61% of employees willing to trade salary for better benefits

The 2025 edition of the Robert Walters salary guide reveals that 39% of surveyed professionals are absolutely unwilling to sacrifice salary when moving to a new employer, even in exchange for other fringe benefits such as flexible working hours, a better work-life balance or a more challenging job. This highlights the importance of financial security in the Swiss market.  

However, this also means that as many as 61% of respondents are indeed willing to accept a lower salary, provided it is matched by benefits that increase both their professional and personal satisfaction. This group of people shows that flexibility, work-life balance and personal values increasingly play a decisive role when changing jobs.   

Flexibility and work-life balance as top priority  

61% of professionals surveyed by Robert Walters said they were willing to sacrifice salary for fringe benefits that increase their professional and personal satisfaction. For 24%, flexibility or a better work-life balance is the most important factor. Hybrid working or flexible working hours play a crucial role. The survey shows that 78% of Swiss organizations do not plan to scale back homeworking days, while 7% are even willing to allow more homeworking by 2025.  Christian Atkinson, country director at Robert Walters Switzerland, explains the results.

 Flexibility is no longer a luxury, but a requirement. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for wellbeing and motivation.

Commuting time and challenging job remain key 

Besides flexibility, 12% of respondents are willing to accept a lower salary in exchange for shorter commuting time. The desire to minimize commuting time is not new, but the focus on this factor is stronger than ever. With increased traffic, many professionals prefer a job closer to home, even if the salary is less attractive.  

In addition, 11% say that more challenging job content can convince them to give up part of their salary. “This emphasizes that employees want to develop and experience their work as meaningful. This makes job content itself a crucial factor in making career decisions,” says Christian.  

Values and culture determine workplace evaluation  

Almost 10% of respondents are willing to sacrifice salary for an employer that better aligns with their personal values. This shows that culture and ethics are becoming increasingly important. This group looks beyond a good salary and wants to work for an organization that shares their values and contributes to social causes.  

Christian: “This group of professionals seeks a workplace where diversity, inclusion, sustainability and social responsibility are key, and prefer an inspiring leadership culture and well-cooperating teams.”

What does this mean for employers?  

“The results show that the job market is increasingly focused on the big picture. Professionals want more than just a salary - they want workplaces that offer them flexibility, where they can develop, and where the company culture motivates them,” Christian explains. “Instead of sticking to the traditional idea that a higher salary is always the key to attracting the best candidates, employers should focus on delivering a balanced offer. This requires flexible working models, a strong company culture, and a focus on personal values.” 

Why salary remains important  

For the 39% of professionals unwilling to accept lower pay, financial security is a key priority. In times of economic uncertainty or rising costs of living, salary plays a decisive role in the sense of stability and security that professionals expect from their work.  

However, the fact that 61% of respondents are willing to exchange their salary for other benefits confirms that the workplace of the future is not just about financial reward. Employers who understand this shift in needs can gain a competitive advantage in the tight job market. 

About the survey 

For this research, recruitment firm Robert Walters surveyed professionals and employers across various sectors in Switzerland, with the aim of understanding what drives employees when making career choices in today's labour market. The results offer valuable insights for employers looking to respond to changing talent expectations.    

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