package that meets your employees\u2019 needs and wants can significantly improve employee loyalty and morale<\/b>. One best practice is to solicit employee input to determine which benefits matter most to employees.<\/p><h3>Reflect the Company\u2019s Core Values<\/h3><p>For Christian employers, offering employee benefits based on the company\u2019s core values can become a means to build a flourishing culture. Offering childcare and maternity\/paternity leave benefits demonstrates the value of family. Offering gym memberships or counseling benefits demonstrates the value of physical and mental health. Offering classes on financial literacy demonstrates the value of stewardship. Employers may also consider offering paid time off to volunteer at a charity or for intentional rest and retreat. The possibilities are endless.<\/p><h3>Get Creative<\/h3><p>When you <b>think creatively and consider the types of benefits that your employees genuinely appreciate<\/b>, your benefits package begins to better reflect your company\u2019s mission, vision, and values. C12 companies report a wide range of creative benefits, such as:<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Remote work environments<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Flex scheduling<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Responsible paid time off (RPTO)<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Floating holiday for birthdays<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Personal shoppers<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Trips and travel packages<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">House-cleaning services<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Childcare and elder-care support services<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Enhanced mental health benefits for Christian counselors<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Marriage retreat sponsorships<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Kids\u2019 summer camp sponsorships<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Time off for mission trips<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Access to a corporate chaplain<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Financial counseling through Financial Peace University<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E1MzjEpszhc\">Dream Manager programs<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Time off and financial assistance for fostering or adopting children<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Environmental perks in the office (food, fitness centers, learning spaces)<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Long-term incentives tied to company performance and value improvement<\/li><\/ul><h2><b>Total Rewards: Visualizing the Big Picture<\/b><\/h2><p>Sometimes, employees underestimate the actual value of their employers\u2019 compensation packages. Many payroll providers offer a \u201ctotal rewards\u201d statement to allow an employer to illustrate the \u201chidden paycheck\u201d items that may not be as visible to employees.<\/p><p><b>Total rewards statements convey the total value of each employee\u2019s compensation package, including pay, benefits, the value of paid time off, and employer contributions to employee retirement accounts. <\/b>Presenting statements like these annually can be illuminating for employees. By offering your employees a comprehensive view of the big picture, you empower them to understand the full extent of your investment in them and how you genuinely care for their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X7EJ3lIFRTY\"><strong>well-being<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><p>To begin developing your total rewards strategy, download our free tool, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/?post_type=fig_resources&amp;p=24441&amp;preview=true&amp;_thumbnail_id=24354\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Developing a Biblically-Based Total Rewards Statement<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/resources\/developing-a-biblically-based-total-rewards-statement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/May-ipad-mockup-1-qpilkyf0ksyneiqqg00y33s0307gcs94ddmjvw8ddk.png\" title=\"May ipad-mockup\" alt=\"May ipad-mockup\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/resources\/developing-a-biblically-based-total-rewards-statement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDownload the Free