Compensation Up 3%: NGA Study

ARLINGTON, Va. — Employees at independent supermarkets received pay increases in the median range of 3% during 2011, according to a new study by the National Grocers Association here and FMS Solutions, Baltimore.

The study also found that 98.7% of the companies surveyed provide at least one health plan, with PPOs the most common option — offered by 60.7%. According to the study, 67.2% of companies surveyed offer dental insurance; 92.7% offer retirement-plan options; and 40.3% offer wellness programs that include free flu shots, incentives to quit smoking and Weight Watchers memberships.

The first-ever Compensation and Benefits Study was conducted by FMS on behalf of NGA to help determine financial benchmarks among independents and to help them establish their own standards and policies. It was based on a 17-page questionnaire sent to 68 NGA members representing 2,533 stores from all across the U.S.

Peter J. Larkin, president and chief executive officer of NGA, said the study was designed "to ensure that compensation and benefits for employees across all departments are competitive to attract and retain the best and the brightest. The [study] is an essential handbook for all independent grocers, providing candid and extensive financial information on the independent grocery industry."

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