Salary Survey 2025

Value-Driven Mindsets, Generalists, and Hybrid Models Shape the Labour Market

On 21 November 2024, recruitment consultancy Robert Walters published its annual Salary Survey, providing in-depth insights into the latest labour market trends and salary structures for 2025. Based on a survey of 516 companies and 766 professionals across Germany, the study highlights key developments:

• 64 % of companies favour generalists over specialists.
• 81 % of employees highly value company values when considering a job change.
• 75 % of businesses plan salary increases, albeit modest ones.
• 43 % of organisations have no measures in place to promote diversity.

Generalists in Demand – Flexibility as the Key in Uncertain Times

64 % of surveyed companies are placing greater emphasis on generalists, valued for their versatility and cost efficiency. This approach proves particularly helpful during periods of economic uncertainty. However, this trend often sidelines early-career professionals, as companies increasingly prioritise experienced talent to address short-term challenges.

Thomas Hartenfels, Senior Director South at Robert Walters, explains:
"The return to generalists is a pragmatic response to talent shortages and economic uncertainties. However, businesses must also invest in specialised professionals to ensure their long-term capacity for innovation."

Employees Prioritise Values, Upskilling, and Work-Life Balance

Employee expectations have evolved significantly. A substantial 81 % of professionals value alignment between company values and their own convictions, while 77 % seek targeted development opportunities, especially in future-oriented fields such as artificial intelligence.

Work-life balance remains a cornerstone of employee priorities. Many workers have restructured their lives post-pandemic and value hybrid working models that harmonise professional and personal commitments. Attempts by some businesses to enforce greater office presence face resistance, as employees who have relocated to rural areas or chosen roles specifically for remote working options may consider leaving should companies adopt a stricter in-office policy.

Cautious Salary Adjustments

Despite current challenges, 75 % of organisations plan to implement salary increases, albeit at a moderate scale. Additionally, 66 % of employers intend to provide bonuses in 2025. Salaries remain stable overall, unaffected by inflationary pressures.

Thomas Hoffmann, Senior Director North at Robert Walters, highlights:
"The largely stagnant salary landscape can be attributed to several factors. On the one hand, businesses are focusing on cost savings and stringent budget management to maintain profitability amid economic uncertainty. On the other, prolonged uncertainties – driven by geopolitical tensions and fluctuating economic forecasts – encourage cautious decision-making, particularly when it comes to long-term commitments like salary increases. This reflects a broader hesitance to take risks in a volatile market."

A growing trend is the utilisation of interim management. One in three companies surveyed has engaged interim managers in the past 12 months or plans to do so in the future.

Diversity and Inclusion: Bridging the Gap Between Ambition and Action

Diversity and inclusion remain central topics, especially regarding the promotion of women in leadership roles. Yet, 43 % of businesses still lack concrete plans to address these issues. Progress, however, is evident in some areas: many companies review job advertisements for unconscious bias (44 %), collaborate with specialised HR consultancies and recruitment agencies (19 %), or adapt their interview processes (18 %).

Thomas Hartenfels underscores the need for action:
"Diversity and inclusion require clear strategies and tangible measures. Job postings should be deliberately neutral in tone, interview processes standardised, and mentoring programmes for underrepresented groups established. Only through such initiatives can diversity be meaningfully embedded into corporate culture."

View study results and salary data now

If you are interested in the detailed study results and salary data, you can access our salary survey here.

For press enquiries, please contact Caroline Kuhlmann, Content & PR Specialist at Robert Walters.