91% of UK finance professionals say work-life balance is their top priority when considering a new role, while only 31% cite salary as their primary reason for seeking a new position 65% admit they would turn down a promotion and salary increase to maintain their overall personal wellbeing This comes as 51% of UK finance hiring managers report challenges in hiring, yet 47% of finance professionals in the UK are actively seeking new roles New data from the 2025 Talent Trends report by Michael Page, based on insights from nearly 7,000 global finance professionals and hiring managers, highlights the increasing demand for flexibility and wellbeing among finance candidates amidst a ‘wait-and-see workforce’. Finance professionals are carefully evaluating their next career move, with clear expectations from the workplace, while businesses approach hiring cautiously, taking the time to find the perfect candidate for their team. Wellbeing and flexibility top priorities, but trust is low In the UK, nearly two-thirds (65%) of finance professionals would turn down a promotion to safeguard their wellbeing, a sentiment shared by 51% of global counterparts. While 91% of UK professionals rank work-life balance as their top priority, 85% of global candidates agree, further emphasising the importance of wellbeing—particularly in the UK. However, 48% of UK finance employees report little trust in leadership to balance business needs with employee wellbeing. This mistrust is prompting over a quarter (27%) of UK finance workers to actively seek new roles, driven by dissatisfaction with leadership decisions. Hiring struggles persist in finance despite strong candidate demand With many businesses managing tighter hiring budgets, the pressure to avoid costly, misaligned hires has only increased. Despite strong candidate demand, over half (51%) of UK finance hiring managers face challenges finding the right talent, as they continue to seek candidates who perfectly align with their needs. On the candidate side, nearly half (47%) of UK finance professionals are actively job hunting, with 36% open to new opportunities. The report reveals the importance of clarity regarding company policies and values from the outset: with candidates knowing what they want from prospective employers, transparency from hiring managers not only attracts the best talent, but ensures better alignment and reduces the risk of hiring mismatches. Workplace purpose and culture top of candidates’ minds It’s not just wellbeing and work-life balance that are priorities for candidates; the report also reveals a growing demand for purpose in work. 35% of UK candidates and 30% of global candidates now consider purpose essential when evaluating a new role. Similarly, 38% of UK finance workers and 32% globally want a workplace that aligns with their values. However, while expectations have risen, internal cultures aren’t always keeping pace. Only 37% of UK finance professionals and 32% worldwide feel they can be their authentic selves at work, while just 24% of finance professionals globally describe their workplace as inclusive. Jessica Timelin, Senior Operating Director at Michael Page, says: ‘While salary and career progression have long been important factors for finance professionals when evaluating job opportunities, we're now seeing a shift where personal wellbeing and a sense of purpose are also becoming key drivers in career decisions. At a time when securing the right talent is more critical than ever, employers who can clearly articulate their policies and values in these areas are more likely to stand out in a competitive market.’ AI adoption accelerates, but support falls short It’s not just wellbeing and purpose that candidates want clarity on; they’re also seeking more transparency around technology in the workplace. AI adoption is growing globally and across the finance sector, but employees want clearer guidance and better support. 37% of global finance workers now use AI tools (up from 27% last year), with 79% using them weekly and 32% daily. The benefits are clear: 66% globally say AI helps them focus on more fulfilling tasks, 74% report increased productivity, and 71% see improved work quality. However, AI adoption is often driven by individuals, not employers. 33% of users say their company hasn’t provided the tools they use, and 58% of professionals feel their employer isn’t adequately preparing them to work with AI. The report highlights a key area for growth: as AI becomes more embedded in finance operations, businesses that invest in strategy, training, and support will be best positioned to attract, retain and empower their teams. Jessica Timelin concludes: ‘As AI usage continues to grow in the finance sector, it’s becoming a key area of opportunity for both individuals and businesses. To fully unlock its potential, however, companies should consider how they communicate their AI policies and support structures to their teams. Candidates want transparency not just on wellbeing and flexibility, but also on how technology such as AI is integrated into their work environment. In today’s competitive market, clear communication isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer for businesses looking to attract the right talent and stay ahead of the curve.’ To explore more insights from Michael Page's 2025 Talent Trends report, read more here. ENDS Methodology All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from an online survey conducted by PageGroup and UNLIMITED. Talent Trends 2025 is a 20-minute, quantitative online survey conducted by UNLIMITED on behalf of PageGroup between 4th November 2024 and 19th December 2024. A total of 49,396 global surveys were completed with candidates, of which 15,726 were also clients. This includes 38,202 through PageGroup’s database, and a further 11,194 via a research panel partner. For finance professionals specifically, there were 6,665 global surveys, with 2,062 clients and 4,603 candidates. Data has been weighted by country to the known proportion of each country based on PageGroup’s database. About PageGroup PageGroup is one of the world’s best-known and most respected recruitment consultancies. We put people into jobs and build careers. We are customer-led, people-powered and insight driven. With operations in 36 countries, PageGroup provides recruitment services and career opportunities at a local, regional, and global level. PageGroup operates four key brands: Page Executive, Michael Page, Page Personnel and Page Outsourcing, supported by additional brands across the business.
