CMS phases in new employee bonus and motivation package

City firm CMS Cameron McKenna is phasing in a new benefits scheme after finding that high salaries are not enough to motivate employees.

The firm said traditional approaches to benefits are 'old-fashioned' and 'commercially damaging'.

The package was introduced last month following six months of employee consultation and a review of the firm's reward strategy.

Camerons' management commissioned the review following an internal restructuring of the human resources department.

The review found that 'high salaries alone do not motivate employees and candidates - lifestyle considerations, career development and professional recognition play an equally important role'.

The new package includes a new two-tier bonus scheme for all staff, increased standard holidays to 28 days a year, with the option of swapping five days holiday for cash and the possibility of a three-month sabbatical after 15 years service.

The firm has also set up a confidential helpline, a concierge service for solicitors who need someone to let workmen into their house, longer maternity leave, gym membership subsidy and a more flexible pension.

Anne Mizzi