All businesses should have Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) attached to individual roles so managers and staff could assess whether workers were meeting the minimum expected level of performance or exceeding it, Mr Mason said.
Any job should have performance measures attached, he said.
The latest Statistics NZ figures show the median weekly income for those in paid employment in the Bay of Plenty region was $740 a week - below the national median of $800. Western Bay of Plenty stats were unavailable.
The survey found that just over one-third (36 per cent) of Kiwi workers had a portion of their pay tied to individual performance or productivity targets.
Australia had a lower level of performance-based pay (29 per cent).
However, half of New Zealand employees not currently receiving performance pay said they would lift their performance if their earnings were linked to achievement or productivity. Kelly Services NZ spokeswoman Wendy Hewson said it was clear from the survey that more local businesses could achieve greater levels of productivity if they introduced some form of performance-based pay.
The survey also found while only one-quarter of the workforce spent at least one day a week working from home, those who did believed they were more productive.
Respondents said key benefits included minimising the time and expense of commuting and working with fewer interruptions - resulting in greater focus and productivity, and more flexibility to deal with unexpected personal requirements.
Disadvantages included the loss of opportunities for collaboration and networking, a feeling of isolation from colleagues and managers, and reduced access to company information and involvement.
Public Service Association national secretary Brenda Pilott said performance pay was presented as a way to reward effort and lift performance in local and central government during the late 1980s and '90s - and it didn't work then.
"We don't believe performance pay leads to improved performance - especially in the public sector - because ... work is not profit-driven or influenced by things such as sales margins."