Qu'est-ce que Total Compensation Package ?
Definition
The total compensation package (rémunération globale/totaalpakket) encompasses all the monetary and non-monetary elements of what an employer offers an employee in exchange for their work. It includes not just the base salary but all variable, benefit and non-financial components.
In practice
A typical Belgian total compensation package can include: base gross salary; performance bonus (annual or quarterly); company car or mobility budget; meal vouchers (€8/day face value, employer pays up to €6.91); hospitalisation insurance (DKV, AG Insurance, etc.); group insurance (pension contribution); telephone allowance; home internet allowance for remote workers; sport/well-being allowance; eco-vouchers (€250/year); end-of-year premium (13th month); holiday pay (simple and double); profit sharing. When evaluating offers, the gap between the salary figure and the total package value can be €10,000–€30,000+ per year for senior roles. A cafeteria plan allows employees to compose their package flexibly. Always evaluate the full package, not just the salary line.
Key takeaway
Two offers with identical gross salaries can differ by 20–30% in real value once all package components are accounted for — always assess the full picture before deciding.
Définitions connexes
Gross Salary
Total remuneration agreed in an employment contract before deduction of employee social security contributions and withholding tax.
Extra-Legal Benefits
Benefits offered by employers beyond the legal minimum — company car, group insurance, meal vouchers, hospitalisation insurance — often with advantageous tax treatment.
Flexible Benefits / Cafeteria Plan
Compensation system allowing employees to personalise their benefits package by choosing from a menu of options within a defined budget.
Equity / Capital Participation
Form of remuneration giving employees the right or ability to acquire shares in the company — through stock options, warrants, free shares or profit-sharing plans.