The majority of employees want more clarity and fairness in terms of remuneration, 60% of them feel that their work is not appreciated enough and 63% would prefer benefits packages tailored to individual needs, according to the global Employee Sentiment Study 2025, conducted by Aon.
Only 18% of research participants are confident that their organization provides a fair pay system, reflecting the importance of measures to reduce discrepancies.
„How employees are paid and rewarded has become more important than ever. People are no longer just looking at pay, but at the whole benefits package a company offers. Employers need to be more transparent and offer customized solutions to remain attractive in an increasingly competitive market,” said Eugen Anicescu, CEO of Aon Romania, according to a company press release.
Another major change comes with the EU Pay Transparency Directive, adopted in June 2023. It obliges employers to provide clear information about pay scales and eliminate unjustified differences between similar categories of employees. Thus, starting in 2026, all companies with more than 100 employees will have to publish pay equity reports, and if differences exceed 5%, a detailed analysis and a concrete action plan will be required. The new rules also prohibit asking for salary histories in recruitment processes, allowing candidates to negotiate on a level playing field, shows the cited source.
„Making transparency a mandatory requirement will bring more clarity to the relationship between employees and employers. Companies that adapt quickly and adopt open policies will be able to gain the trust of their teams and create a more equitable working environment,” added Anthony Poole, Partner, Aon Human Capital.
Beyond pay and benefits, another strong trend is the need to prepare for the future. 35% of employees say they are motivated to improve their skills to stay relevant in an environment increasingly influenced by technology and automation. This shows that investments in professional development are essential for talent retention.
„The global reality is also reflected in Romania: more and more companies are bringing together two, three, even four generations in the workplace and working together. This diversity creates a growing need for flexibility and choice, which implies a moral responsibility for employers. In addition to providing a fair and transparent framework, employers must also offer a degree of flexibility to meet the varying needs of employees at different stages of their lives. The more effectively and tailored organizations respond to the specific context, the greater the resilience, retention and engagement of employees will be,” said Adrian Low-Vesa, Head of Health Division, CEE Aon.
What’s more, employees emphasize long-term financial security. 49% think employers should offer more support for their well-being, whether it’s saving for retirement, financial education or mental health support.
AGERPRES
