That's not even true. A typical consulting company (of which there are plenty in Belgium - I'd say at least half the programming jobs) probably doesn't care much, because for a less efficient programmer they will eventually bill more hours to the clueless client.

It does not change the point that they want to keep their talented staff at the lowest possible price....

True. There's a Dilbert about how the company wants the best staff in the industry, but pays the industry average salary.

They also want their retained staff to be happy, however. It's not so great to have an employee who's just barely satisfied enough to stay on with you. The quality of his/her work won't be as good, typically.