One of the best ways to keep employees is to pay them more than the market rate. Certainly as a business owner you are concerned with profits. This also helps employees become more loyal and trustworthy. Reducing labor turnover is a significant cost saving, which more than makes up for a slight increase in salary. There is no law that says you must pay your employees at market rates.
Employees stay happier and work harder if they are paid higher than the market rates.
Remember you want your employees to represent your business in the best possible manner and they are more likely to do so if they are paid well. Another way to retain employees is to have signing or continuation bonuses. Signing bonuses are normally available for highly trained employees. However, we are advocating the use of signing bonuses for long-term employees so that they continue to work for your company. If she left before the three years, then she was legally responsible for the prorated share of the bonus not earned.