‘Quiet crisis’ playing out across Australian workplaces right now

Right now, there is a “quiet crisis” unfolding across the country, it is impacting both workers and employers and could have major consequences if not addressed.

A “quiet crisis” is emerging across Australia as the world enters a new workforce era, with leaders warned that being unwilling to adapt could have serious consequences in the near future.

The way we work has transformed dramatically in recent years, with the Covid-19 pandemic forcing people to adapt to new ways of working.

Even though we are no longer in the thick of lockdowns and social distancing, the changes that occurred to workplaces during that period don’t look like they are going away any time soon.

For a lot of office-based employees, hybrid or remote work has become the norm and, despite a recent rise in company’s issuing return to office mandates, Aussie workers won’t give up their new-found flexibility easily.

A new report from payroll and HR company, Deel, explores how workers are responding to shifting workplace conditions, including AI disruption, cost of living pressures, how they are being paid and the benefits they are receiving.

The way Australians want to work is changing, causing a rift between employers and employees. Picture: iStock

More than 1000 full-time Australian office workers were surveyed as part of the 2025 Deel Australia Payday Expectations Report, revealing a widening gap between what employees want and what their employers are willing to give.

Shannon Karaka, Deel’s Country Leader for Australia, said one of the big things that was made clear in the report is that Aussie workers want more control, particularly when it comes to their pay.

“This report reveals a quiet crisis unfolding in workplaces, and the urgency for businesses to evolve – from modernising payroll to supporting financial resilience,” he said.

“Today’s employees expect the same level of customisation and speed from their workplace benefits as they do from their favourite apps.

“We’re seeing a growing demand for payroll to be a financial service, one that empowers employees with real-time access, flexibility, and greater control over their earnings.”

Of those surveyed, 38 per cent said they want to be paid sooner than they currently are, this rises to 50 per cent among those struggling financially and 55 per cent for households earning under $50,000 a year.

One in four people surveyed said they would take a pay cut for more flexibility. Picture: iStock

But it isn’t just when they are being paid that they want more say on, it is also how they are being paid.

Three in five said they would considered receiving part of their salary in non-traditional forms, such as stocks, shares or equity.

Gen Z were most likely to consider alternative forms of payment, along with being the most likely age group to consider receiving cryptocurrency as part of their salary.

The vast majority of those surveyed said they would want the option of customising their pay and benefits package, with 64 per cent saying they would trade paid leave benefits for a higher salary.

Despite this, it is clear work-life balance is also a high priority, with two thirds of respondents ranking either flexible working hours or remote work options among their most important benefits in a job.

One in four revealed they would also take lower pay in exchange for more flexibility.

A whopping 78 per cent said they were willing to give up perks like gym access, free meals or company events for more flexible working conditions.

Gen Z are also leading the charge in this area, with 90 per cent of respondents in this age group saying they would trade traditional benefits for more flexibility, compared to just 51 per cent of Baby Boomers.

The results make it clear there is a growing disconnect between what is being offered and what workers actually want.

Speaking to news.com.au, Mr Karaka that if this gap around compensation, benefits and flexibility continues to widen, we are going to see “serious consequences across Australian workplaces”.

He said companies that don’t adapt to these changes will be “left behind”.

“Retention will drop, engagement will suffer, and top talent – especially among younger generations – will walk away in favour of more progressive, flexible employers,” Mr Karaka said.

“The best thing employers can do right now is listen, and then act. The data is clear: employees want more flexibility, transparency, and control over how and when they’re paid.”

For those businesses that are willing to listen to employees and adapt accordingly, Mr Karaka suggested the first step is to modernise payroll systems.

This could look like offering features such a s real-time pay, customisable benefits and financial wellness tools.

However, he noted that none of these changes can happen without “rebuilding trust”, but ensuring there is always available to resolve issues and being transparent about how salaries and bonuses are calculated.

“This is about meeting employees where they are. Gen Z and Millennials, in particular, expect their workplace experience to match the speed and personalisation of the apps they use every day,” he said.

“Employers who embrace this shift won’t just keep up, they’ll lead.”

Originally published as ‘Quiet crisis’ playing out across Australian workplaces right now