Microsoft hikes workers’ pay to try to hold talent

4/22/2011

LOS ANGELES — Microsoft Corp. Thursday announced what it called its “most significant investment in overall compensation” for employees as it jostles to keep talent from fleeing to companies such as Facebook, Google Inc., and Amazon.com Inc.

Chief executive Steve Ballmer announced the changes in an e-mail. All nearly 90,000 employees worldwide will see more cash upfront as compensation is shifted from stock awards. About 80 percent will receive 100 percent of their bonus and stock awards, up from half previously. Senior leaders have a large part of their compensation tied to shares.