Employees in real estate agencies, state-operated businesses and the silicon chip industry are expected to receive big Chinese New Year bonuses this year, thanks to the economic recovery, according to several local analysts. Most businesses, especially in the real estate industry, have recuperated from the financial crisis that began in 2008 and are now set to give generous paybacks to their employees. According to Chinatrust Real Estate Vice Manager Chiang Lung-ming, the average real estate agent will receive a two- to six-month year-end bonus, an increase of one to two months compared to last year, when the business was not doing so well. This year, those who have worked hard enough will be rewarded with a bonus equivalent to 15 months' salary, Chiang forecast. While state-run businesses do not depend as much on individual performance, these companies are still preparing to distribute year-end bonuses of three to 4.6 months to their staff, according to Chen Chao-yih, vice chairwoman of the state-owned Enterprise Commission under the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The bonuses will include a two-month fixed bonus and a performance bonus to be approved by the Executive Yuan, said Chen. Employees working in big wafer factories will also benefit from a resurgence in the semiconductor industry, with employees at TSMC expected to receive bonuses in cash and stocks totaling up to NT$700,000 (US$21,875). 