A new chapter begins
Building for the EU Pay Transparency Directive
Job architecture is your strategic foundation
The EU Pay Transparency Directive is driving a critical shift from policy to practical action on pay equity and transparency. This report explains how a clear and robust job architecture framework is an essential building block that helps organizations meet the Directive’s requirements effectively and build a more equitable, future-ready workforce.
Dive into the paper to discover:
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Milestones and obligationsOur report highlights the Directive’s key milestones and employer obligations, including the employee right to request information on pay starting in 2026 and mandatory gender pay gap reporting by job categories starting in 2027.
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The role of job architectureDiscover how job architecture provides the structural clarity needed to define equal work using gender-neutral criteria, supports transparency pay decisions, enables accurate reporting and reduces legal risk.
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Job evaluation methodsJob evaluation methods, ranging from light-touch to analytical approaches, play a strategic role in ensuring defensible pay equity assessments when aligned with the Directive.
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The importance of governance and reviewsOngoing governance, regular reviews, and cross-functional ownership are crucial in maintaining a fair and transparent pay framework over time.
The paper also includes:
- Practical guidance for integrating job architecture into everyday HR systems, workflows, and communications to embed transparency and trust.
- A roadmap for employers to prepare, embed, and sustain compliance from 2025 through 2027 and beyond.
A must-read for HR and reward professionals
Move beyond mere compliance, and use the EU Pay Transparency Directive as a catalyst to strengthen fairness, accountability and employee trust. By adopting a job architecture approach, you can:
- Build a consistent, gender-neutral framework for defining roles and pay.
- Improve data quality and readiness for audits and reporting.
- Enhance employee engagement and commitment through transparent pay practices.
- Align pay equity efforts with broader workforce and ESG strategies.
Take the next step toward pay transparency and equity
Act now — build a strong foundation for fairness and compliance today. Partner with Mercer to audit your current job architecture, develop a tailored roadmap and embed the structures needed to meet the EU Pay Transparency Directive with confidence.
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