Win the Salary Game

Salaries are a tough expense for most businesses. You want to hold them down but reining them in too tightly doesn't always work well. Good employees can often go elsewhere and replacing them can cost your company a bundle.

So, if you're in a spot where every salary dollar counts, here are eight ideas for getting a bigger bang for your buck:

1. Do research. Make sure your salaries are in the average range. If you pay too little, your recruitment and training costs will be out of line because you won't be able to hold onto people. It doesn't pay to lose people constantly because they can make $2,000 more down the street.

There are free online search engines that allow employers and employees to research salary information compiled from various industry surveys. Other resources include the federal government and trade organizations within your industry.

2. Give bonuses, not large increases. That way, the base salary stays the same, but the total package is competitive. If your company does particularly well, the employees do well too -- a concept that seems fair to employees.

3. Be flexible. Big corporations may not be able to write their policies around their employees' needs, but smaller firms can afford to accommodate special situations. Don't worry too much about setting precedents. Employees understand when you cut a special deal as long as a similar deal is available if they need it. In return for flexibility, employees may be willing to accept cash compensation that is less than they could get someplace else.

4. Be willing to hire smart people who need only training, even if you think they won't stay around long. It's better to have passing brilliance than permanent mediocrity.

5. Consider getting rid of any caps in commission-based jobs. Everybody wins if you set up a system so that the more people sell, the more money they make.

6. Consider outsourcing. But remember that outsourcing can reduce commitment, consistency and control. Make sure you're not giving up more than you should.

7. Move things around. Allocate resources to ensure that every employee's talents and abilities are used to the maximum. Many people are mission driven. If they feel they are indispensable, they'll behave that way.

8. Share the risk. Talk to employees often and honestly. Let people know when the company is doing well and when things are going badly. Employees who understand the risks are more likely to share their ideas for solutions. They are willing to ride out the bad times because they feel part of the operation.