Why are percentage pay rises the highest on record? 

Published on May 9, 2023

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, employers are looking for ways to attract and retain the best talent, and of course one way to do this is by offering salaries in the top percentile ranges

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, employers are looking for ways to attract and retain the best talent, and of course one way to do this is by offering salaries in the top percentile ranges. According to the latest data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the base pay rise percentage increase has reached a new high, indicating that employers are willing to pay more to attract and retain employees.

In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind this increase and why this is a positive sign for employees.

What is CIPD?

The CIPD is the professional body for HR and people development in the UK, and their records show that the base percentage pay rise has increased significantly in recent years. This rise is not limited to specific sectors or industries but is a widespread phenomenon across the board. The data shows that employers are increasingly willing to offer higher salaries to attract and retain the best talent.

One of the main reasons behind this increase in base pay is the positive state of the job market combined with the rise in cost of living expenses. With low unemployment rates and a high demand for skilled workers, employers are having to compete for the best employees. Offering higher salaries is just one way to attract and retain top talent. So employers are increasingly willing to offer higher salaries to attract and retain the best talent, which is good news for job seekers.

Another factor contributing to this rise is the increasing focus on pay transparency. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of pay disparities and a push for greater transparency in pay structures. Employers are now under pressure to ensure that their pay structures are fair and equitable, which may be driving the increase in base pay.

The rise in percentage pay increases is a positive sign for employees, who can expect to receive higher salaries. However, it is important to note that offering higher salaries alone is not enough to attract and retain the best talent. Employees also value other benefits and incentives such as flexible working, career development opportunities, and a positive work culture. Employers need to take a holistic approach to employee satisfaction and retention, rather than relying solely on salary increases per se, the effect of which has a limited shelf life.  In the words of Maslow, one of the most prominent theorists on motivation, salary merely makes the job fit to occupy and is not a motivator in itself. 

The CIPD is an advocate for fair and equitable pay practices, and the increase in base pay rise percentage is a reflection of their efforts in promoting this. As a professional body for HR and people development, the CIPD provides guidance and support to employers in developing fair and transparent pay structures. The CIPD's research and data analysis also provide valuable insights into pay trends and practices, helping employers make informed decisions about their pay strategies.

The CIPD's advocacy for fair and transparent pay practices has played a role in this increase and is a testament to their commitment to promoting good people management practices.

To learn about our professional CIPD training courses, contact us, Give us a call at +971 4 440 5190, or alternatively, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to stay Up to date.

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