Employee Compensation and Financial Performance: Evidence from Commercial Banks of Nepal

Background: The role of employee pay in financial performance is misty, with plenty of space to explore. Human resources have been discarded from the mainstream arena despite being a strategic partner. 
Objective: The study aims to investigate the association between employee compensation and financial performance. 
Methodology: The study uses econometric analysis, descriptive analysis, correlational analysis, and trend analysis to disclose the relationship between employee compensation and financial performance. Employee compensation is measured in terms of staff expenses, and ROE and ROA measure financial performance. 
Results: Employee compensation positively impacts the financial performance of BFIs. Quantitatively, a 1 percent rise in employee compensation increases ROA by 0.02 percent point and ROE by 0.20 percent point. Likewise, the size of a firm negatively affects financial performance. Revenue diversification has a positive effect on financial performance. Similarly, the cost-to-income ratio negatively affects financial performance. 
Implications: BFIs must invest in employees to develop their skills and focus on providing mercenary and non-mercenary benefits to employees, enhancing their performance by discouraging them from shrinking on the job. Also, BFIs shall enhance their competitiveness and focus on increasing non-interest income while simultaneously reducing interest expenses.