International hiring requires a variety of approaches to compensation. Stanford practices a total reward strategy to attract, reward, motivate and retain the best possible talent, while taking into account market conditions in the country of hire, programmatic need and budgetary considerations.
Base salaries paid to staff hired in-country should be based on market conditions in each country of work. The salary should be expressed as a gross figure in each country’s currency. Compensation analysis can be provided by Global HR Programs. US salary ranges are not applicable in other countries. Global HR Programs will assist in providing comparable salary data, where available.
Annual review of salary should be adhered to in all countries where the University or its affiliates conduct operations. In locations where significant inflation or currency fluctuations are an issue, more frequent salary reviews may be necessary.
An annual review of each staff member’s performance should provide summary feedback, recognize strong performers and identify progress toward goals. Salary increases and promotional opportunities are based on the performance review process as followed in each school, department or unit.
Compensation elements in countries outside of the US may follow patterns unique to that country’s culture and/or tax code. In addition to customary base salary as described above, other forms of cash compensation need to be reviewed to assure that University policy as well as regulations and customs of the country of work are followed.