As the job market grows increasingly competitive, performance-based bonuses are taking center stage in salary negotiations. In Belgium, almost half (49%) of professionals identify performance-based bonuses as one of the most critical benefits when evaluating job offers, according to the latest Robert Walters salary survey. 

“With employees placing such high value on rewards tied to their achievements, employers must adapt or risk losing out on top talent,” says Özlem Simsek, managing director at recruitment specialist Robert Walters.

The numbers speak loudly

The same survey reveals the role of performance-based bonuses in employer strategies for 2025. Among those surveyed, 37% of employers plan to give bonuses between 1-10 % of annual salary. A minority will offer more generous bonuses: 14% between 11-20%, and just 2% will provide bonuses exceeding 20%. 

“Meanwhile, 34% of employers are still undecided whether they will offer a performance bonus and 13% of employers don’t plan to offer bonuses at all—potentially putting them at a disadvantage in a market where bonuses are becoming a critical part of compensation”, Özlem notes.

Retention strategy

Average tenure in the Belgian job market has gone down from 2.7 years to 1.7 years over the past year. As talent mobility accelerates, the link between performance-based bonuses and talent retention becomes more evident: 32% of employers have seen critical staff resign for better salary and benefits elsewhere in 2024. 

“Professionals are no longer satisfied with static salaries; they want to see their efforts rewarded tangibly.

“About half (48%) of employers already recognize the importance of rewarding employee achievements and include bonuses and financial incentives in their compensation plans. Furthermore, 14% of employers are enhancing their bonus schemes in 2025, which could signal a shift toward greater emphasis on performance-driven rewards.”

Recruitment strategy

No less than 63% of employers have had job offers declined in the past year due to insufficient salary and benefits packages. Özlem: “The competition for talent is fierce, especially in fields where the talent shortage has reached a critical point such as finance, engineering, HR, logistics and customer service. Employers who fail to meet salary expectations are losing out. Performance-based bonuses, when presented as part of an attractive package, can be a game-changer in swaying candidates to accept offers.”

Adapt or be left behind

“Our data shows that performance-based bonuses are not just a perk – they’re a necessity for attracting and retaining top talent in 2025. As Belgian professionals prioritize benefits that reward their contributions, companies that fail to offer competitive bonus structures may struggle to recruit and retain the best employees. For employers, the message is clear: introducing or enhancing bonus schemes isn't just an investment in employees – it's an investment in the future success of the organization”, Özlem concludes.

More information

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