Most people finance their livelihood on income from employment, either directly through their own work or indirectly through the employment of family members. For this reason, the level and stability of the salary play a central role for the quality of work.
If the earnings are low compared to the average level, the standard of living and social inclusion of persons in employment and their households are limited accordingly. If the salary is also paid when the employee is absent due to sickness, it protects a lasting income. Paid leave offers the possibility to regenerate from occupational stress without financial restrictions.
Employers’ contributions to company pension schemes could be an important component of securing the standard of living after retirement.