As rising petrol and grocery prices continue to put pressure on household budgets, new data reveals that a significant portion of the Australian workforce is falling behind on wages. According to the 2026 Workmonitor report by Randstad, the world’s leading talent company, 48% of Australians have not received a pay rise in the past 12 months.
Despite the financial squeeze, Australian talent are actively trying to improve their situations. The research shows that nearly half (49%) of workers have formally requested a pay increase this year. Furthermore, the desire for better work-life balance and non-financial remuneration is surging:
- 53% have requested more flexible working arrangements—an 8% jump from the previous year.
- 32% have asked for enhanced benefits, such as additional paid time off or flexible working hours.
With half the nation missing out on wage growth, Randstad Australia General Manager, Madeline Hill, warns that employers risk losing top talent if they ignore employee needs, and urges workers to be strategic when asking for a salary increase.
"In the current economic climate, Australians need to be proactive about their earning potential. However, simply asking for more money because the cost of living has gone up rarely works. You need to build a compelling business case," says Hill.
To help Australian workers successfully navigate salary negotiations, Hill offers her top five practical tips:
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1. do your market research:
Before you ask, know what you’re worth. Review recent industry salary guides and comparable job listings to benchmark your current market value. Data is your best friend in a negotiation.
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2. build a strong presentation:
Treat this like a pitch to a client. Document your tangible achievements, instances where you’ve gone above and beyond, and directly connect your work to the company's bottom line.
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3. prepare for the meeting:
Don't wing it. Practise your pitch with a friend or mentor. Anticipate potential pushback or questions from your boss and prepare calm, evidence-based responses.
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4. pick the right time:
Timing is everything. Book a dedicated meeting rather than catching your manager off guard. The best times to ask are after a significant win, the completion of a major project, or during formal performance review periods.
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5. always have a plan b:
If a base salary increase simply isn't viable for the business right now, be ready to pivot. Negotiate other valuable benefits that improve your lifestyle, such as extra annual leave, a compressed work week, or funding for professional development.
To explore the full findings of the 2026 Randstad Workmonitor report and discover more insights into the Australian world of work, visit randstad.com.au/workmonitor.
For more information, contact:
Mikaela Johnson, Head of Communications.
t: +61 (431) 459 227
e: mikaela.johnson@randstad.com.au