Record stability, conscious salary planning, and thoughtful benefit practices in domestic SMEs

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 12. 02. 10:59

🎧 Hallgasd a cikket: Nyelv: Sebesség: 1.05×

Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises are showing outstanding stability in the labor market this fall: 82 percent of them do not plan to change their employee headcount in the next year, which is a record high rate in the history of the K&H SME Confidence Index. The wage practices of enterprises are also becoming more conscious: the pace of wage increases has become more balanced, while the benefit structure also reflects long-term sustainable operations – according to the latest data from the K&H SME Confidence Index for the third quarter of 2025.

According to 82 percent of the responding domestic SMEs, no significant change in the number of employees is expected in the next 12 months. This is an all-time high, the previous peak was 77 percent. Only 5 percent of companies plan to reduce their workforce, which is two percentage points less than in the previous quarter. The proportion of companies planning to expand is more moderate, but this also shows that companies are focusing on safe operation and retaining the existing workforce.

The expected rate of wage increases is 6 percent on average, which indicates a predictable increase similar to the 2020 level. 65 percent of companies plan to increase wages in the coming year, while the proportion of companies planning to keep salaries unchanged is 33 percent. Only 3 percent of companies expect a decrease – a value comparable to the third quarter of last year. All this reflects the labor market balance and adaptability in the SME sector.

Conscious planning is also decisive in the field of fringe benefits: 35 percent of companies provide such benefits in some form. The most common forms of benefits continue to be the SZÉP card, the 13th month pay, and rewards or premiums, which help motivate and appreciate employees. In addition, several companies provide travel support, cultural or health benefits.

“Based on the responses, we see that companies are planning consciously. Stable headcount and balanced wage growth may indicate that companies are focusing on increasing efficiency, financial awareness and operational stability, which is also positive because they contribute not only to their own development, but also to the development of the economy as a whole”

– added Zoltán Rammacher, Marketing Manager of the K&H Retail and SME Segment.

In the coming period, one of the most important questions facing SMEs will be how to maintain their development. According to the financial institution’s experience, the flexibility, adaptability and trust-based operation of businesses provide a strong foundation for further growth.