A commonly used pay structure for hourly employees includes what feature?

The correct answer focuses on "hourly rates," which are the fundamental component of compensation for hourly employees. This pay structure explicitly defines the amount an employee earns for each hour of work performed. It is straightforward and directly tied to the hours worked, ensuring that employees are compensated for every hour they contribute to their job.

Hourly rates are particularly common in industries where work hours can fluctuate widely or where employees may have variable schedules. This structure also allows for easy calculation of pay based on time worked, including overtime pay when employees work beyond standard hours, typically calculated at a higher rate.

In comparison, other features listed, such as draw against commission or flat rate salaries, are more frequently associated with sales roles or salaried positions, where compensation is not solely dependent on the hours worked. Similarly, performance bonuses are incentives tied to specific achievements or targets, rather than the routine compensation structure that hourly employees would typically experience. Thus, hourly rates remain the most relevant and commonly utilized feature in the pay structure for hourly employees.