Organizations remain focused on compliance rather than embracing transparency as a strategic priority
DUBLIN, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, shared findings from its 2025 Global Pay Transparency Study, which found that despite growing regulatory pressure and evolving employee expectations, only 19 percent of organizations surveyed globally consider themselves ready for pay transparency. The study captures insights from more than 1,400 organizations and more than 40 countries.
In North America, the percentage of organizations that say they are "not ready" has improved to just 16 percent (down from 18 percent in Aon's 2024 North America Pay Transparency Readiness Study). However, the study highlights regional disparities in preparedness with a significantly greater portion of organizations responding they are "not ready" in APAC (48 percent), LATAM (40 percent) and EMEA (26 percent).
"Pay transparency is no longer a buzzword. It's a baseline expectation from employees and a regulatory imperative across an increasing number of jurisdictions," said Lisa Stevens, chief administrative officer at Aon. "Yet our data shows a concerning lack of progress. Organizations that fail to act face risks not only in compliance, but in their ability to attract, retain and engage talent."
Compliance Over Culture
Aon's study reveals that most companies are responding to regulations on a reactive, location-specific basis. Sixty percent apply pay transparency requirements selectively by geography — primarily where legally required — rather than adopting a unified, values-based strategy.
"Regulatory compliance" is cited as the top motivator for transparency efforts, outpacing considerations such as improving the employee value proposition or aligning with corporate values by 40 percent.
While pay transparency regulation is widely seen as a lever for advancing pay equity, only 26 percent of respondents have conducted a pay equity analysis in the past 12-18 months, suggesting that most organizations continue to prioritize compliance over deeper equity-focused action.
The communications gap is also significant. Only seven percent of organizations feel strongly that employees fully understand pay policies, and just nine percent have a high level of confidence that managers are trained to discuss compensation effectively, highlighting a major barrier to transparency. Meanwhile, although 69 percent of organizations publish salary bands during recruitment, only 21 percent do so for all job postings, further reflecting a cautious, compliance-driven approach.
"Employees are navigating economic uncertainty and growing concerns about fairness," said Kelly Voss, head of rewards and career advisory for North America at Aon. "Clear, consistent communication and manager training are critical to transparency efforts. Without them, even well-intentioned strategies can fall short."
Signs of Momentum
Despite current gaps, the report highlights pockets of momentum. Seventy-one percent of organizations say their pay transparency readiness has improved over the past year.
With the EU Pay Transparency Directive set to take effect in 2026 and additional regulations emerging globally, Aon advises employers to evolve from tactical compliance to strategic action.
"Pay transparency is here to stay," said Voss. "Organizations that treat it as a business imperative, not just a legal hurdle, will be better positioned to build engaged, resilient workforces."
The full report is available here.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.
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** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Majority of Global Employers Remain Unprepared for Pay Transparency Laws, Aon Finds
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All top five domestic destinations experienced positive growth in accommodation searches compared to previous year
SINGAPORE, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysian travelers are increasingly eyeing domestic destinations for December travel, reveals digital travel platform Agoda. The insight is based on accommodation searches made on the platform between September and November for stays during the holiday month 2025. The five most popular domestic destinations all recorded a higher number of searches compared to previous year, highlighting a growing interest for local trips during the year-end holiday period 2025.
Kuala Lumpur tops the list of domestic searches. Penang came in second, followed by Malacca, Kota Kinabalu, and Johor Bahru. All domestic destinations noted a double-digit increase in accommodation searches, with Kuala Lumpur noting the highest year-on-year increase with 18% more interest, indicating the strong appeal of trips close to home.
For Malaysian travelers looking abroad, Hat Yai, Bangkok, and Tokyo hold the top three ranks as most searched destinations, followed by Singapore and Phuket. The highest year-on-year increase in accommodation searches was noted by Krabi, Thailand (35%). South Korea's capital Seoul followed closely, with 33%.
Fabian Teja, Country Director Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda said, "The increasing enthusiasm among Malaysians for domestic travel is great to witness, considering the variety of incredible destinations right here at home. At the same time, the rising interest in destinations like Seoul and Krabi highlights the dynamic and diverse interest among Malaysian travelers. Whether they are planning a cozy getaway closer to home or getting ready for an exciting adventure abroad, Agoda is committed to offering great value deals to Malaysian travelers."
With over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers flexible options and deals to help travelers discover destinations that suit their plans and preferences. Discover the best deals on Agoda's mobile app and visit Agoda.com to plan the perfect year-end trips.
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All top five domestic destinations experienced positive growth in accommodation searches compared to previous year
SINGAPORE, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysian travelers are increasingly eyeing domestic destinations for December travel, reveals digital travel platform Agoda. The insight is based on accommodation searches made on the platform between September and November for stays during the holiday month 2025. The five most popular domestic destinations all recorded a higher number of searches compared to previous year, highlighting a growing interest for local trips during the year-end holiday period 2025.
Kuala Lumpur tops the list of domestic searches. Penang came in second, followed by Malacca, Kota Kinabalu, and Johor Bahru. All domestic destinations noted a double-digit increase in accommodation searches, with Kuala Lumpur noting the highest year-on-year increase with 18% more interest, indicating the strong appeal of trips close to home.
For Malaysian travelers looking abroad, Hat Yai, Bangkok, and Tokyo hold the top three ranks as most searched destinations, followed by Singapore and Phuket. The highest year-on-year increase in accommodation searches was noted by Krabi, Thailand (35%). South Korea's capital Seoul followed closely, with 33%.
Fabian Teja, Country Director Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda said, "The increasing enthusiasm among Malaysians for domestic travel is great to witness, considering the variety of incredible destinations right here at home. At the same time, the rising interest in destinations like Seoul and Krabi highlights the dynamic and diverse interest among Malaysian travelers. Whether they are planning a cozy getaway closer to home or getting ready for an exciting adventure abroad, Agoda is committed to offering great value deals to Malaysian travelers."
With over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers flexible options and deals to help travelers discover destinations that suit their plans and preferences. Discover the best deals on Agoda's mobile app and visit Agoda.com to plan the perfect year-end trips.
-- ENDS –
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Reveals Growing Interest for Year-End Domestic Travel with Kuala Lumpur at the Forefront in 2025