Tool\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<h2><b>Implementing Biblically-Based Compensation Strategies<\/b><\/h2><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/david-jamar-4608a514b\"><strong>David<\/strong><\/a> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tanis-jamar-310652215\">Tanis Jamar<\/a><\/strong> are the leaders of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gojbar.com\/\">J Bar Enterprises, LLC<\/a><\/strong>, a company specializing in portable sanitary restroom rentals. Their business often attracted individuals seeking entry-level positions, putting them in direct competition with the fast-food industry. When major fast-food chains increased wages, David and Tanis faced a challenge in staying competitive in the job market. Watch <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ma7NHSnIhLM&amp;list=PLpqejP-vQ4rbSH62_0eNLa8y14kY62iOd\">this video<\/a><\/strong> to see how David and Tanis identified the problem and developed a plan for change:<\/p>https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ma7NHSnIhLM&#038;list=PLpqejP-vQ4rbSH62_0eNLa8y14kY62iOd<h2><b>Compensation, Biblical Stewardship, and Human Flourishing<\/b><\/h2><p>The Bible emphasizes the importance of justice and fair wages for workers, reflecting God\u2019s deep care for these matters. <b>His ideal workplace is one where employees are compensated fairly, feel valued and listened to, and finances are managed responsibly for advancing His Kingdom.<\/b> You serve a God who blesses, holds you accountable, rewards, and invites you to reflect Kingdom principles in the business you lead.<\/p><p>Like all other business areas, your approach to compensation presents an opportunity to align company initiatives with God\u2019s heart. When you strategically and creatively develop a compensation strategy that aligns with God\u2019s heart for people, your workplace can become a vector for human flourishing as you build a great business for a greater purpose. <\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/join-a-forum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind a C12 Forum Near You\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><i>C12 Business Forums provides an architected environment for Christian business leaders that integrates work, life, and leadership transformation. To learn more about C12\u2019s approach to Christ-centered business leadership, <\/i><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/join-a-forum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>find a C12 Business Forum<\/i><\/a><\/strong><i> near you.<\/i><\/p>","innerContent":["<p>In today\u2019s rapidly evolving job market, Christian employers face unique challenges and opportunities regarding pay and benefits. A <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plansponsor.com\/employers-struggle-to-meet-employee-demand-for-higher-pay-better-benefits\/\">recent study<\/a><\/strong> highlights that \u201cemployers are often out of touch with the needs of their employees, who seek higher compensation, better work-life balance, and quality benefits.\u201d <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plansponsor.com\/employers-struggle-to-meet-employee-demand-for-higher-pay-better-benefits\/\">80%<\/a><\/strong> of executives express difficulty adapting to these evolving demands.<b> As a Christian employer, you can rely on the wisdom of God\u2019s Word to develop a biblically-based compensation strategy that reflects the gospel and contributes to human flourishing<\/b>.<\/p><h2><b>What Does the Bible Say about Compensation?<\/b><\/h2><p>Although the terms \u201ccompensation package\u201d and \u201cemployee benefits strategies\u201d are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, biblical principles can still guide you in determining how to approach compensation:<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u201cFor the Scripture says, \u2018You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,\u2019 and, \u2018The laborer deserves his wages.\u2019\u201d \u2013 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=1+Timothy+5%3A18&amp;version=ESV\">1 Timothy 5:18<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u201cBehold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.