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Date Published: 19/01/2026
Half of Andalusian workers unhappy with pay but benefits soften the blow
Flexible working and social perks help ease salary dissatisfaction in a region facing rising costs
Half of Andalusian professionals say they are dissatisfied with their salaries, making it the third-highest region in Spain for pay discontent. 50.26% of workers in Andalucía report being unhappy with their compensation, behind only Madrid (59.72%) and Catalonia (56.77%).This concern comes against a backdrop of rising living costs and persistent inflation, a situation highlighted in previous analyses showing Spain’s wages remain below the EU average and that salary growth is stagnating while expenses rise. The perception of pay in Andalucía is clearly a growing issue for professionals navigating an increasingly challenging economic landscape.
However, the report shows that workplace well-being measures can make a real difference. Around 25.66% of Andalusian employees who are dissatisfied with their salary say that social benefits, flexible compensation, and work-life balance initiatives improve their experience at work. Similar patterns appear in Madrid and Catalonia, where roughly 29% of dissatisfied professionals see these measures positively. Even in regions with lower wage pressures, employee benefits remain a key factor in overall satisfaction.
“Employee well-being is now an essential element for improving the talent experience. Flexible compensation solutions and social benefits not only increase purchasing power, but also provide a real sense of support and guidance,” explains Olga Zografou, People & CSR Director at Edenred Spain.
The study also finds that larger regions with major urban centres tend to have higher levels of pay dissatisfaction. After Andalucía, Castile and León (46.55%) and Galicia (45.28%) report significant discontent, while the Valencian Community (39.13%) and the Basque Country (42.31%) have more positive perceptions of salaries.
The key takeaway is that salary is no longer the sole driver of job satisfaction. In Andalucía, non-financial benefits and flexible working are emerging as essential tools for keeping talent motivated and engaged, reflecting the evolving priorities of the workforce in today’s economic climate.
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