Beyond the Paycheck: Crafting a Winning Executive Value Proposition (EVP) in 2026

Wael M Abdelmonem
3 days ago
3 min read

Business meeting with four people sitting and discussing around a table. They are smiling, creating a positive and collaborative mood.

Today’s companies realize the value of good talent, especially in executive hires. The right talent can increase profitability, boost efficiency, and even establish your company as an industry disruptor. The question is, how can your company attract executive talent that brings you closer to your goals? The right executive value proposition (EVP) can help.

What is an Executive Value Proposition (EVP)?

An Executive Value Proposition (EVP) goes beyond salary to provide a holistic employee experience. It considers benefits, work culture, perks, and other advantages that make the job more attractive. These values can help companies attract and retain talent in today’s competitive market.

How to Develop an EVP

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Companies must be careful of what they offer in their EVP, ensuring they don’t overpromise or pay executives more than they can afford. They can determine the ideal offerings through the following steps:

Compensation Analysis

A compensation analysis involves comparing your payment and benefits structure with those of similar companies. It helps you determine what top leaders expect in 2026. Here’s what it involves.

Build an Analysis Team: The analysis team is typically composed of HR employees, but you may select specific workers for this project. They will oversee data collection and meet specific goals and deadlines.
Access Wage and Compensation Surveys: Labor research firms conduct surveys that may provide insights into average compensation for executive positions by company size and industry.
Consider Job Roles: Despite insights, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You must tailor your results to your company and employees based on responsibilities, education, experience, and other factors.
Collect Internal Data: This data will help you determine how your pay and benefits compare to those of other companies. Continue collecting data over time to stay up to date with the latest trends.
Analyze Results: Determine what your data reveals about how well you achieve your goals. Are you paying employees adequately, and are they repaying you with retention, productivity, and loyalty? Consider how you can compensate for shortfalls.

Go Beyond Salary

Some companies may fall short on salary and benefits, but they can make up for it with perks for executives. In fact, the right perks can be more attractive than salary for some workers. An EPM Scientific Study reveals that 56% of employees consider cultural fit as more important than salary when rating overall job satisfaction.

A company can improve its work culture through the following strategies:

Supporting a Work-Life Balance: Many employees appreciate a work-life balance, which can be achieved through remote work, flexible schedules, and a home-like office environment.
Establishing Values: Executives may feel good about working for a company that aligns with their values. While values differ from person to person and company to company, employees tend to appreciate environmental organizations, give back, and respect their workers.
Offering Experience and Opportunities: Employees often appreciate working for a company that provides training and advancement opportunities. Even an executive may appreciate learning new skills that make them a more effective leader.
Showing Appreciation: Workers like to feel appreciated. Companies can show their appreciation by taking their staff out to lunch, offering rewards, and recognizing a job well done.
Supporting Employee Wellbeing: Organizations can support their employees’ well-being with wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, resources for inexpensive medical care, and a clean office environment.

Magnifying glass on graphs with blue bars and circles, next to a white calculator on a wooden desk. Business analysis theme.

Make Your EVP Known

Companies that aim to attract top talent through excellent compensation, benefits, and an employee-first culture tend to earn a reputation as a good place to work. However, that spirit should also be incorporated into marketing materials used to attract employees, including job ads, social media content, and emails. It should also be emphasized throughout the hiring process.

Stahl Recruiting Can Help You Find Top-Tier Talent

An EVP can help you find top-tier talent, but a reputable recruiting firm like Stahl will seal the deal. We can assist you in developing your EVP and identifying the best channels for finding executives that fit your rail industry business. Our dedication to honesty and integrity, along with our high ethical standards, ensures a positive experience.