\u201d \u2013 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=James+5%3A4&amp;version=ESV\">James 5:4<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u201cAnd remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages\u2026\u201d \u2013 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Luke+10%3A7&amp;version=ESV\">Luke 10:7<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u201cWoe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages\u201d \u2013 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Jeremiah+22%3A13+&amp;version=ESV\">Jeremiah 22:13<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul><p>The verses above underscore that <b>God condemns wage withholding out of greed and emphasizes the importance of honoring workers by paying them what they deserve for their labor<\/b>. However, this does not mean you should overextend yourself financially (<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=James%205%3A4&amp;version=ESV\">James 5:4<\/a><\/strong>).<\/p><p>As Generation Z has entered the workforce in recent years, compensation expectations have significantly increased. A <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.realestatewitch.com\/college-graduate-salary-2022\/\">study<\/a><\/strong> conducted in 2022 revealed that recent college graduates overestimated their post-graduate salaries by approximately $50,000. This disparity illustrates the <b>gap between what employees expect and what employers can realistically offer<\/b>. As a Christian employer entrusted with financial resources, you have a responsibility to manage company resources responsibly to facilitate economic growth. At the same time, biblical stewardship demands that you compensate employees with a fair wage for their work. As the Bible says in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Luke%2010%3A7&amp;version=ESV\"><strong>Luke 10:7<\/strong><\/a>, \u201cThe laborer deserves his wages.\u201d<\/p><p>God\u2019s emphasis on justice is evident in the frequent use of the Hebrew word for justice, <i>mishpatim<\/i>, appearing 36 times in the Old Testament (Michael Zigarelli, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Management-Proverbs-Scriptural-Superior-Results\/dp\/0578718219\"><i>Management by Proverbs: Scriptural Wisdom for Superior Results<\/i><\/a><\/strong>). In his book, Zigarelli suggests Christian employers align with God\u2019s heart for justice by ensuring fair compensation. <b>Fair compensation contributes to the flourishing of your employees\u2019 financial and personal well-being.<\/b><\/p><h2><b>Four Principles for a Biblically-Based Compensation Strategy<\/b><\/h2><p>The following four principles form the basis of a biblically-based compensation strategy: <\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_3\" data-name=\"Layer 3\" viewBox=\"0 0 32.27 28.48\"><defs><style> .cls-1 { stroke-width: .86px; } .cls-1, .cls-2 { fill: none; stroke: #003b49; stroke-linecap: round; stroke-linejoin: round; } .cls-3 { fill: #003b49; stroke-width: 0px; } <\/style><\/defs><g><circle cx=\"16.1\" cy=\"17.42\" r=\"7.09\"><\/circle><path d=\"M15.76,21.43v-1.12l.2.19c-.42-.01-.81-.08-1.18-.19-.37-.12-.69-.28-.95-.49l.33-.86c.27.2.56.35.88.46.32.11.67.16,1.05.16.43,0,.74-.08.94-.23.2-.15.3-.34.3-.57,0-.19-.07-.34-.21-.45-.14-.11-.38-.21-.72-.28l-.91-.2c-.53-.11-.91-.31-1.17-.58-.25-.27-.38-.63-.38-1.07,0-.34.08-.64.25-.9.17-.27.4-.48.69-.64.3-.16.64-.25,1.04-.28l-.17.13v-1.08h.86v1.08l-.18-.14c.33.02.65.08.96.2.32.11.58.28.79.5l-.33.82c-.22-.2-.47-.35-.74-.45-.28-.1-.59-.15-.92-.15-.38,0-.67.08-.89.24-.22.16-.33.38-.33.64,0,.19.07.35.2.48.13.12.36.22.67.29l.91.2c.55.11.95.3,1.22.56.27.26.4.6.4,1.02,0,.33-.08.62-.25.88-.17.25-.39.46-.68.61s-.62.25-1.01.29l.16-.18v1.13h-.86Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.6,12.64c2.65,1.35,3.71,4.59,2.36,7.24\"><\/path><path d=\"M13.61,22.44c-2.65-1.35-3.71-4.59-2.36-7.24\"><\/path><\/g><polyline points=\"27.93 10.33 27.93 27.98 4.28 27.98 4.28 10.33\"><\/polyline><line x1=\"1.1\" y1=\"27.98\" x2=\"31.1\" y2=\"27.98\"><\/line><path d=\"M.67,9.78h0c-.44-1.01.02-2.19,1.03-2.63L16.1.5l14.46,6.65c1.01.44,1.47,1.62,1.03,2.63h0c-.44,1.01-1.62,1.47-2.63,1.03l-12.86-5.95L3.3,10.81c-1.01.44-2.19-.02-2.63-1.03Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\n\t\t<h3>Fairness: Meet Employees Needs<\/h3><p>The Bible emphasizes the importance of <b>fair wages<\/b>. Christian employers disregard God\u2019s directives if they do not pay fairly. Therefore, thoroughly examining the concept of fairness in compensation is essential.