2021 A/E Bonus & Benefit Plans
Benchmark Survey Report

Executive Summary

How to Benchmark Your Firm

COVID-19
Impact of COVID-19
COVID-19 and Employees’ Well-Being
Employee COVID-19 Safety Agreements
Leadership’s Views on Returning to the Office
Working from Home Post-COVID-19

PART I: BONUS PLANS

Cash and Non-Cash Bonus Plans
Number of Bonus Plans
Types of Cash Bonuses
Performance Bonuses
Cash Bonus Dollar Amounts
Incentive Payments as Percentage of Salary
Types of Non-Cash Bonuses

Bonus Plan Administration
Eligibility
Factors Used to Determine Incentive Payments
Distribution Schedules and Determining Amounts
Waiting Periods

Bonus Plan Ratings
Overall Level of Satisfaction
Fair Level of Reward to Staff
Reward Desired Employee Performance
Plan Motivates Staff
Ease of Administration
Plan Meets Firm's Overall Needs
Level of Satisfaction Analysis

PART II: BENEFIT PLANS

HR Strategies
Overall HR Strategies
Benefits Strategies
Tailoring Benefits

Office Hours, Schedules, and Policies
Office Hours and Flexible Schedules
Working from Home
Children in the Office
Pets in the Office
Company Spirit and Morale
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs and Initiatives
Employee Feedback
Cell Phones
Employee Internet, Email, and Phone Usage
Overtime Pay
Comp Time

Employee Time Off and Leave
Holidays
Vacation, Sick Time, and PTO
Vacation Leave
Sick Leave
Personal Leave/Paid Time Off (PTO)
Additional Time Off for Managers
Jury Duty
Military Reserve Leave
Bereavement Leave
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave
Family Leave

Group Insurance, Health, and Wellness
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Short-Term Disability Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Dental Insurance
Supplemental Vision Insurance
Pet Insurance
Health and Wellness

Retirement Plans
Retirement Plan Options
Vesting Periods
Employer Contributions to 401(k) Plans
Waiting Period for Retirement Plans

Financial, Legal, and Transportation Benefits
Financial Assistance
Financial and Legal Services
Parking/Transportation Benefits

Training, Education, and Leadership Benefits
Training and Development Programs and Budgets
Tuition Reimbursement/Assistance
Reimbursement for Books and Supplies
Professional Licensing Exams and State Registrations
Other Educational Benefits
Leadership Policies
Management Transition Plans

Employee Performance and Salary Reviews
Employee Performance Reviews
Salary Increases and Compensation Committees
Factors Used to Determine Salary Increases

New Hire Negotiations and Relocation
New Hire Negotiations
Reimbursement for Relocation
Relocation Reimbursement Methods
Reimbursable Relocation Costs

PART III: Turnover

Turnover Rates
Reasons for Staff Turnover
New Hire Turnover
Retention Rates
Exit Interviews
Severance Pay