In Factorial, you can define both the contribution group and the professional category for each employee from their profile. In this article, you’ll learn where to set each field, what the difference between them is, and how to make sure both are correctly reflected in the platform.
Overview
The contribution group and the professional category are key legal and labour data points, especially for payroll and compliance purposes. Although they are related, they serve different purposes and are configured independently within the employee profile.
When and why to use it
- To correctly complete an employee’s legal and labour information.
- To ensure payroll and social security contributions are calculated correctly.
- To avoid confusion between contractual data and professional role information.
How to use
Set the contribution group
- Go to Organisation from the main menu.
- Open the relevant employee’s profile.
- Go to the Contracts tab.
- Scroll down to the Legal and labour section.
- In the Contribution group field, select the appropriate group.
- Save your changes.
The contribution group is a legal value used mainly to calculate Social Security contributions.
Set the professional category
- From the employee profile, go to the Contracts tab.
- In the Legal and labour section, locate the Professional category field.
- Select the correct professional category.
- Save your changes.
If the contribution group field is not visible, make sure you have edit permissions for contracts.
If you are not sure which group to assign, contact your payroll provider or labour advisor for guidance.
Difference between contribution group and professional category
- Contribution group: a legal classification that determines how Social Security contributions are calculated. It is regulated by labour law and does not necessarily depend on the internal job title.
- Professional category: describes the employee’s role or professional level within the company, often linked to the collective agreement or internal structure.
Even if they may be related in some cases, they are not the same and both should be completed to ensure accurate and compliant contract information.
Tips and best practices
- Always complete both fields when creating or reviewing a contract.
- Check the applicable labour regulations or collective agreement before assigning a contribution group.
- Keep this information up to date if the employee’s role or contract conditions change.
FAQ
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Is it mandatory to set the contribution group in Factorial?
Yes. It is required for correct legal compliance and payroll management.
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Can I set a professional category without a contribution group?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Both fields serve different purposes and should be completed.