<\/p><p>A team at MIT has developed a tool called the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/livingwage.mit.edu\/\">MIT living wage calculator<\/a><\/strong> to assist employers in determining a living wage for typical families in every county in the United States. This calculator estimates a living wage, poverty, and minimum wage in each region, considering factors such as marital status and the number of dependents. You can utilize this tool to estimate a living wage for your employees, but it is important to recognize that the results simply serve as a <i>starting point<\/i>. This calculator cannot accurately account for various factors, such as your company\u2019s resources, industry, and location.<\/p><p><b>Your <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/leadership\/peter-demos\/\"><b>intentionality<\/b><\/a><b> in developing a compensation strategy based on biblical principles reflects your commitment to truly loving your neighbor.<\/b> Meeting this aspect of employee care requires you to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/hire\/c\/info\/cost-of-living-adjustment\">learn and serve<\/a><\/strong> the unique needs of your employees.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_3\" data-name=\"Layer 3\" viewBox=\"0 0 32.27 28.48\"><defs><style> .cls-1 { stroke-linejoin: round; } .cls-1, .cls-2 { fill: none; stroke: #003b49; } .cls-2 { stroke-miterlimit: 10; } <\/style><\/defs><circle cx=\"16.13\" cy=\"1.93\" r=\"1.26\"><\/circle><line x1=\"16.13\" y1=\"3.2\" x2=\"16.13\" y2=\"24.19\"><\/line><path d=\"M9.99,27.01c0-1.56,2.75-2.82,6.14-2.82s6.14,1.26,6.14,2.82h-12.28Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M6.54,8.26s-.08-2.08,4.3-2.51,5.3-2.54,5.3-2.54\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.99,14.68c0,1.91-1.55,3.46-3.46,3.46s-3.46-1.55-3.46-3.46h6.91Z\"><\/path><polyline points=\"9.99 14.68 6.65 7.83 3.08 14.68\"><\/polyline><path d=\"M25.73,8.26s.08-2.08-4.3-2.51-5.3-2.54-5.3-2.54\"><\/path><path d=\"M22.27,14.68c0,1.91,1.55,3.46,3.46,3.46s3.46-1.55,3.46-3.46h-6.91Z\"><\/path><polyline points=\"22.27 14.68 25.62 7.83 29.19 14.68\"><\/polyline><path d=\"M19.11,17.42c0,1.64-1.33,2.98-2.98,2.98s-2.98-1.33-2.98-2.98\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\n\t\t<h3>Pay Equity: Strike the Balance<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adp.com\/resources\/articles-and-insights\/articles\/p\/pay-equity.aspx\"><strong>Pay equity<\/strong><\/a> refers to the concept of compensating employees who have similar job functions with comparably equal pay. This includes:\u00a0<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>External Pay Equity:<\/b> Compares the pay within your business to the external market.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Internal Pay Equity:<\/b> Maintains consistent pay for employees in similar positions or with similar skill sets within the company.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Geographic Pay Equity:<\/b> Considers adjusting employees\u2019 pay based on location. With the rise of remote work, this has become more relevant. It involves navigating complexities such as varying wage scales, local taxes, costs of living, and labor laws outside of the company\u2019s region.<\/li><\/ul><p>C12 member <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/leighculpepper\">Leigh Culpepper<\/a><\/strong> is CEO of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.culpepper.com\/\">Culpepper and Associates<\/a><\/strong>, a compensation survey and consulting firm that helps businesses benchmark and design competitive and effective compensation programs. Leigh says Christian employers must learn to \u201cstrike the balance\u201d between external and internal pay equity, exercising stewardship and analyzing objective data to be thoughtful on both sides.<\/p><p>Employers can respond consistently by developing an <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theologyofwork.org\/case-studies\/ken-melrose-on-pay-equity-at-toro\">internal philosophy<\/a><\/strong> on pay, including pay grades, percentage of base versus variable pay, and where the company wants to target compensation packages compared to competitors. <b>Benchmarking<\/b> your numbers against other employers will give you insight into the market compensation for a given position, industry, and geography.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"768\" height=\"272\" src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-768x272.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-768x272.png 768w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-300x106.png 300w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-1024x363.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1-1536x544.