The year 2022 will have been profoundly marked by inflation. Soaring prices at the gas pump, food shortages, decline in purchasing power… The last few months have been particularly trying for the wallets of French consumers. To help them cope with rising prices, the government has offered various aid, bonuses and bonuses. But when will there be an increase in salaries for a more lasting solution?

In an exclusive survey unveiled on December 7, 2022, Le Parisien reveals that end-of-year negotiations could lead to higher increases than in 2022, when all employees enjoyed a 3% increase in January … But still lower than the 5.8% inflation estimated for next year.

In the columns of our colleagues, a human resources manager affirms that the October discussions were concluded as follows: “All non-executive employees obtained a 5.5% salary increase for 2023 and executives had 4 .5%, excluding bonuses.

The Ile-de-France daily, which draws on the results of Alixio’s “Wage Inflation” survey, writes: “Interviewed in October and November, nearly 200 human resources directors (HRDs) or those responsible for remuneration within average and large companies plan to pay around 4.3% salary increase in 2023. If this revaluation is greater than in 2022, will it be enough to face the year 2023?

Nothing is less sure. Since the start of the school year in September, one in three companies has experienced social unrest. In addition, Le Parisien reports that 78% of business leaders envisage a “tense” social climate for the month of January 2023. Gilbert Cet, an economist specializing in the labor market, recalls that we already know that inflation will be significant for the first two quarters of the year. “But if it lasts longer, some companies will have to reopen negotiations during the year to avoid dissension. This will be inevitable,” says the specialist.

To limit damage, some companies are increasing additional benefits…

Profit-sharing, specific bonuses, health costs… Faced with inflation, some bosses are showing imagination to limit the negative effects on the purchasing power of their employees.

The human resources manager interviewed by the daily says: “This is, for example, the first time that we have distributed an exceptional purchasing power bonus (PEPA) of 500 euros. We have also neutralized the 10% increase in price of collective catering for 2023 and we have absorbed almost the entire increase in health costs. (…) Finally, the matching contribution increased from 1,000 euros to 1,250 euros.

And Gilbert Cet concludes: “It is certain that for employees, salary increases are the most essential lever”.