Survey on the “Third Wage Increase”

According to a summary of a survey conducted by Leverages through its employee benefits service 「レバクリ 職場の健康」, targeting 515 executives and personnel involved in determining employee compensation, only 8.3% of companies had not raised wages within the past 3 years, meaning that more than 90% had implemented some form of wage increase. Among large companies with 1,000 or more employees, the proportion that had implemented company-wide wage increases reached 79.2%. The most common reason for raising wages was to support employees facing higher living costs, followed by strengthening competitiveness in the race to attract highly skilled talent and preventing employee turnover and improving retention.

More than 80% of companies said they “feel that there is a limit” to further wage increases. Regarding plans for future wage increases, 38.1% had already decided to raise wages, while 50.3% were considering doing so, accounting for the majority of companies. Regardless of company size, companies appear to be facing challenges in continuing to raise wages.

Companies are considering enhancing employee benefits, centered on health support, as the “third wage increase.” Specifically, 49.3% are considering subsidies for health checkups and medical examinations, 48.5% housing allowances, and 38.7% meal allowances. Interest in online medical consultation services is also high, with expectations that they will improve productivity by helping employees avoid ill health and reducing the burden of visiting medical facilities.

Comments from companies indicate that although the wave of wage increases is continuing, support measures other than higher wages are becoming increasingly important amid rising prices and labor costs. Going forward, improvements in employee compensation through a combination of higher base salaries and enhanced employee benefits are expected to attract attention.