Recruitment consultancy Allen Associates has released its latest Voices of Oxfordshire Pay & Benefits Report 2025, offering new insights into the priorities and frustrations shaping the local job market.
Based on feedback from over 200 professionals across Oxfordshire, the report reveals that pay dissatisfaction, flexibility, and wellbeing are key drivers of employee engagement and retention in 2025.
Nearly 30% of respondents rated their pay poorly, while just 12% expressed high satisfaction. This dissatisfaction, the report notes, remains one of the strongest motivators for changing jobs.
Meanwhile, hybrid and remote working continue to dominate employee expectations – 75% of respondents said they would consider leaving their current employer if hybrid working options were removed. Despite this, over a quarter (28%) are still required to work in the office full-time, even though just 7.6% prefer that arrangement.
The study also highlights a widening gap between benefits offered and employee expectations. While pensions (58%) remain the most common workplace benefit, jobseekers are increasingly prioritising flexible working arrangements, private healthcare, and meaningful bonus structures.
Training and professional development also emerge as critical issues, with one in four respondents reporting no access to training at all. Among those who do receive training, many describe it as inconsistent or irrelevant to their career progression.
Employee wellbeing remains under pressure, with 28% rating their wellbeing at work as poor. Respondents cited recognition, career development opportunities, and supportive management as the top three factors that could improve workplace morale.
The report also finds that values-driven employment is gaining importance — nearly 80% of jobseekers now view social responsibility and ethical business practices as key considerations when evaluating potential employers.
Kate Allen, Founder of Allen Associates, said:
“Candidates are telling us clearly what matters most: competitive pay, regular reviews, hybrid flexibility, meaningful benefits, and a positive culture. Employers that adapt quickly will not only strengthen retention but also stand out when competing for talent.
“The findings highlight the growing importance of balancing affordability with the employee experience if businesses are to build resilient teams in 2025 and beyond.”
The Voices of Oxfordshire report builds on Allen Associates’ long-running insights programme, which includes its Recruitment Market Overviews and Oxfordshire Pulse. Designed to help local employers benchmark their offerings against regional expectations, the findings provide a clear roadmap for businesses aiming to stay competitive in an evolving labour market.
Founded in 1998, Oxford-based Allen Associates is one of the region’s leading recruitment consultancies, specialising in HR, Marketing, Finance, and Administration. The firm has built its reputation on a people-first approach rooted in service excellence, integrity, and deep local expertise.
