A renewed emphasis on bonuses is emerging among Germany’s leading DAX-listed companies, according to a survey conducted by the Handelsblatt, involving 25 of the 40 constituent businesses.
Over the past five years, a significant number of these corporations have adjusted their variable compensation policies. Bayer, Deutsche Bank, Merck, SAP, Siemens Healthineers, Siemens Energy, Symrise, Volkswagen and Vonovia are among those increasingly prioritizing bonus payments. Brenntag, Beiersdorf, Commerzbank, DHL, Eon, Heidelberg Materials and Rheinmetall report maintaining consistent bonus structures. Other companies did not provide a definitive response regarding any changes.
The amount of bonuses varies significantly across the DAX companies. Commerzbank reportedly awards a monthly salary as a bonus on the initial non-tariff level. DHL offers between one and two monthly salaries as additional compensation, depending on the pay grade. Infineon typically provides around eight percent of the gross annual salary as a bonus. At SAP, Germany’s most valuable company, bonuses can range between 15 and 25 percent of the annual salary, reaching up to 40 percent in sales positions.
Several companies are also returning to a more individualized approach to bonus distribution. Seventeen companies responded to inquiries regarding this aspect. Seven corporations now more strongly link bonuses to individual performance, while ten reported no change in their methodology. Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, SAP, Siemens Energy, Symrise, Volkswagen and Vonovia are among those who have increased their focus on individual evaluations.
