A new report by the global staffing solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half finds that 2 out of 3 companies surveyed would be willing to increase salaries for new hires who will work in the office, instead of remotely.
The 2025 Salary Guide, released earlier this week, revealed hiring trends and offers insights in to labor market dynamics, benefits and perks and starting salaries for hundreds of positions in seven professional fields across the United States.
“There’s less churn in today’s market, which means employers are increasingly focused on strategies to keep their best employees and attract new candidates to address skills gaps,” said Dawn Fay, operational president at Robert Half.
“While salary remains a critical factor for today’s professionals, flexible work arrangements, career development and other perks are also top of mind,” Fay said.
Here are four key findings from the research:
- In-office premiums: For jobs that can be done remotely, 66% of managers are willing to increase starting salaries for new hires to work in the office. Of those, 59% are offering workers up to 20% more pay to come in 4 to 5 days a week.
- AI is transforming skill requirements: More than half (54%) of hiring managers say advancements in AI and automation are reshaping needed skill sets. Additionally, 37% are bringing in contract talent to support AI-related projects.
- Professionals seek comprehensive compensation packages: Nearly half (48%) of managers rank meeting candidates’ salary expectations among their greatest hiring challenges. Providing and promoting benefits and perks that support employee well-being, work-life balance and career advancement can make an offer more attractive.
- Retirements sharpen priorities: Retirements are a top concern and reality for managers, and many are implementing strategic measures to bridge the resulting skills gaps. Forty-five percent are investing in training and upskilling for their current workforce, and 41% are leveraging the expertise of retirees by rehiring them as part-time consultants.
“Companies are reassessing their staffing needs and compensation strategies as the employment landscape evolves,” Fay said. “It’s important for job seekers to consider their must-haves when evaluating job offers and negotiating compensation packages.”
The 2025 Salary Guide from Robert Half, offering region-specific salary data for hundreds of positions in seven professional fields: Finance and Accounting; Technology; Marketing & Creative; Legal; Administrative and Customer Support; Healthcare; and Human Resources.
Research for the Salary Guide was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm in June 2024. It includes online survey responses from more than 2,500 managers with hiring responsibilities at companies with 20 or more employees in the United States.
