Employers 'looking at alternative ways to motivate workers'

Companies offering graduate jobs are looking at alternative ways to motivate staff other than pay, it has been suggested.

Tom Hadley, director of external relations at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, noted that although money is a good way to motivate workers, there are other methods that can be used.

These include flexible working options, personal development and the opportunity to take sabbaticals, he said.

Mr Hadley commented: "There are a lot of ways that you can motivate people."

In addition, he remarked that employees generally have a good understanding about the current economic climate and will not be de-motivated if they do not receive a pay rise.

The recent quarterly salary indicator from Mercer showed that senior staff have been seeing their pay frozen, while more junior workers have benefited from budget changes.

A poll by the organisation showed that 59 per cent of firms are increasing pay for office and clerical staff.