Pay fairness: what Australian workers really think

Pay equity has become a major talking point recently. Many workers have voiced their concerns about fair pay for their efforts, yet despite all this talk, their concerns aren’t being heard.

The ADPR People at Work 2025: A Global Workforce View survey revealed that 25% of Australian workers feel their pay isn’t fair. This figure is higher than the Asia-Pacific (APAC) average of 22%, highlighting a growing discontent among Australian employees.

Mind the gender gap

A key finding is the gender gap in pay fairness. About 29% of women feel they’re underpaid compared to 20% of men. This is a clear signal that women still face significant challenges in achieving pay equality.

Work arrangements also affect perceptions of pay fairness. Among on-site workers, 27% feel underpaid — slightly above the APAC average of 25%. Meanwhile, only 19% of remote workers feel the same way, below the regional average of 23%. Hybrid workers fall in between, with 24% feeling adequately paid, while the APAC average for this category is just 18%.

But all this could change. As companies evolve hybrid and remote work models, and job roles and expectations shift, this may impact how workers view their pay in relation to their work.

Rising concerns

They say time heals many things but pay fairness doesn’t seem to be one of them. Looking at changes over the years, dissatisfaction in Australia rose from 24% in 2022 to 29% in 2023. Our report predicts it will hold steady at 25% in 2024. This data paints a concerning picture of workers' ongoing pay challenges.

Why pay fairness matters

Perceived pay unfairness can have far-reaching effects, not only on employee morale and satisfaction but also on productivity and retention rates. For Australian employers, having open and transparent conversations about pay structures could be vital steps in addressing these disparities.

Understanding the nuances of pay fairness, especially regarding gender and work arrangements, is essential for creating a more equitable workforce. As these conversations evolve,  it’s crucial for organisations to actively engage with employees to build a more just and satisfying work environment.

About ADPR People at Work 2025: A Global Workforce View

Since 2015, this annual report has gathered information about the labour market from the workers' perspective. It aims to improve the world of work by providing employers with a better understanding worker sentiment and expectations. 

Based on survey data from nearly 38,000 working adults in 34 markets across six continents, People at Work 2025 captures the voices of workers from various industries and educational backgrounds, in both on-site and remote settings.

Download your copy today to get insights into how workers feel and think, empowering you to tackle challenges and seize opportunities, now and in the future.