Huge profits: 5.8 million employees benefit from bonuses!

Huge profits: 5.8 million employees benefit from bonuses!

More and more employees in France are benefiting from employee participation

The trend towards employee ownership in France is gaining momentum. According to current data, over 4.6 million French people are now saving on a corporate savings plan (PEE). This is a significant increase, which was boosted by the positive developments in the economic situation in recent years. The statistics show that the amounts paid out as part of participation and interest bonuses have grown continuously over the years. In 2023, 5.8 million employees in companies with more than ten employees received a participation bonus totaling 11.5 billion euros, which corresponds to a doubling of the number of beneficiaries since 1983. This information comes from Cercle Des Épargnants.

An important aspect of this development is the average participation premium, which has grown by 5.7% per year since 1983, well above the general price increase of just 2.1%. In 2023, the average participation bonus was 1,961 euros. These bonuses are not only an incentive for employees, but also a strategic tool for companies to promote employee satisfaction without increasing fixed wages.

Consequences of economic adjustment

The economic environment has changed significantly since the crises of the 2000s. Although the positive development was interrupted by the economic crisis, the recovery from the mid-2010s led to a significant increase in members and individual premiums. The Dares statistics also show that payments for the participation bonus have been increasing since 2015, even if there was a temporary decline in 2020 due to the pandemic. The Dares reports that the PACTE legislation of 2019, which abolished the social contribution for companies with fewer than 250 employees, had a positive impact on this development.

Furthermore, in 2023, a total of 60% of premiums were invested in PEE or collective pension plans (Perco/PER). These savings plans allow employees to invest a significant portion of their premiums tax-free. This underlines the trend towards a more conscious approach to one's own finances and long-term wealth creation.

Growth and gap between companies

Over the last 40 years, the number of employees who benefit from the participation and interest bonus has increased significantly. From 1983 to 2023, the number of workers participating in the PEE increased to 4.6 million, while 5.6 million received an interest bonus. The amounts paid out under this framework show an impressive increase, with average stake premiums increasing from 1,216 euros in 1992 to 2,088 euros in 2023. These increases are the result of constant economic adjustments and an increasing spread of the financial participation model, as also noted by Économie & Matin.

Despite these positive developments, the distribution of premiums remains unequal. Large companies have an advantage and often pay higher than small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Various sectors, such as finance and energy, also have a higher share of bonuses, which significantly influences wages and collective agreements.

Overall, it is clear that employee participation is on the rise and will continue to play an important role in the French world of work. The numbers speak for themselves and suggest that many people have a good hand when it comes to their financial future.