In 2025, companies must offer perks, flexibility, and upskilling opportunities to attract top talent, says Robert Half's new Salary Guide
Robert Half has released its 2025 Salary Guide, offering key insights into hiring and compensation trends across Canada.
The guide highlights labour market dynamics, benefits, perks, and starting salaries for a wide range of professional roles.
“Salary continues to be the biggest priority for professionals, as cost of living remains top of mind,” stated David King, senior managing director, Robert Half, Canada and South America.
However, King noted that salaries alone are not enough to attract and retain talent in today's evolving labour market. He emphasized that businesses must also ensure efficient hiring processes, offer flexibility in the workplace, provide attractive perks and benefits, and invest in upskilling opportunities.
According to the salary guide, salary is a top concern for most professionals. Over 9 in 10 (92 percent) worry about inflation outpacing salary growth, while 51 percent report feeling underpaid.
One-third of professionals said they would look for a new job if their employer does not raise their salary. In addition, salary remains the top priority for 60 percent of workers when considering a new job. In response, 32 percent of hiring managers have increased starting salaries to attract new employees.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also influencing the hiring landscape in Canada. Firms across the country have prioritized AI, machine learning, and automation projects.
Managers report that AI has led to shifts in high-demand skills (51 percent), increased the use of contract workers and consultants (40 percent), driven hiring growth (32 percent), and resulted in more outsourcing of projects (29 percent).
Companies are focusing on upskilling, employee training, and innovation to adapt to these changes.
Workplace flexibility remains a key factor for many professionals. While 44 percent of Canadian workers prefer to spend two to three days per week in the office, employers would generally prefer their teams to be in the office for four days.
Despite this difference, employers understand that flexibility is crucial for attracting talent. Around 32 percent of job seekers cited a desire for more flexibility as their main reason for seeking new roles.
In response, 39 percent of managers have started offering hybrid roles, and 37 percent offer flexible schedules to attract skilled professionals.
Long hiring cycles are another significant challenge for employers. Companies that fail to streamline their hiring processes risk facing negative outcomes.
Managers reported that lengthy hiring cycles are leading to high turnover due to heavy workloads (44 percent), increased recruitment costs (42 percent), the loss of top candidates to competitors (40 percent), and delayed or cancelled projects (39 percent).
Succession planning is also a concern for many businesses. A lack of suitable candidates for leadership roles (42 percent), insufficient upskilling programs (39 percent), and internal candidates' lack of interest in leadership positions (35 percent) are some of the main challenges companies face.
To address these issues, many companies are focusing on upskilling employees, hiring, and training high-potential candidates, and employing contract talent.
