Reward Survey Tech 2024

The Loss of Copyright Royalties: A Financial Gap

Last year, 23% of tech companies still provided copyright royalties to their employees, but this figure has plummeted to just 3% in 2024. Software developers, such as developers, analyst developers, software engineers, and functional analysts, are especially feeling this in their wallets. For many, the copyright regime accounted for up to one-fifth of their base salary. Due to the reform, some are now facing a wage drop of up to 20%.

Employers are attempting to offset this loss by offering other forms of compensation, such as lump-sum expense reimbursements and meal vouchers, but these measures are often insufficient.

This limited compensation space is also putting pressure on salary increases in the sector. Last year, 54% of employees received no salary increase beyond the indexation, compared to 40% the year before.

Mobility: Sustainability Gaining Ground

As an alternative, companies are increasingly turning to mobility packages. The legal mobility budget is clearly gaining traction in the tech sector, with 35% of companies having implemented a mobility budget, compared to just 10% in the broader Belgian market. Additionally, 75% of companies offer their employees the option to choose environmentally friendly vehicles.

The electrification of the company car fleet continues to grow: 44% of cars in the tech sector are now electric or hybrid, up from just 17% last year. The sector is making a clear shift towards sustainable mobility, taking an important step towards a more sustainable mobility policy. This development aligns well with the broader societal focus on climate awareness and sustainability.

The Gender Pay Gap Remains a Challenge

The gender pay gap in the Belgian tech sector remains a contentious issue. The sector is dominated by men, accounting for 70% of the workforce. Although the adjusted gender pay gap is only 0.31%, data shows that 25% of organizations have a pay gap of more than 5%, often in favor of men. This problem is even more pronounced in smaller companies.

The sector is making progress, but gender equality in senior positions remains a challenge. Women are still underrepresented in leadership roles, and men in these positions tend to receive higher salaries. While the sector has taken significant steps, much work remains to achieve true equality.

Conclusion: A Sector in Transition

The Belgian tech sector is clearly at a crossroads. While the loss of copyright royalties presents financial challenges, the sector is making great strides in sustainable mobility and working towards equal pay. However, companies must continue to find ways to support both their employees and the environment, without losing sight of the focus on fair compensation.

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