Press Release
May 13th, 2025
Buchrest
ABSL Study: Pay Transparency – A Priority for the Outsourcing Industry
The outsourcing industry is actively preparing for the implementation of the EU Directive on pay transparency and equal remuneration for men and women for the same work, according to the latest HR Barometer study conducted by the Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL) in collaboration with PwC Romania.
According to the report, approximately one-third of companies in the industry have begun developing detailed action plans aligned with the Directive’s requirements. However, these plans are not yet finalized.
Three out of ten companies in the business services sector have conducted pay gap analyses and have active plans to reduce these disparities. This effort, more pronounced compared to the market average, indicates a strong commitment to promoting pay equity in line with European trends and current legislative requirements.
Over 75% of companies in the sector report a pay gap of less than 5%, reflecting a positive trend in reducing wage inequality. One in ten organizations already has clearly defined and implemented processes in accordance with the Pay Transparency Directive.
Four in ten respondents believe that while processes are outlined, they need improvements to ensure full compliance with European legislation. This perception indicates a moderate level of preparedness and highlights the need for operational and procedural adjustments.
“The Pay Transparency Directive, a sensitive topic that can easily drift into emotional interpretations, merely reinforces and generalizes trends and best practices regarding internal equity and communication. Employees’ and candidates’ right to be informed about how they are paid reiterates the importance of setting objective pay criteria based on job characteristics or individual competence and performance levels, thereby reducing discretionary elements. When applied correctly and rationally, these principles support employee motivation and the development of strong organizational cultures, though they require significant alignment, documentation, and communication efforts within each organization,” stated Oana Munteanu, Director, People & Organisation, PwC Romania.
Regarding the fiscal changes at the beginning of the year related to the removal of income tax exemptions for certain categories of employees, about three-quarters of business services companies kept gross salaries unchanged. Meanwhile, 28% introduced new benefits with more favorable tax treatment, and a similar percentage increased the variable component of salaries. Additionally, 22% explored eligibility for other tax facilities (such as those for R&D activities), and another 22% invested in training and professional development programs.
“Our industry is adapting to new economic realities, both locally and globally. Salary levels and related taxes are key factors in developing new services and attracting investors. To remain competitive in the European and global markets and to attract investment, we primarily need stability and a coherent national economic growth strategy,” said Catalin Iorgulescu, ABSL Vice President.
Overall, base salaries rose by 3.2% in March 2025 compared to September 2024. The outsourcing sector recorded the lowest salary increase, only 0.85%. This reflects a slower evolution following a period of sustained above-market-average salary growth over the past three years.
The business services industry employs over 200,000 people and ranks among the top 5 industries in terms of GDP contribution.
The study was conducted by ABSL together with PwC Romania between March and April 2025 on a sample of 53 companies in the outsourcing industry.