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spectrum-of-Pay-Strategies-1.png 1626w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_3\" data-name=\"Layer 3\" viewBox=\"0 0 30 30\"><defs><style> .cls-1, .cls-2 { stroke-width: .75px; } .cls-1, .cls-2, .cls-3 { fill: none; stroke: #003b49; } .cls-1, .cls-3 { stroke-miterlimit: 10; } .cls-2 { stroke-linecap: round; stroke-linejoin: round; } .cls-3 { stroke-width: .97px; } <\/style><\/defs><path d=\"M4.4,23.67l3.93-4.55c.55-.64,1.39-.94,2.22-.79l5.11.88c.61.11,1.24,0,1.78-.29l6.16-3.3c.18-.1.35-.21.51-.34l4.77-3.96c.6-.48.7-1.35.23-1.95h0c-.44-.55-1.22-.7-1.82-.33l-6.21,3.72c-.54.33-1.16.51-1.79.52l-4.19.42s-1.39-.02-1.13-1.56c.02-.13.06-.27.18-.32l2.87-1.19c.69-.27,1.08-1,.91-1.73h0c-.07-.55-.58-.93-1.13-.84-1.71.28-5.3.94-8.24,1.97-1.25.44-2.37,1.2-3.25,2.19L.79,17.3\"><\/path><path d=\"M22.79,9.48c.44-.28,1.02-.16,1.32.27l.02.03c.31.45.17,1.07-.3,1.36h0\"><\/path><path d=\"M22.83,9.19s-1.03,3.89-4.94,2.29c0,0,.6-3.69,4.94-2.29Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M16.68,10.8c.7.26,1.44.84,2.16,1.95,0,0-2.81,2.04-4.82-.64\"><\/path><path d=\"M23.49,6.78c-.26.96-1.36,1.5-1.44,1.53,1.92,2.35,4.53.54,4.53.54-1.05-1.65-2.17-2.08-3.09-2.07Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M19.13,6.6c.45-.27.94-.48,1.45-.59.08-.02,1.26-1.13,1.26-1.13-3.76-2.25-5.16,1.05-5.16,1.05.88.62,1.64.82,2.3.81.04-.05.09-.1.15-.14Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M26.92,6.65s-3.17,2.21-5.09-1.36c0,0,2.72-2.33,5.09,1.36Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M28.06,16.5s-1.16,3.68-4.86,2.03c0,0,.73-3.51,4.86-2.03Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M19.27,23.37s-1.19-3.04,2.13-3.91c0,0,1.38,2.7-2.13,3.91Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M27.41,24.51s-3-.33-2.3-3.42c0,0,2.8.03,2.3,3.42Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M14.42,8.16c.88-1.63,2.76-2.16,4.42-1.33\"><\/path><path d=\"M23.54,6.94s-2.05,3.27-5.21.74c0,0,1.59-3.21,5.21-.74Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\n\t\t<h3>Abundance: Resist Fear<\/h3><p>Employee compensation packages are often the biggest line item in a business\u2019s budget. Due to their significant size, employers may experience fear and conflicting temptations regarding the impact of their decisions in this area.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"768\" height=\"210\" src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-768x210.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-768x210.png 768w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-300x82.png 300w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-1024x280.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying-1536x421.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UnderPaying-Overpaying.png 2038w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<p>The temptation to underpay may stem from fear of financial uncertainty. The temptation to overpay may come from fear of losing talent to competitors. Both temptations are based on fear. However, as a Christian employer, you must lean into the promises of Scripture that \u201cGod gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.\u201d (<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=2%20Timothy%201%3A7&amp;version=ESV\">2 Timothy 1:7<\/a><\/strong>). <b>When you make pay decisions based on fear, you undermine your company\u2019s future growth and success.<\/b> Instead, Christian business leaders must approach pay decisions thoughtfully, trusting God to provide for the business without succumbing to fear.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_3\" data-name=\"Layer 3\" viewBox=\"0 0 30 30\"><defs><style> .cls-1 { fill: none; stroke: #003b49; stroke-linecap: round; stroke-linejoin: round; } <\/style><\/defs><path d=\"M29.35,8.37c-.1-1.08-.4-2.11-.92-3.01-.58-.99-2.93-3.33-6.11-3.33-2.2,0-4.79,1.12-7.48,4.57C7.47-1.45,2.09,4.41,1.21,6.14c-.33.66-.55,1.39-.66,2.14\"><\/path><path d=\"M2.89,15.99c.1.11.2.21.31.31l12.25,11.58,10.8-11.43.02-.02\"><\/path><path d=\"M17.29,14.42l4.67,2.18c.26.12.44.34.51.59.06.21.05.44-.05.65-.16.34-.5.55-.86.55-.13,0-.27-.03-.39-.09l-.37-.17-2.35-1.09\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.79,19.3c.5.25.7.69.5,1.1-.14.31-.44.48-.75.48-.12,0-.24-.02-.35-.08l-1.16-.56-.9-.43\"><\/path><path d=\"M17.03,20.26c.42.19.6.69.4,1.11-.14.3-.44.48-.75.48-.12,0-.24-.02-.35-.08l-1.51-.73\"><\/path><path d=\"M20.8,18.14c.47.22.68.78.46,1.25-.16.34-.5.55-.86.55-.13,0-.27-.03-.39-.09l-1.2-.56-1.51-.7\"><\/path><path