Aon Surveyed Global Pay Transparency Trends
Most companies are actively building salary transparency systems as new regional laws take effect globally.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Employment
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A 2026 survey of 1,000 businesses found that while 82 percent of companies are currently building pay transparency systems, only 11 percent have fully implemented them. The report highlights a growing shift driven by employee demands and new regulatory requirements in the United States and the European Union.
Why it matters
Rising demand from employees for clear remuneration data, paired with expanding legal mandates, is forcing organizations to formalize pay decision logic and governance. Companies are struggling to balance these transparency needs while ensuring their compensation structures remain competitive and equitable.
A survey of 1,000 firms shows 82 percent are developing transparency systems, while only 11 percent have finished deployment. Progress varies significantly, with 13 percent still in initial stages and one-third of companies having yet to conduct a remediation analysis.
The players
Aon
Aon is a leading global professional services firm that provides a broad range of risk, retirement, and health solutions.
The details
Companies are building these programs by integrating pay decision logic, tested response processes, and manager capability. Governance frameworks are being established to manage pay decisions at scale as organizations navigate a landscape where 18 U.S. states and many EU businesses are moving toward mandatory clarity.
Timeline
Aon conducted the Pay Transparency Pulse Survey throughout 2026.
Macro View
This move toward internal pay standardization follows the operational patterns set by the European Union Pay Transparency Directive. The data reflects a broader transition where global labor markets are mirroring the regulatory shift toward mandatory compensation disclosure.
Employees may notice more standardized salary communications and clearer information regarding how their pay is determined. For job seekers, this trend points to a future where compensation packages are more consistent and readily disclosed during the hiring process.
The takeaway
Transparency is becoming a standard operational requirement rather than a voluntary corporate benefit. Organizations that fail to codify their pay structures risk both legal non-compliance and talent attrition as expectations for salary clarity continue to rise.
Further reading
Find more analysis on workforce trends in the Employment section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inc..
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Do you believe companies should be legally required to fully disclose how they determine employee pay?
