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🇦🇹 Austria /Economy & Trade

Austrian supervisory boards demand more time, higher pay as roles professionalize

From Die Presse · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The role of supervisory board members in Austrian companies is becoming more demanding and time-consuming, contrary to the stereotype of a relaxed position.
  • A new study shows that the average time commitment for supervisory board members has increased from seven hours annually in 2011 to over ten hours in 2026, with chairpersons seeing a rise from 22 to over 35 hours.
  • Compensation for these roles has also significantly increased, reflecting the growing professionalization and importance of supervisory boards.

The image of a supervisory board member as someone enjoying a comfortable, well-paid position with minimal effort is increasingly outdated, according to new research.

While the stereotype of a "cozy" end-of-career role persists, with 73 percent of Austrian board members over 55, a recent study reveals a significant shift. Board work demands more time and greater expertise than ever before. "The committee used to often just rubber-stamp board decisions," noted Thomas Maidorfer, founder of the Vienna Strategy Forum, who has extensively researched supervisory boards.

The committee used to often just rubber-stamp board decisions.

— Thomas MaidorferFounder of the Vienna Strategy Forum, commenting on the changing role of supervisory boards.

His research, co-authored with WU Professor Werner Hoffmann, indicates a clear trend toward professionalization in Austria. The average annual time commitment for a regular supervisory board member rose from approximately seven hours in 2011 to over ten hours in 2026. For board chairpersons, this increase was even more dramatic, jumping from about 22 hours to over 35 hours in the same period.

In the past, supervisory board members in Austria earned shockingly little.

— Thomas MaidorferCommenting on the trend of increasing compensation for supervisory board members.

This rising time commitment is mirrored by increased compensation. The study, surveying board members of Austria's 500 largest companies, found that the proportion earning less than 10,000 euros annually dropped significantly. For board chairpersons, while some still earn less than 25,000 euros, nearly 30 percent now earn over 60,000 euros, with about 20 percent exceeding 100,000 euros.

Maidorfer views the increased compensation as a positive development, stating, "In the past, supervisory board members in Austria earned shockingly little." He highlighted the incongruity of top supervisory bodies for major listed companies earning only 60,000 euros. The study authors suggest that rising pay indicates the board's growing establishment as a vital organ for oversight and advice, moving beyond mere approval of executive decisions.

Imagine, you are the highest supervisory body for a large listed company and you only get 60,000 Euros.

— Thomas MaidorferExpressing surprise at the low compensation previously offered to some supervisory board members.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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