d=\"M20.49,13.5s-1.78,2.9-4.76-.38l-1.17.3c-1.22.31-2.5-.25-3.1-1.36-.04-.07-.05-.14-.05-.21,0-.18.11-.35.29-.41l2.64-.94,3.02-1.07c.74-.26,1.56-.19,2.24.19l1.47.83s3.51-.12,8.29-2.06\"><\/path><path d=\"M14.63,20.91l-.41.58c-.26.37-.77.45-1.14.19-.32-.23-.43-.64-.28-.99.02-.05.05-.1.08-.15l.78-1.09s.07-.09.11-.13c.28-.26.71-.29,1.03-.07.23.16.34.41.34.67,0,.16-.05.33-.15.47l-.36.51Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M10.93,17.53l-.77,1.09c-.26.37-.77.46-1.14.19-.29-.2-.4-.56-.32-.88.02-.09.06-.18.12-.26l.77-1.09c.26-.37.77-.46,1.14-.2.23.16.35.42.35.67,0,.16-.05.33-.15.47Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12.8,20.7l-.15.21c-.26.37-.77.46-1.14.2s-.46-.77-.19-1.14l1.2-1.71c.26-.37.77-.45,1.14-.19.23.16.35.41.35.67,0,.16-.05.33-.15.47l-.08.12-.97,1.38Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12.51,18.25l-1.25,1.77c-.26.37-.77.46-1.14.19-.37-.26-.46-.77-.19-1.14l1.07-1.51.36-.51c.26-.37.77-.46,1.14-.2.23.16.34.41.34.67,0,.16-.05.33-.15.47l-.18.25Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M14.34,10.5l-1.16-.6c-.79-.42-1.74-.41-2.52.02l-1.42.77s-3.6-.59-8.68-2.41\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.7,17.94c-.35-.12-.97-.44-1.5-1.22,0,0-1.49.08-4.32-.73\"><\/path><path d=\"M22.51,17.18s1.58-.2,3.75-.74\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\n\t\t<h3>Human Dignity: Hold Tightly to Values<\/h3><p>Christian employers have faced increasing challenges with respect to government mandates for coverage of benefits that may not align with their biblical values. Examples include mandatory coverage of abortifacients and transgender reassignment surgeries.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"768\" height=\"291\" src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote-768x291.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote-768x291.png 768w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote-300x114.png 300w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote-1024x389.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michael-Rhodes-Quote.png 1328w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<p>Biblically-based compensation strategies will never violate Kingdom values and will fully align with God\u2019s heart for people. It may be a surprise, but <b>Christian-owned or Christian-led businesses can obtain exempt status from the requirement to cover some government mandates<\/b>. The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/christianemployersalliance.org\/\">Christian Employers Alliance<\/a><\/strong>\u2014a C12 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/baam-resource-organizations\/\">BaaM Resource Organization<\/a><\/strong>\u2014is a membership-based association that affords Christian employers exempt status.<\/p><h2><b>Fair Pay: Performance-Based Compensation Packages<\/b><\/h2><p>In his book <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Biblical-Principles-Business-Foundations-marketplace\/dp\/089109556X\"><i>Biblical Principles and Business: The Foundations,<\/i><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harpercollins.com\/blogs\/authors\/richard-c-chewning\">Richard Chewning<\/a><\/strong> emphasizes that pursuing excellence as a God-honoring attribute allows you to extend <b>variable-based compensation<\/b> according to each person\u2019s abilities, efforts, and results, regardless of company hierarchy. This approach aligns with biblical principles and fosters a healthy work culture where employees are duly rewarded for their contributions.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"768\" height=\"182\" src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote-768x182.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote-768x182.png 768w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote-300x71.png 300w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote-1024x243.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Al-Lopus-Quote.png 1314w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/workplaces.org\/\">Best Christian Workplaces<\/a><\/strong>, another C12 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/baam-resource-organizations\/\">BaaM Resource Organization<\/a><\/strong>, lists \u201crewarding compensation\u201d as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/workplaces.org\/articles\/engagement-ideas\/8-factors-of-a-flourishing-workplace\">one of eight factors<\/a><\/strong> contributing to a flourishing workplace. Employees must believe that their compensation is fair. The following compensation strategies <b>increase