Over half of young people believe transparency leads to equal pay, compared to only one in three people over 50. For employers, this signals a generational demand for openness and suggests that pay transparency could become a competitive advantage.
Gender, Culture, and Barriers
Men and women have similar beliefs in achieving equal pay through transparency, but their reasons for remaining silent differ.
Forty-three percent of women report cultural barriers, compared to 33% of men. Additionally, 22% of women feel uncertain about what constitutes fair pay, versus 16% of men.
When a Colleague Earns More
If employees learn that a colleague earns more for the same role, they would:
- 63% would raise the issue with their manager
- 23% would contact their union
- 23% would consider changing jobs
- 9% would approach HR
“It’s a clear signal: salary is no longer taboo. Managers must be able to explain differences on an objective basis, or they risk losing employee trust,” says Mette Nørlem, HR expert at Paychex Europe.
Transparency Requires the Right Tools
The survey shows that 48% of Danes are more likely to apply to companies with transparent pay structures. Among young people, this figure rises to 61%.
This shift requires systems that document pay policies, support compliance with the EU’s upcoming directive, and provide data-driven insights into payroll and HR.
Paychex Europe supports this need with solutions such as Emply, LessorLøn and LessorWorkforce. These tools help companies establish transparent, well-documented processes, giving both management and employees access to data and clear explanations.
Pay Transparency as a Talent Magnet
In a highly competitive talent market, transparency serves as a strategic tool. Companies that establish openness early will be better positioned to recruit and retain employees.
“Salary is not just about money – it’s about trust, fairness, and modern leadership. Companies that can explain and document their pay practices will attract and retain the most talented employees,” concludes Mette Nørlem.
About the Survey
Conducted by YouGov from August 1–4, 2025, among 1,019 Danes aged 18+. The results are representative.
About Paychex Europe
Paychex Europe (formerly Lessor Group) has delivered integrated payroll, HR, and workforce management solutions in Denmark and Germany for more than 50 years.
5 Quick Facts About Pay Transparency
- 44% of Danes never talk about their salary
- 77% of young people aged 18–29 share their salary with colleagues
- 38% believe openness can create equal pay – 41% do not
- 63% would raise pay differences with their immediate manager
- 48% are more likely to apply for a job at a company with transparent pay structures – among young people, as many as 61%
Source: YouGov for Paychex Europe, August 2025
