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.
Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon's newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.
Media Contact
mediainquiries@aon.com
Toll-free (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico): +1 833 751 8114
International: +1 312 381 3024
** 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
HANOI, Vietnam, Jan. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Travellive Media Group is pleased to announce the HOTLIST Travellive Editor's Pick 2025 (HOTLIST 2025), a curated project honouring outstanding brands, destinations, and individuals that have made significant contributions to the development of Vietnam's tourism industry over the past year.
HOTLIST is a expert-curated list reflecting the evolving values of the market at each stage of development. The selection process combines the expertise of a prestigious advisory council comprising both domestic and international experts, based on key criteria including quality, innovation, social impact, and sustainable growth potential.
Last year, HOTLIST 2024 made a strong impression on the tourism, hospitality, and service community by recognising more than 40 brands and 12 inspiring individuals across 28 categories spanning hospitality and resorts, destinations, technology, and experiential initiatives. The year also marked the first time HOTLIST expanded into a professional event series, featuring The Insiders Forum and the Honor Ceremony, attracting over 700 guests including senior business leaders and experts from various fields.
HOTLIST 2025: From Seed to Harvest
Entering 2025, HOTLIST is developed under the theme "From Seed to Harvest" inspired by rice, a symbol deeply rooted in Vietnam's wet-rice civilisation and cultural identity. From planting ideas and nurturing resources to harvesting sustainable achievements, this metaphor reflects the authentic development journey of projects, brands, and destinations within the tourism and hospitality industry.
At a time when the tourism sector faces multiple challenges such as climate change, shifting traveller behaviour, and global competition, the spirit of "From Seed to Harvest" underscores the importance of long-term vision, perseverance, and adaptability.
This year, HOTLIST 2025 introduces a public voting component in the final evaluation stage, enabling the community and industry professionals to participate directly in the selection process. Beyond fostering engagement, this initiative also provides an opportunity for audiences to share their firsthand experiences with the shortlisted brands and projects.
HOTLIST 2025 Honourees
HOTLIST 2025 expands its scope across key tourism sectors, featuring 07 main categories: Hospitality; Aviation; Travel Design & Experiences; Destination; Technology & Innovations; Sustainability and Community Projects & Voices. Each category aims to identify exemplary individuals and brands that play a guiding role in shaping the future of Vietnam's tourism and hospitality industry.
This year's list continues to acknowledge well-established brands such as Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An; Topas Ecolodge; Six Senses Ninh Van Bay; P'apiu Resort; Wink Hotels, among others. It also introduces international brands that have made a positive impact on the Vietnamese market, including voco Quang Binh Resort by IHG, Park Hyatt Phu Quoc, and Hyatt Place Halong Bay, Bai Chay. In the Aviation category, STARLUX AIRLINES was selected for its premium flight experience.
The expansion and diversification of award categories reflect HOTLIST's commitment to comprehensively capturing industry dynamics, while encouraging responsible development models that respect local identity and generate positive social impact.
As part of its mission to deliver practical value to the tourism industry, HOTLIST 2025 will host The Insiders Forum in Hanoi (7 January 2026, Sheraton Hanoi West) and Ho Chi Minh City (19 January 2026, JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon). The forums will gather business leaders, experts, and researchers to share insights and discuss key topics shaping tourism landscape.
On 19 January 2026, The Honor Ceremony will take place in Ho Chi Minh City to officially recognise and present certificates to the brands, projects, and individuals featured in HOTLIST 2025. The event will also serve as a B2B networking platform for industry stakeholders.
Through each edition, HOTLIST Travellive Editor's Pick has gradually become a highly anticipated annual reference point for the tourism community, built on credibility, sustainability-driven orientation, and a series of professional programmes. Through recognition activities, dialogue forums, and community connections, Travellive not only highlights market excellence but also actively contributes to promoting sustainable thinking and elevating standards within tourism industry.
This year, HOTLIST 2025 is supported by The Brand Promise (Co-organiser of The Insiders Forum), PR Newswire (Media Partner), and sponsoring brands including BMWines, Lady Triệu (drink experiences), and Cocoon, Jourdeness (gifts). HOTLIST 2025 continues to amplify meaningful stories, connect outstanding individuals and organisations, and share positive values with the wider public.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
HOTLIST 2025 "From Seed to Harvest": A Story of Resilience and Transformation
