2024 annual merit and performance-based increase (PBI) programs approved for eligible staff

UBC has approved the 2024 merit and performance-based increase (PBI) programs, recognizing and rewarding meritorious performance for eligible staff. 

Update: The key target dates for the Merit and PBI programs have been updated as of June 7, 2024. 

About the UBC Merit Pay Program 

The university’s performance-based merit pay program recognizes and rewards meritorious performance and is in addition to the general wage increases (GWI) that these employees are eligible for. It provides a means of moving employees who have demonstrated above-average performance from the midpoint toward the maximum of their salary ranges.  

2024 Merit program 

The following employee groups are eligible for this program: 

• Management & Professional (AAPS) 
• Executive Administrative staff (i.e., excluded clerical) 
• Farm Workers 
• Non-union Technicians and Research Assistants 

The maximum merit increase for 2024 is 3%, and consistent with last year, the target average merit payment within Administrative Units and Faculties is 1.5%. Merit increases are in addition to the 2024 General Wage Increase (GWI) of 3%. 

The merit program is intended to recognize eligible staff for their outstanding performance. As in previous years, participation in the merit program is a requirement. Consistent commitment to the program across the university helps ensure its integrity, as well as the university’s ability to retain and recruit outstanding staff. 

Staff members who are currently at the maximum of their salary ranges are not eligible for ongoing salary increases. However, these employees can still be rewarded within the merit scale for meritorious performance through one-time in-lieu payments. 

2024 Performance-Based Increase (PBI) Program 

We are proceeding with the 2024 annual performance-based increase (PBI) program for eligible employees in the following groups: 

• Excluded Management & Professional (XMP)
• Service Unit Directors (SUDs)
• Associate Vice Presidents (AVPs) and equivalents 

The maximum PBI increase for 2024 is 5% and the target average within Administrative Units and Faculties is 3%.  Employee groups eligible for the PBI increase are not eligible for GWIs. 

Updated process for 2024

This year, UBC is targeting an earlier implementation date than in previous years in order to tie merit pay more closely with the performance period that it recognizes. The 2024 merit and PBI programs will be rolled out in July, with a target implementation date of the end of September pay cheque.  

In light of this, we ask that performance conversations with staff be completed by early July. Year-end conversations are a great time to reflect on accomplishments and efforts over the past year, including discussing key goals, performance objectives, and the successes and opportunities that will help guide the year ahead.  

Additionally, we will be using Workday's merit functionality to process merit this year. In the coming weeks, we will be providing department/Faculty administrators with information and training about this year’s program, including an orientation to the Workday functionality.

Timelines for the merit and PBI programs can be found below. Please note that while performance conversations should be taking place in the coming weeks, results for merit and PBI ratings should not be communicated until final approval is received in September.  

Key target dates for merit: 

Key target dates for PBI: 

The Human Resources Compensation team will be reaching out to senior HR leaders and department/faculty administrators in the next few weeks to schedule training sessions and provide information about this year’s program and process. 

For more information about merit pay, visit the Staff salary administration page (CWL required). If you have any questions, please contact your Compensation partner.