Introduction
While salary is the most valued benefit by workers, it’s not the only factor influencing job satisfaction. Although everyone works for income, not all are content with their salary, making other benefits crucial.
Salary Satisfaction
Only four out of ten workers express regular satisfaction with their salary. Meanwhile, 65% of companies anticipate a salary increase between 1% and 5%, according to the Michael Page Salary Guide 2026.
Beyond Salary: Valued Benefits
Employees value benefits beyond salary, which could make them stay in their current job or accept a new offer with additional perks. Michael Page, a recruitment firm, highlights that benefits impacting work-life balance and giving employees more control over their personal time are significant.
- 38% of workers would accept a job with lower pay if offered better-than-legal benefits.
- 35% would accept a job with lower pay for professional growth opportunities.
- 27% would accept a job with lower pay for flexible policies.
Importance of Flexibility
Flexibility is highly valued among working individuals, with 95% considering it important or very important, according to the PageGroup survey.
“No longer is cash salary the only important factor; flexibility and emotional well-being are critical to ensure employees’ well-being,” explains Luis Mercado, President of the Management Association of Human Talent (ERIAC).
Future of Work-Life Balance
Alejandro Navarro Borja, General Director of the Occidental Human Resources Association (ARIOAC), predicts that labor compensations in 2026 will focus on work-life and family balance.
Work Modality Preferences
Most employees prefer home office or hybrid work models. Only 6% of Mexican companies consider fully remote work.
Home office gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as a tool to maintain economic activity in areas where remote work was possible. However, companies have since declared a return to offices.
Flexibility as a Benefit
Flexibility encompasses work modalities, schedules, health services, leave policies, and aims to provide employees with a balance between personal life and work.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the most valued benefit by employees? A: Salary is the most valued, but work-life balance benefits are also crucial.
- Q: How many workers are satisfied with their salary? A: Only four out of ten workers express regular satisfaction with their salary.
- Q: What other benefits would make employees stay or accept a new job? A: Benefits such as better-than-legal perks, professional growth opportunities, and flexible policies.
- Q: Why is flexibility important to employees? A: Flexibility addresses modern employee pressures, with emotional well-being being critical.
- Q: What work models do employees prefer? A: Most employees prefer home office or hybrid work models.
