Understanding Different Pay Models in FM, Utilities and Renewables
Price Work
Engineers and technicians are paid per completed job, for example per installation, survey or maintenance visit.
Pros:
-
Transparent cost per job
-
Drives efficiency and output
-
Scalable for high-volume work such as smart metering and renewable energy installations
Cons:
-
Risk of reduced quality if not monitored
-
Disputes over what constitutes a completed job
-
Difficult to manage on sites with variable conditions
How SERT helps:
We define clear completion criteria, integrate digital timesheets and sign-offs, and ensure fair pay while guaranteeing high-quality outcomes.
Unit Rate
Workers are paid per unit or deliverable, such as per metre fitted, per property surveyed or per installation completed.
Pros:
-
Easy to budget and forecast
-
Ideal for contractors with consistent workloads
-
Encourages high productivity
Cons:
-
Does not account for complex or bespoke jobs
-
Workers may prioritise easier units
-
Can create workforce imbalances if unmanaged
How SERT helps:
We benchmark fair unit rates across Hampshire and the South of England, structure rate cards according to job complexity, and support payroll, compliance and performance tracking.
Output-Based or Hybrid Models
This approach combines a base salary with performance-related pay, such as daily installs, SLA achievement or customer satisfaction scores.
Pros:
-
Aligns company and worker incentives
-
Improves retention and teamwork
-
Protects base income
Cons:
-
Requires accurate and reliable data capture
-
Can be complex to manage without the right systems
How SERT helps:
We integrate systems like Vincere and Access, ensuring output-based pay is transparent, accurate and trusted by both employers and engineers.
Choosing the Right Pay Model
When selecting a pay model, businesses should consider their objectives and workforce needs:
-
To reduce job costs: Price work with verified outputs and payroll assurance
-
To scale across multiple sites: Unit rate with rate benchmarking and workforce planning
-
To retain and reward top talent: Output-based hybrid with training and transparent KPIs
-
To improve quality and consistency: Hybrid with onboarding and quality control
Why Work with SERT in Hampshire
SERT supports some of the UK’s most forward-thinking energy, FM and renewable businesses to build, train and deploy workforces that deliver on performance and quality.
Our services include:
-
Recruitment: Skilled, compliant engineers ready to start immediately
-
Training: Upskilling across retrofit, renewables, utilities and FM services
-
Payroll and Compliance: Managed weekly CIS or PAYE payroll for price work and unit-rate models
-
Data Insight: Real-time tracking and reporting of job completions, quality and output
When implemented correctly, price work, unit rate and output-based pay models can drive growth, reward top performers and improve workforce efficiency. SERT ensures you get it right first time, every time.