With the festive season well and truly over, talk of resolutions and new beginnings are in the air. As we head into 2026, current client feedback highlights that employers are feeling the pressure of rising tax rates, higher employer costs and tighter staffing budgets.
At the same time as such pressures, the business support professionals we work with (such as Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants, Office Managers, Team Assistants and Administrators) are expecting more from their next moves in the lead up to the new year and beyond – due to factors such as increased cost of living and inflation.
Salary expectations continue creeping up, but for many companies, increasing pay just isn’t realistic. That’s where the hiring challenge really begins.
At Joyce Guiness, our team of experienced consultants are seeing a clear trend, employers who are thinking creatively about their overall offerings are winning the best people to join their team.
Flexibility is still the hot work trend topic and just as important as salary; hybrid models, adjusted hours and remote options often make the deciding difference. Non-financial benefits are also playing a bigger role.
Offerings like development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives, extra holiday and a genuinely supportive culture can really elevate a role, without putting extra strain on budgets.
We’re also finding that strong employer brand matters now more than ever. Candidates want to feel connected to a company’s values, leadership and long-term vision. When budgets are tight, how a business presents itself, i.e. its culture and reputation, can provide a huge competitive advantage, or disadvantage!
For employers planning to hire in 2026, being strategic and realistic will be crucial – this is where Joyce Guiness can help. We guide businesses on market expectations, shaping roles to attract the right candidates and ensure you’re not overspending to secure great talent.
