During periods of high inflation, some employers have introduced special payments to cushion the impact on purchasing power. These measures help avoid the immediate consolidation of wage increases, giving companies more flexibility in budgeting while still supporting staff. Such bonuses are designed to address rising costs and to provide temporary relief without permanently inflating fixed labor expenses. The following examples illustrate how several firms have approached inflation with targeted supplementary pay designed to ease financial pressures for their workforce.
Mapfre
In July, the insurer announced an extra 350 euros added to monthly payrolls for employees in Spain to help navigate the current economic climate characterized by a persistent inflation rate. The policy covered 10,500 staff members across the group, excluding management. Mapfre bases its compensation on a fixed base, an annual variable component tied to targets, and a benefits package. The program includes free health insurance for all staff, enhanced access to savings insurance, and a comprehensive benefits suite that also features an employment retirement plan, school assistance, life insurance, and premiums for coverage. This approach aligns pay with evolving costs while maintaining a sustainable cost structure for the company. Source attribution: Mapfre workplace policy report.
Inflation takes a slight respite in August and yields 4 tenths of up to 10.4%
Sixt
The car rental group announced a one-time bonus for its workforce to counter price increases. A total of 15 million euros was earmarked for distribution among all employees, and the payout includes 1,700 euros for each of the roughly 8,000 staff members. Sixt had a strong year with substantial revenue growth and has signaled plans to expand its workforce by around 1,000 positions this year. Previous special payments were issued during 2021 as recognition of the company’s teams during challenging periods, reinforcing the practice of adjusting salary costs through targeted bonuses rather than lifting fixed labor costs. This approach helps the company stay responsive as business conditions evolve. Source attribution: Sixt financial and human resources disclosures.
PSA
APE Grupo, the tile company, decided in July to provide an additional 400 euros to staff to help manage the current economic situation driven by double-digit inflation. Managers forewent payments as part of this initiative. The anti-inflation bonus is presented as part of the corporate culture that supports employee bonuses under inflationary pressure. APE previously issued a one-time 500-euro payment in 2021. In addition, benefits such as extended paid leave within legal allowances apply in cases of bereavement or marriage. Remote work remains a flexible option where feasible, complementing other measures to support workers through inflation. Source attribution: APE Grupo compensation and benefits report.