employee productivity, decrease turnover, incentivize each person to utilize his or her talents fully, and reward each person<\/b> when he or she helps the business do well:<\/p><ul><li>Performance-based bonuses<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Profit sharing<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Extra vacation time<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=99foyF39Ip0\">Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Long-term incentives\/phantom equity plans<\/li><\/ul><h2><b>Blessing Employees with Benefits: Employee Benefits Strategies<\/b><\/h2><p>For many companies, benefits can be seen as a perfunctory afterthought. Benefits plans are often purchased \u201coff the shelf\u201d from benefits providers, and for most employers, the determining factor is cost. However, benefits are a key component of a biblically-based compensation strategy. With some creativity, benefits can be<b> a powerful tool for employee satisfaction and fostering a strong company culture<\/b>.<\/p><h3>Go Beyond the Basics<\/h3><p>Under the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/affordable-care-act\/employers\">Affordable Care Act<\/a><\/strong>, employers with 50 or more full-time-equivalent employees must offer affordable minimum essential coverage to employees and their dependents. While providing only the bare minimum healthcare coverage may be tempting, <b>crafting a benefits package that meets your employees\u2019 needs and wants can significantly improve employee loyalty and morale<\/b>. One best practice is to solicit employee input to determine which benefits matter most to employees.<\/p><h3>Reflect the Company\u2019s Core Values<\/h3><p>For Christian employers, offering employee benefits based on the company\u2019s core values can become a means to build a flourishing culture. Offering childcare and maternity\/paternity leave benefits demonstrates the value of family. Offering gym memberships or counseling benefits demonstrates the value of physical and mental health. Offering classes on financial literacy demonstrates the value of stewardship. Employers may also consider offering paid time off to volunteer at a charity or for intentional rest and retreat. The possibilities are endless.<\/p><h3>Get Creative<\/h3><p>When you <b>think creatively and consider the types of benefits that your employees genuinely appreciate<\/b>, your benefits package begins to better reflect your company\u2019s mission, vision, and values. C12 companies report a wide range of creative benefits, such as:<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Remote work environments<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Flex scheduling<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Responsible paid time off (RPTO)<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Floating holiday for birthdays<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Personal shoppers<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Trips and travel packages<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">House-cleaning services<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Childcare and elder-care support services<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Enhanced mental health benefits for Christian counselors<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Marriage retreat sponsorships<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Kids\u2019 summer camp sponsorships<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Time off for mission trips<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Access to a corporate chaplain<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Financial counseling through Financial Peace University<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E1MzjEpszhc\">Dream Manager programs<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Time off and financial assistance for fostering or adopting children<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Environmental perks in the office (food, fitness centers, learning spaces)<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Long-term incentives tied to company performance and value improvement<\/li><\/ul><h2><b>Total Rewards: Visualizing the Big Picture<\/b><\/h2><p>Sometimes, employees underestimate the actual value of their employers\u2019 compensation packages. Many payroll providers offer a \u201ctotal rewards\u201d statement to allow an employer to illustrate the \u201chidden paycheck\u201d items that may not be as visible to employees.