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Germany Flag Germany Pay Transparency Law Compliance Guide

Preparing Data for Gender Pay Gap Reporting in Germany​

This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step guidance on preparing and reporting data for Germany's gender pay gap reporting requirements, based on the Transparency in Wage Structures Act (Entgelttransparenzgesetz) and other relevant regulations.

For comprehensive guidance, refer to the German Federal Statistical Office's official resource: Gender Pay Gap

Who Needs to Report: German Pay Transparency Law Requirements​

Employers in Germany are subject to different reporting obligations based on their size:

  • Employers with more than 500 employees: Required to publish regular reports on gender equality and equal pay measures

  • Employers with more than 200 employees: Employees have the right to request information about pay structures and criteria used to determine remuneration

German Pay Transparency Law Reporting Deadlines​

The reporting frequency depends on the presence of collective bargaining agreements:

  • Employers bound by collective bargaining agreements: Must report every five years

  • Employers not bound by collective bargaining agreements: Must report every three years

Reports should cover the previous years within the reporting period.

What to Report: German Gender Equality and Pay Equity Measures​

Employers are required to include the following information in their reports:

  1. Measures to promote gender equality: Actions taken to ensure equal opportunities for men and women within the organization

  2. Measures to achieve pay equity: Steps implemented to address and reduce pay disparities between male and female employees

  3. Impact of these measures: Evaluation of the effectiveness and outcomes of the actions taken

Additionally, statistics disaggregated by gender on the average total number of employees, and the average number of full-time and part-time employees, should be provided. Companies that have not adopted measures to promote equality must explain why in their report.

How to Report: German Federal Gazette Publication Process​

Employers must:

  1. Prepare the Report: Compile the required information and data as specified

  2. Publish the Report: Attach the gender equality and equal pay report to the company's management report and publish it in the German Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger)

  3. Provide Information to Employees: Upon request, provide employees with information about the salaries of co-workers in similar positions and the criteria used to determine pay. This applies to organizations with more than 200 employees, and responses must be provided within three months

Penalties for Non-Compliance with German Pay Transparency Law​

Currently, there are no specific sanctions for non-compliance with the reporting obligations. However, responsible officers within organizations are required to promote implementation of the Act.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​

What is the German pay transparency reporting deadline?​

The deadline depends on collective bargaining agreements: every 5 years if bound by agreements, every 3 years if not bound.

Do I need to report if I have 150 employees?​

No, the threshold is 200 employees for employee information requests and 500 employees for regular reporting obligations.

What happens if I don't comply with German pay transparency law?​

Currently, there are no specific sanctions, but responsible officers must promote implementation of the Act.

Where do I publish my German gender equality report?​

Reports must be published in the German Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger) and attached to your management report.

How quickly must I respond to employee pay information requests?​

For companies with 200+ employees, you must respond to employee pay information requests within three months.

Is the German pay transparency law mandatory for all companies?​

No, only companies with 200+ employees (for employee requests) and 500+ employees (for regular reporting) are subject to the law.

For detailed information and updates, refer to the German Federal Statistical Office's official guidance: Gender Pay Gap

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