Major industrial companies are reacting cautiously to the German government’s proposed one-time bonus of up to 1,000 euros for employees. According to a survey conducted by “Welt am Sonntag” and “Business Insider” the 40 companies surveyed mostly wish to wait for the federal government’s final draft legislation before deciding whether to distribute the so-called relief bonus to their staff. No company has yet confirmed or denied offering the bonus.
The BMW Group, for instance, is currently evaluating the announced legal framework. Instead of endorsing temporary, specific measures, the automaker advocates for a “future reliable” containment of social security contributions. The group stated that the government’s planned social reforms could sustainably and noticeably ease the burden on both employees and businesses.
SAP has stated to the newspapers that it has not committed to paying the bonus to its 25,000 German employees. However, the corporation referenced its existing benefit programs, such as a mobility budget. Employees may eventually be eligible for a company car after about three years and receive fuel and charging vouchers that can also be used privately.
Siemens and Symrise similarly explained that their employees have already saved on fuel costs due to remote work options and bicycle leasing deals.
The digital conglomerate Scout24 expressed concerns, stating it viewed it “critically” that the state intends to relieve citizens via voluntary company bonuses, suggesting structural solutions instead. Tax relief, particularly, could help support employees’ purchasing power. For BASF, the message is clear: even if the bonus could be tax and contribution-free, the group does not want to incur “additional burdens”. The chemical company announced that it will “carefully examine and assess” the issue once the federal government has established the concrete legal framework.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) revealed the plans for the potential employee bonus on Monday. Employers could pay their employees a one-time amount of up to 1,000 euros, which would be exempt from taxes and contributions. The coalition of CDU and SPD is still discussing this legislative draft. By the time the “Welt am Sonntag” poll was published, 30 corporations had participated, with four more declining to issue a statement.
