New guidelines for valuing in-kind benefits as partial payment of living wage: standard values based on worker replacement cost

Anker Research Institute Working Paper Series | Number 13

Richard Anker, Ayelech Tiruwha Melese, Martha Anker

Abstract:

This publication presents updated guidelines for valuing in-kind benefits (IKBs) as partial payment of a living wage, using standard values based on worker replacement cost. Building on Anker and Anker’s 2017 framework and a review of ILO conventions and national laws across 162 countries, the guidelines have been widely adopted by organizations such as IDH and members of the Global Living Wage Coalition. Drawing on seven years of practical application, this update incorporates lessons learned, addressing common challenges and refining valuation methods to ensure IKBs are fairly and consistently accounted for in wage assessments.