<\/p><p><b>Total rewards statements convey the total value of each employee\u2019s compensation package, including pay, benefits, the value of paid time off, and employer contributions to employee retirement accounts. <\/b>Presenting statements like these annually can be illuminating for employees. By offering your employees a comprehensive view of the big picture, you empower them to understand the full extent of your investment in them and how you genuinely care for their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X7EJ3lIFRTY\"><strong>well-being<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><p>To begin developing your total rewards strategy, download our free tool, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/?post_type=fig_resources&amp;p=24441&amp;preview=true&amp;_thumbnail_id=24354\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Developing a Biblically-Based Total Rewards Statement<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/resources\/developing-a-biblically-based-total-rewards-statement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/May-ipad-mockup-1-qpilkyf0ksyneiqqg00y33s0307gcs94ddmjvw8ddk.png\" title=\"May ipad-mockup\" alt=\"May ipad-mockup\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/resources\/developing-a-biblically-based-total-rewards-statement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDownload the Free Tool\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<h2><b>Implementing Biblically-Based Compensation Strategies<\/b><\/h2><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/david-jamar-4608a514b\"><strong>David<\/strong><\/a> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tanis-jamar-310652215\">Tanis Jamar<\/a><\/strong> are the leaders of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gojbar.com\/\">J Bar Enterprises, LLC<\/a><\/strong>, a company specializing in portable sanitary restroom rentals. Their business often attracted individuals seeking entry-level positions, putting them in direct competition with the fast-food industry. When major fast-food chains increased wages, David and Tanis faced a challenge in staying competitive in the job market. Watch <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ma7NHSnIhLM&amp;list=PLpqejP-vQ4rbSH62_0eNLa8y14kY62iOd\">this video<\/a><\/strong> to see how David and Tanis identified the problem and developed a plan for change:<\/p>https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ma7NHSnIhLM&#038;list=PLpqejP-vQ4rbSH62_0eNLa8y14kY62iOd<h2><b>Compensation, Biblical Stewardship, and Human Flourishing<\/b><\/h2><p>The Bible emphasizes the importance of justice and fair wages for workers, reflecting God\u2019s deep care for these matters. <b>His ideal workplace is one where employees are compensated fairly, feel valued and listened to, and finances are managed responsibly for advancing His Kingdom.<\/b> You serve a God who blesses, holds you accountable, rewards, and invites you to reflect Kingdom principles in the business you lead.<\/p><p>Like all other business areas, your approach to compensation presents an opportunity to align company initiatives with God\u2019s heart. When you strategically and creatively develop a compensation strategy that aligns with God\u2019s heart for people, your workplace can become a vector for human flourishing as you build a great business for a greater purpose. <\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/join-a-forum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind a C12 Forum Near You\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><i>C12 Business Forums provides an architected environment for Christian business leaders that integrates work, life, and leadership transformation. To learn more about C12\u2019s approach to Christ-centered business leadership, <\/i><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/join-a-forum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>find a C12 Business Forum<\/i><\/a><\/strong><i> near you.<\/i><\/p>"]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24419","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24419"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24419\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24483"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24419"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24419"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.joinc12.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24419"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}