Today’s workforce isn’t just chasing paychecks.
They’re looking for purpose, flexibility, and personal growth—especially in the AI era.
The term beyond salary now defines what truly attracts and retains talent: total rewards, autonomy, well-being, and alignment with a company’s values.
Why Salary Alone Isn’t Enough
In a 2025 talent report by MaxHR, only 49% of professionals ranked salary as their top priority. Instead:
- 78% want flexible work options
- 69% value learning & upskilling
- 62% seek mental health support
- 56% care deeply about a company’s mission and DEI practices
This shift means organizations must compete with more than numbers—they must compete with meaning.
Real-World Insight
One MaxHR client, a tech firm in the Middle East, restructured their EVP (employee value proposition) to offer:
- A 4-day work week
- AI course stipends
- Personalized career tracks
- Equity and profit-sharing options
The result? A 45% boost in offer acceptance and a 27% drop in cost-per-hire—in under 3 months.
Winning in 2025
To truly compete beyond salary, companies must:
- Invest in wellness and mental health
- Offer location and schedule freedom
- Align business purpose with social impact
- Use platforms like MaxHR to tailor benefits and track engagement
Compensation opens the door. Experience makes them stay.