As the HR profession steps into 2026, the landscape looks markedly different from just a year ago. Economic shifts, technological acceleration, and the most significant wave of employment law reform in decades have placed HR teams at the forefront of organisational decision‑making. Against this backdrop, we’re proud to release our latest HR Salary & Benefits Guide 2025/26 – a comprehensive benchmark covering salaries, benefits, market trends and the changing expectations of HR professionals across the UK.

Based on survey responses from HR practitioners nationwide, the guide reveals how the profession is adapting, where investment is being made, and what HR teams need most as they navigate a defining period of change.

Key Highlights from This Year’s Guide

1. HR pay movement stabilises—but remains positive

Over two‑thirds (67%) of HR professionals received a salary increase in the last 12 months, although growth appears to be softening compared to the previous year. This shift reflects the balancing act employers face: recognising HR’s contribution while navigating ongoing economic restraint.

At the same time, hybrid working remains the dominant model (58%), reinforcing that flexibility is now an embedded expectation rather than a differentiator.

2. EAPs & flexible working lead the benefits landscape

Employee Assistance Programmes are now offered by 71% of employers—up significantly from last year—making them the most widely provided benefit across organisations. This rise strongly suggests an increasing recognition of the emotional and psychological pressures facing today’s workforce.

Closely following is hybrid/flexible working, climbing from 59% to 66%. For HR professionals managing complex operational and strategic responsibilities, flexibility continues to be a critical pillar for retention and wellbeing.

Other widely offered benefits this year include:

• Enhanced company sick pay: 53%
• Health/life insurance: 48%
• Salary sacrifice schemes: 50%

3. Salary sacrifice emerges as the top new benefit

Among organisations introducing new benefits this year, 17% added salary sacrifice schemes, making this the most common new addition. With employers continuing to seek cost‑effective yet meaningful support options, this trend is likely to grow.

Interestingly, 44% of organisations introduced no new benefits—a notable sign of steady or cautious benefit strategies amid economic pressure.

4. HR professionals prioritise personal financial reward in 2026

When asked what they want from their benefits package, HR professionals placed the highest value on direct personal financial recognition, with:

• 37% choosing personal performance bonuses as their top desired benefit
• Enhanced pension contributions (27%) and health/life insurance (25%) also ranking highly

This reflects the current climate: financial reassurance and long-term stability matter more than ever.

Lifestyle and wellbeing preferences also remain important, with strong interest in:

• Enhanced holidays (20%)
• Career breaks/sabbaticals (18%)
• Car allowances (17%)

As HR roles become more demanding—especially with legislative change and rising ER workloads—professionals are seeking benefits that genuinely support balance, growth, and financial resilience.

5. Movement is coming: Nearly half plan to change roles in 2026

While only 25% of HR professionals moved jobs last year, 49% now plan to look for a new role in 2026. This suggests a potential shift in market activity, driven by slower pay growth, evolving career priorities, and a desire for progression.

Coupled with broadly positive organisational outlooks (59% reporting a positive or very positive view of the year ahead), HR is gearing up for a dynamic year of change and opportunity.

Ready to dive deeper? Claim your free copy today

Our full HR Salary & Benefits Guide 2025/26 provides detailed salary benchmarking across job levels, regions and sectors – plus comprehensive insights into benefits trends, organisational outlook, recruitment movement and the impact of upcoming employment law reform.

Whether you’re shaping your HR strategy, planning workforce budgets, or benchmarking your own career progression, this guide is an invaluable resource for the year ahead.

Download your free copy of the HR Salary & Benefits Guide 2025/26 now
Click here to claim your copy and stay ahead of the curve.