What Workers Really Want: How Customisation, Flexibility, and Transparency are Shaping the Future of Work

Australian businesses are entering a new era of change as we transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift in workplace habits during the crisis has sparked a deeper transformation in employee expectations – and now, a quiet crisis is unfolding.

Workers are demanding more flexibility, financial transparency, and greater control over how and when they are paid. This post-pandemic landscape is not just evolving, it’s exposing a growing gap between what employees need to thrive and how businesses are responding.

Shannon Karaka, Deel’s Country Leader for Australia, explains, “This report reveals a quiet crisis unfolding in workplaces, and the urgency for businesses to evolve – from modernising payroll to supporting financial resilience.

“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. Employers who adapt to these expectations won’t just retain top talent – they’ll build more engaged, productive, and financially secure teams.”

Payroll stress: rising concerns over AI accuracy

As the cost of living rises and automation becomes more commonplace, payroll remains one of the most sensitive areas in the workplace. Despite rapid adoption of AI tools, many employees remain deeply sceptical about handing over control of their pay to machines.

In fact, 64% of workers (an estimated 3.6 million Australians) are worried about AI managing their payroll data, including one-quarter (27%) of employees who are very concerned about AI taking control of payroll. Gen Z workers in particular are the most anxious about this shift, with 68% expressing concern.

Despite the growing role of AI, the majority of workers (63%) still prefer speaking to a human when dealing with pay-related issues. For more complex payroll calculations (like overtime, bonuses, and tax deductions), 28% would prefer AI to work alongside human verification, while 25% insist on human oversight alone.

Most common pay issues:

• Delayed payments: 20%
• Underpayment: 9%
• Incorrect deductions: 8%

Surprisingly, men (37%) are more likely to experience pay issues compared to women (30%). Younger generations, especially Gen Z and Millennials (39%), also report higher rates of pay discrepancies compared to older employees (20%).

What workers want: more flexibility and compensation control

The study reveals a clear shift towards flexibility in how Australians expect to be compensated. Customisation is becoming a must-have perk, with employees seeking the ability to tailor their pay packages to their specific needs.

Salary payment frequency preferences:

• Fortnightly or twice a month: 49%
• Monthly: 37%
• Weekly: 14%

Flexibility in work arrangements is the top priority for most Australians. Two-thirds of full-time office workers (60%) rank flexible working hours or remote work among their most important job benefits. Alongside flexibility, insurance-related benefits (54%), such as health and life insurance, are also highly valued.

Interestingly, almost half of all respondents (45%) feel they’re paying for benefits they never use. This presents a huge opportunity for companies to redesign benefit packages to offer more customisation.

Top 5 most important workplace benefits:

1. Flexibility (i.e. remote work options, flexible working hours)
2. Insurance (i.e. health insurance, life insurance, etc.)
3. Paid time off
4. Life insurance
5. Health insurance

An astounding 93% of workers would like to customise their pay package. Flexibility is a key factor, with 78% willing to trade one or more office perks (like gym memberships or free meals) for more flexibility in their roles.

A new era of alternative compensation

Australians are also looking to new, alternative forms of salary payments. 61% of employees are open to receiving part of their salary in forms other than traditional currency. The most popular options? Stocks, shares, and equity (32%), followed by cryptocurrency (30%).

This flexibility in salary forms is especially popular among younger workers, with Gen Z and Millennials (68%) leading the way in considering non-traditional payment methods.

Cost of living pressures and financial services

With the rising costs of living, many employees are turning to financial services to help manage their cash flow. Nearly two-thirds (66%) of Australian workers say they’ve prioritised immediate financial needs in the past 12 months.

Over half of full-time office employees (52%) have used financial services like buy now pay later, credit card advances, or short-term payday loans while waiting for their pay. In fact, 9% of respondents have already used earned wage access, which allows employees to access wages they’ve already earned before payday.

The rising financial strain has also led to a significant increase in the number of side hustles. 56% of workers have taken on, are currently taking on, or plan to take on extra work to supplement their income.

A call for financial literacy and transparency

The data also highlights a concerning lack of financial literacy. Only 53% of workers habitually check their payslips, with a significant number unaware of key details like tax deductions or superannuation.

Interestingly, younger workers (Gen Z and Millennials) are less likely to check their payslips habitually (52%) compared to older generations (69%). This highlights a need for employers to step up their efforts in providing more transparency around pay and deductions.

The majority (64%) of employees believe their employers could do more to help them understand their pay packages, which includes a clearer breakdown of taxes, superannuation, and deductions.

Looking ahead: a future of work that's transparent, flexible, and customised

As Australian workers push for a more flexible, transparent, and customisable workplace experience, businesses must be ready to adapt. The demands for faster pay, tailored salary packages, and more support around personal finance management are clear, and companies that evolve to meet these needs will not only improve employee satisfaction but also boost retention, performance, and overall trust.

The key takeaway from the 2025 Deel Australia Payday Expectations Report is that the future of work is not just about technology or remote work, it’s about creating an experience that mirrors the rest of our lives: fast, on-demand, and tailored to individual needs.