At Talent Matters, we’ve been analysing our latest Salary Guide & Market Insights 2026 alongside broader market data, and one thing is clear:
The rules for attracting and securing talent have changed.
While salary still matters, it’s no longer the deciding factor. Employers who understand what’s really driving candidate decisions are the ones winning top talent in today’s market.
1. The market has stabilised, but it’s far from easy
After several years of rapid salary growth and candidate-driven conditions, the market has balanced out.
- Salary growth has levelled off across most functions
- Employers are becoming more selective and efficiency-focused
- Candidate volume has increased but quality and fit remain the challenge
What this means:
You may be seeing more applicants, but securing the right person still requires a clear and competitive approach.
2. Salary gets attention, but it’s not what closes candidates
One of the biggest misconceptions we’re seeing right now is that increasing salary alone will secure talent.
From our early insights:
- Candidates are typically seeking ~10% salary increases when moving roles
- However, salary alone is rarely the reason they accept or decline an offer
In fact, our data shows candidates are turning down roles (even well-paid ones) due to:
- Poor company culture or leadership reputation
- Lack of flexibility (WFH or working hours)
The takeaway:
Compensation gets you in the conversation but culture and flexibility close the deal.
3. Flexibility is no longer a perk, it’s the baseline
If flexibility is still positioned as a “benefit” in your organisation, you may already be behind.
- Hybrid working is now the dominant model across most industries
What’s changed is not just availability, it’s expectation.
Candidates now assume flexibility will be offered and it’s no longer a differentiator, it’s a minimum requirement.
4. Career growth has overtaken salary as a key driver
Another major shift: candidates are thinking longer-term.
According to our report insights:
- Career progression and role scope are now primary drivers of movement
- Lack of progression is one of the top reasons candidates leave roles
Employers winning talent are clearly communicating:
- What the role will grow into
- What success looks like
- How the candidate will develop over time
5. The biggest hiring risk right now? Misaligned expectations
One of the most common reasons hiring processes fall over in 2026:
Expectation gaps between employers and candidates
The result:
Processes stall, offers get declined and time-to-hire increases.
6. So, what are the employers doing differently who are winning talent?
The organisations securing top candidates right now are:
- Not competing on salary alone
- Clearly articulating their employee value proposition (EVP)
- Offering genuine flexibility (not just policy)
- Showcasing strong leadership and culture
- Moving quickly and decisively through the hiring process
Put simply:
If your EVP is built purely on salary, you’re competing on the most expensive lever.
The hiring market hasn’t slowed, it’s just become more nuanced.
Candidates are more informed, more selective and thinking more holistically about their next move.
Employers who adapt to this shift will secure the best talent.
Those who don’t… will keep losing them at the final stage.
Want the full Salary Guide & Market Insights 2026?
Our report includes:
- Detailed salary benchmarks across all major functions
- Deeper insights into candidate behaviour and expectations
- Practical recommendations to improve your hiring outcomes
Request your copy here or get in touch with our team for a confidential discussion.
You can also view our open roles here.