U.S. executives willing to boost pay for in-office work: Robert Half survey
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Majority of managers are willing to increase starting salaries to entice new hires into the office, according to Robert Half’s survey.
The 2025 Salary Guide reveals that 66% of managers are open to raising starting pay for jobs that could otherwise be performed remotely.
The study includes online survey responses in June 2024 from more than 2,500 managers with hiring responsibilities in finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, and human resources in the United States.
The price of in-person work
The survey found that 59% of managers willing to increase salaries would offer up to a 20% pay bump for employees to work in the office four to five days per week. This trend highlights the ongoing debate between remote work flexibility and the perceived benefits of in-office collaboration.
According to the report, meeting salary expectations remains a significant challenge, with 48% of managers expressing concerns over this issue. Companies are increasingly enhancing benefits, emphasizing well-being, and promoting work-life balance as ways to make job offers more appealing.
“There’s less churn in today’s market, which means employers are increasingly focused on strategies to keep their best employees and attract new candidates to address skills gaps,” said Dawn Fay, operational president at Robert Half.
“While salary remains a critical factor for today’s professionals, flexible work arrangements, career development and other perks are also top of mind.”
AI’s impact and retirement concerns
The research also revealed that advancements in artificial intelligence are reshaping required skill sets, according to 54% of hiring managers. In response, 37% are bringing in contract talent to support AI-related projects.
Retirements are another top concern for managers. To address this issue:
- 45% are investing in training and upskilling their current workforce
- 41% are rehiring retirees as part-time consultants
“Companies are reassessing their staffing needs and compensation strategies as the employment landscape evolves,” Fay noted, suggesting that job seekers should weigh all aspects of job offers, including the potential for in-office work, which can provide opportunities for in-person training and professional development.
