How to Motivate Teams Beyond Salary: Smarter Incentives That Work
Let’s be honest:
Money matters — but it’s not the only thing top talent cares about.
In Singapore’s competitive market,
companies that win aren’t just the ones paying the most.
They’re the ones offering meaningful, well-designed incentives
that make employees feel valued, challenged, and invested.
Here’s how you can do the same.
1️⃣ Offer Ownership (Not Just Pay)
When employees become partial owners,
they stop thinking like workers —
and start thinking like partners.
✅ ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans)
✅ Profit-sharing bonuses
Example: A SaaS startup saw a 20% increase in retention after rolling out an ESOP —
because employees knew they’d share in long-term success.
2️⃣ Invest in Professional Development
Top performers want to grow.
✅ Subsidize training, certifications, and conferences
✅ Offer internal mentorship programs
✅ Create clear promotion pathways
Example: A fintech firm paid for staff to attend international conferences,
strengthening loyalty and boosting innovation from returning employees.
3️⃣ Prioritize Flexibility
In a post-pandemic world,
flexibility is no longer a perk — it’s an expectation.
✅ Offer remote or hybrid work setups
✅ Allow flexible hours where possible
✅ Focus on outputs, not clock-in times
Example: A marketing agency reduced turnover by 15%
after implementing a flexible work-from-anywhere policy.
4️⃣ Build a Mission-Driven Culture
Employees, especially younger ones,
want to work for companies that align with their values.
✅ Communicate your mission clearly
✅ Involve employees in big-picture decisions
✅ Celebrate purpose, not just profit
Example: A sustainability-focused fashion brand attracted top designers
who were passionate about eco-friendly innovation, even at slightly lower pay.
5️⃣ Why Work With Paperwork.sg?
We:
✅ Help design incentive plans (including ESOPs) that attract top talent
✅ Support HR and legal teams with compliant documentation
✅ Provide scalable solutions for growing companies