Designed by Freepik
The Adecco 2026 Salary Guide is out, and the numbers are worrying for any employer trying to save costs in Q1. There is a massive disconnect between what employees expect and what companies are budgeting.
The Data Reality:
- What They Want: If changing jobs, 63% of candidates expect a salary increase of more than 10%.
- What They Get: For employees staying put, the majority (33%) received a raise of only 2-5% last year, and 14% got zero increase.
The "Walk Away" Trigger:
With 50% of the workforce actively job hunting, you cannot rely on loyalty. If you offer a "standard" 3.5% adjustment this month, your top performers will test the market.
The "Non-Cash" Defense Strategy:
If you cannot meet the 10% demand, you must pull the "Lifestyle Levers" immediately. The report identifies the top retention factors besides money:
- Work/Life Balance (23%): Can you offer a "4.5-day week" instead of a raise?
- Job Security (23%): In an uncertain 2026 economy, a "guaranteed no-layoff" clause for 12 months can be more valuable than cash.
Action Item: Before you hand out the bonus letters next week, audit your "Flight Risks." If they are underpaid by >15% vs market, a 4% raise is an insult—it's better to offer a clear promotion path or a one-off retention bonus.