The unique financial situation of a Primary Reservist: Satisfaction with compensation and benefits and its impact on retention

Abstract

Introduction: Within the Canadian Primary Reserves (P Res), members can be employed in various classes of service, and they often balance simultaneous civilian and military employment. The aim of the current study was to examine P Res members’ reliance on their military income, their satisfaction with the compensation and benefits, and whether compensation and benefits was related to 5-year turnover intentions. Methods: A P Res Retention Survey was completed by 3,669 members. Participants reported their reliance on their military income, employment status, satisfaction with 11 aspects of P Res compensation and benefits, and 5-year turnover intentions. The data were weighted by key demographic variables. Results: Most members reported a reliance on their P Res income and had some satisfaction with their pay and benefits. General linear model analyses were conducted to examine differences in members’ satisfaction across classes of service. Results demonstrated that members employed full-time within the P Res were less satisfied with their rates of pay, while part-time members were less satisfied with the medical and dental benefits. Furthermore, an association was found between P Res members’ satisfaction with compensation and benefits and their 5-year turnover intentions. Discussion: Although members tend to rely on their military incomes, their satisfaction varied by the level of their P Res employment. The Canadian Armed Forces may consider tailoring its financial services to aid P Res members with their financial management.