Hidden Trap in Your Salary Increase: The 'Absorbable Bonus'

Spanish Companies Employ 'Absorbable Bonus' Tactic in Salary Increases Madrid, May 13, 2025 – A recent video by labor lawyer Juanma Lorente has shed light on a common practice among Spanish companies regarding salary adjustments. The tactic, known as the "plus absorbible," involves increasing an employee's base salary while simultaneously decreasing other components of their compensation, such as bonuses. This can result in a situation where the employee's overall compensation remains largely unchanged, despite the appearance of a significant raise. "The key is in the word 'absorbible'," explains Lorente in his video. "The bonus that makes you earn more each month and keeps you happy is the absorbible plus. Be prepared for it to decrease, because if other concepts in your payroll, for example, your base salary, increase, the absorbible plus will decrease exactly the same amount." Lorente's video has garnered significant attention, highlighting the importance of carefully reviewing employment contracts to avoid being misled by seemingly generous salary increases. The video serves as a cautionary tale for employees to understand the full implications of their compensation packages.