Mandated increases in the superannuation guarantee (SG) are still testing for employers, according to research from Aon Hewitt.
Aon Hewitt found that 58 per cent of organisations are yet to determine their response to the increases beyond the end of the year.
Furthermore, fewer organisations are intending to stay ahead of the minimum superannuation increase in order to differentiate themselves.
"Of the almost 30 per cent of organisations currently paying over the SG, only 11 per cent say they intend to stay the same amount ahead of the minimum when the increase hits," Aon Hewitt senior consultant and actuary Ashley Palmer said.
"The approach taken this year may set a precedent for future increases."
Aon Hewitt found that 32 per cent of organisations are planning on absorbing the increases, foregoing the above-market position they currently maintain.
The survey noted that organisations that are yet to respond to the changes in SG will need to consider the impact on their current remuneration structure.
For organisations that use a 'base plus' remuneration approach - where superannuation cost is added to the base salary - incremental increases in the SG will have a direct cost to the organisation.
However, organisations that deduct superannuation from employees' overall remuneration package will not see any additional cost.
"The effect [of the SG] will be different depending on a company's particular remuneration approach," Mr Palmer said.
"Broadly speaking, those who use a 'remuneration packing' method may be passing the cost on to employees, while employers who use the 'base plus' approach will be bearing the increase themselves."
Forty per cent of organisations using a 'base plus' approach said they will set aside funds to finance the superannuation changes, compared with only 12 per cent of employers using a 'remuneration packaging' approach.
