Michael Page Highlights Shift Toward Flexible Compensation

As Mexico’s labor market approaches 2026, salary alone is no longer the defining factor for attracting and retaining talent. Michael Page’s Salary Guide 2026 reveals that employees are increasingly seeking holistic compensation models that integrate financial stability, flexibility, and purpose.

Following a year marked by economic uncertainty and moderate growth, companies in Mexico are rethinking their compensation strategies, explains Javier Torre, Director General Mexico and Central America, Michael Page. According to the company, organizations are being urged to move beyond fixed salary structures and adopt integrated models that balance pay, benefits, and workplace flexibility.

“Organizations that manage to design comprehensive compensation schemes, combining salary, differentiated benefits, and real flexibility, will be better positioned to attract and retain the best profiles in an increasingly competitive labor market,” says Torre.

The report indicates that while wages remain important, their role as the primary differentiator in recruitment and retention has diminished. Instead, professionals now place greater value on flexibility, well-being, and career development opportunities. Michael Page’s analysis shows that 35% of employees consider their compensation package attractive, yet 28% find their benefits unappealing, signaling a growing gap between corporate offerings and workforce expectations.

Employee sentiment reflects this shift. Around 37% of professionals remain in a “zone of conformity”, neither dissatisfied enough to leave nor engaged enough to contribute fully, a dynamic that raises concerns about productivity and retention. Meanwhile, four in 10 employees report only moderate satisfaction with their remuneration, suggesting limited enthusiasm for existing compensation structures.

In response, 30% of companies are introducing differentiated benefits as a way to strengthen their value proposition. However, these initiatives often fall short of employee expectations. Health coverage, savings programs, performance bonuses, and hybrid work arrangements rank among the most valued perks, while flexibility in choosing benefits is increasingly critical as 52% of professionals consider this factor decisive when accepting a job offer.

Michael Page’s salary tables are based on thousands of interviews conducted over the past year, incorporating data from national and international companies of various sizes. The results are presented by region and reflect gross monthly salary ranges that may vary depending on company size, demand, and experience level.