Wowprime Unveils Salary Increase for Full-Time and Part-Time Employees Starting in 2025
TAIPEI, Taiwan – In an effort to improve employee satisfaction and attract talent, Taiwan’s prominent restaurant chain, Wowprime Corp., announced a significant wage increase for its workforce. The company revealed that, starting from January 1, 2025, full-time employees will see their wages raised by up to 7%, while part-time workers will experience hourly pay raises ranging from 2-10%.
Details of the Wage Increases
Wowprime, which operates over 30 restaurant brands, including its flagship Wang Steak, stated that the pay hike for full-time employees will bring their starting monthly salary to NT$35,800 (US$1,102). This increase is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting its staff.
For part-time workers, hourly pay will rise by up to 10% depending on the position and work schedule. With added incentives to ensure part-timers are present during all scheduled shifts, the hourly wage for these workers could reach as high as NT$220.
Moreover, for night shifts at Wowprime’s hotpot restaurants—including brands like Chin Huajiao, Xianla, and God Guo—the maximum hourly wage could go up to NT$255, making night shifts more attractive for employees.
Impact on Operational Costs and Workforce Recruitment
Despite the projected rise in operational costs, estimated to be around NT$100 million annually, Wowprime remains committed to expanding its workforce. The company plans to recruit an additional 1,200 people in 2025, with most of the new hires being allocated to the barbecue and hotpot brands. This expansion comes in response to the growing demand for their diverse range of restaurants in Taiwan and China.
In addition to wage increases, Wowprime will continue to invest in staff development. The company announced that chefs and managerial trainees at its five major hot pot brands will begin with a starting wage of NT$45,000 per month. After completing seven months of training and a performance evaluation, wages for these positions could increase to NT$70,000 a month.
Employee Benefits and Corporate Social Responsibility
As part of its broader efforts to enhance employee well-being, Wowprime will also continue its employee bonus program. Full-time workers will be eligible for bonuses annually and will have three opportunities per year to receive a pay raise based on performance and tenure.
In terms of workplace conditions, Wowprime has partnered with Swedish furniture giant IKEA to renovate three of its employee offices and dormitories in New Taipei’s Sanchong district and Kaohsiung. This initiative is set to be completed by the end of 2024, with plans to renovate 20 more dormitories throughout 2025.
Wowprime’s Financial Overview
Despite the significant wage increases, Wowprime remains financially strong. For the first three quarters of 2024, the company posted earnings of NT$12.41 per share (EPS), a slight decrease from the NT$13.55 EPS reported in the same period the previous year. However, Wowprime’s commitment to employee welfare and recruitment signals a positive outlook for the future as it continues to expand and improve its operations.
Table: Key Details of Wowprime’s Wage Increase
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full-Time Employees | Salary raised by up to 7% starting Jan 1, 2025 |
| Part-Time Employees | Hourly wage increase of 2-10% |
| Starting Full-Time Salary | NT$35,800 (US$1,102) per month |
| Part-Time Hourly Pay | Up to NT$220 per hour, with incentives |
| Night Shift Pay | Up to NT$255 per hour for hotpot restaurants |
| Recruitment Plans | 1,200 new employees to be hired in 2025 |
| Chef & Manager Trainee Wages | NT$45,000 per month, potential increase to NT$70,000 |
| Renovation Projects | 3 employee offices/dormitories remodeled by end of 2024, 20 more in 2025 |
FAQs:
Q1: When will the pay raises take effect?
The salary increases will take effect on January 1, 2025, for both full-time and part-time employees.
Q2: How much will part-time employees see in pay increases?
Part-time employees will see their hourly wages increase by 2-10%, depending on the position and shift.
Q3: Will Wowprime hire more employees in 2025?
Yes, Wowprime plans to recruit 1,200 new employees in 2025, with most positions in its barbecue and hot pot brands.
Q4: How much can chefs and managerial trainees earn?
Starting wages for chefs and trainees will be NT$45,000 per month, with potential to increase to NT$70,000 after training and performance evaluations.
Q5: What improvements are being made to Wowprime’s employee dormitories?
Wowprime is collaborating with IKEA to remodel three employee dormitories in New Taipei and Kaohsiung by the end of 2024, with plans to renovate an additional 20 dormitories in 2025.
