Pay transparency is coming – What does it mean for the staffing industry?

Across the European Union, a new standard is taking shape: the Pay Transparency Directive. This directive aims to ensure more openness about wages, equal pay for equal work, and a fairer position for employees – including those in the flexible labor market.

Although the directive will not officially take effect until 2026, it is important for staffing agencies like Ebro Diensten to anticipate these changes now. Transparency about employment conditions is not just a legal requirement in the making – it is also a powerful way to build trust with both clients and temporary workers.

In this article, we explain what the directive entails, what impact it will have on the staffing sector, and how Ebro Diensten is already taking the lead in this area.

What does the Pay Transparency Directive entail?

The European Pay Transparency Directive was adopted in 2023 and must be transposed into national legislation by June 2026. The main goal is to reduce the gender pay gap and address inequality in the labor market.

Key points of the directive:

• Applicants must be informed about the salary or salary range before the first interview

• Employers are no longer allowed to ask about an applicant’s previous salary

• Employees have the right to request information about the average salary of colleagues in similar roles

• Companies with 100+ employees will be required to report annually on gender pay gaps

• Employers must take corrective action if unjustified differences are found

Impact on the staffing industry

The staffing sector is known for its dynamic nature, with high turnover and multiple applicable collective labor agreements. Because workers are often placed with different clients, ensuring transparency becomes even more complex. Still, the directive also applies to temporary work.

This means:

• Staffing agencies must clearly communicate starting salaries and the client’s collective agreement

• Job descriptions and pay structures must be accurate and comparable

• Internal pay disparities within the agency (e.g., between recruiters, planners, and consultants) will also be under scrutiny

For Ebro Diensten, this presents an opportunity to stand out as a fair and reliable partner.

Why this matters now

Although the directive will only take effect in 2026, more and more workers and clients are already expecting openness about wages. Transparency is becoming the norm.

In addition, many clients – especially in sectors like logistics, manufacturing, and food – depend on staffing partners with strong compliance practices. For them, working with a “pay-proof” agency is essential.

That’s why it’s wise to:

• Review and simplify pay systems

• Improve documentation of wage data

• Evaluate internal processes for fairness and objectivity

• Inform employees proactively about their rights

How Ebro Diensten leads in transparency

At Ebro Diensten, transparency is not a burden – it’s a mindset. This is reflected in:

• Clear communication about wages during registration and placement

• A user-friendly portal where workers can view payslips and collective agreement information

• Equal pay for men and women in comparable roles

• Regular checks to ensure compliance with collective agreements and pay scales

• Support for clients in applying the right pay policies

This means Ebro Diensten already complies with many aspects of the upcoming directive.

Opportunities for clients

For employers, pay transparency brings not only legal clarity but also tangible benefits:

• Enhanced employer branding

• A better reputation among partners and regulators

• Reduced legal risk

• More insight into pay costs and productivity

Ebro Diensten helps businesses get a clear picture of their pay structures and ensures everything is correct – from hiring to placement.

Transparency is becoming the norm – Act now

The Pay Transparency Directive demands change, but also presents new opportunities. For Ebro Diensten, this is the moment to stand out as a future-proof staffing partner.

By embracing transparency today, Ebro strengthens sustainable relationships – with both clients and flexible workers.

Want to learn how your organization can prepare for the new legislation? Ebro Diensten is happy to help.