Results from the global WTW 2025 Pay Transparency Survey
Organizations continue to weigh their pay transparency decisions even as the clock ticks toward June 2026, the effective date for the EU Pay Transparency Directive. Rather than proactively working toward increased pay transparency and pay equity, many organizations are taking a wait-and-see approach, holding back until they get more direction from regulators.
Essentially, organizations have not made significant moves to increase their pay transparency and pay equity agendas, driving the perception that employers treated the past year as a gap year. However, with the EU Pay Transparency Directive effective date being only months away, organizations must start planning — and implementing — now.
Based on the findings of our 2025 Pay Transparency Survey, we know that pay equity continues to be a globally significant topic. Rather than creating a one-size-fits all approach, many employers are adopting more deliberate and tailored approaches to pay transparency that align with their compliance requirements and organizational objectives. At the same time, evolving pay equity regulations are prompting organizations to proactively plan for future compliance, disclosure and reporting.
Among organizations that are increasing pay program transparency, there is no single factor driving this change. Rather, survey respondents listed two or three factors, with regulatory requirements being the primary driver of change.
Organizations are sharing two to three pay-program elements, with the most common elements being job level, information about how base pay is determined and variable-pay opportunities.
Many employers anticipate sharing pay-range information for all open positions with both job candidates and prospective employees — even when it’s not legally required. Hiring range is the most frequently shared information.
From common barriers to progress, to the four key focus areas that can help organizations advance their pay transparency goals—download the full executive summary to explore the insights we've uncovered.
