Mid-year performance reviews under pressure

Two in three professionals consider new job opportunities due to salary

Performance reviews are coming under increasing strain as salary becomes a decisive factor in career decisions. New research from Robert Walters shows that two in three professionals (66%) are either open to a new job or actively seeking new opportunities because of their current salary situation.

Performance reviews losing impact

Nearly one in five professionals (17%) feel less positive about their role after their performance review at the start of the year. Only 23% say the conversation made them more optimistic about their future within the organisation. This places growing pressure on employers to maintain trust and engagement in the second half of the year.

According to Andrew Powell, Chief Commercial Officer at Robert Walters, performance reviews are becoming increasingly important management moments, particularly as organisations today look to balance worker needs while continuing to manage budgets.

Employees want to know how their skills are valued, where they can progress and whether the business is investing in their long-term development.

Salary expectations remain high

Earlier this year, Robert Walters’ Salary Survey showed that 69% of professionals expect a salary increase in 2026. At the same time, 31% said they are unsure whether they will receive a raise or do not expect one at all.

“Most professionals understand the economic pressures businesses are operating under and recognise that significant salary increases may not always be realistic,” adds Andrew. “But it can be challenging for organisations to keep employees motivated when they aren’t having regular open conversations around progression, future earning potential and how compensation decisions are made.”

Pay becomes a key driver of mobility

These findings highlight that performance and salary discussions are having a greater impact than ever. Employees are increasingly using these moments to assess their long-term prospects within an organisation.

This is also reflected in a recent Robert Walters survey: as many as 66% of professionals are currently actively looking for a new job or open to new opportunities due to their current salary situation.

“We see that many organisations are taking a more strategic and thoughtful approach to compensation policy,” says Powell. “Market data plays an important role here. It helps employers understand their competitive position, potential bottlenecks in progression, and evolving salary expectations.”

Long-term value becomes more important

“As the world of work continues to evolve, professionals are placing greater emphasis on long-term career value and future opportunities. Organisations that understand how workforce expectations are shifting will be better positioned to build engagement, develop critical skills, and remain competitive over the longer term,” concludes Andrew.
 

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