On 28 April 2026, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m, Católica-Lisbon SBE will host, in Auditorium 511, the event “Pay Transparency: in countdown”, focused on one of the most critical topics currently shaping the world of work. Promoted by Mercer, this initiative will bring together experts, business leaders and institutional representatives to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the European Pay Transparency Directive.
The new legislation introduces a set of clear requirements, such as the disclosure of salary ranges in job advertisements; the prohibition of requesting candidates’ salary history; employees’ access to information on average remuneration by category; and the strengthening of reporting and audit mechanisms in cases of unjustified pay disparities.
The objective is to ensure equal pay for work of equal value and to address persistent inequalities, particularly the gender pay gap. For many organisations, this implies a profound review of internal practices, from the definition of salary bands to promotion criteria and performance evaluation processes.
However, adapting to this new framework is not without challenges. A Mercer study conducted in 2024 revealed a still low level of preparedness among Portuguese companies, including a significant proportion of organisations that were unaware of the European Pay Transparency Directive. Despite growing awareness since then, relevant challenges remain, particularly regarding salary structures, data quality and cultural maturity to respond to transparency requirements.
It is in this context that events such as this take on particular relevance. More than a moment of reflection, it will be a space for sharing knowledge, experiences and best practices, allowing organisations to understand not only the “what” of the legislation, but above all the “how” of its implementation.
With the participation of entities such as the Authority for Working Conditions (ACT) and the Commission for Equality in Labour and Employment (CITE), as well as experts and HR leaders from major organisations, the event will provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective on pay transparency in Portugal.
As the deadline approaches, adaptation cannot be left to the last minute. Preparing today means ensuring not only legal compliance, but also more fair, transparent and sustainable organisations in the future. In this sense, Católica-Lisbon SBE | Executive Education has also developed the Pay Transparency Programme, aimed at supporting companies in leading organisational change processes related to pay transparency, ensuring alignment between culture, management practices and legal requirements.
Pay transparency thus stands not only as a regulatory requirement, but as a turning point in the way organisations structure, communicate and legitimise their compensation policies. Its implementation will require preparation, consistency and commitment, but it also represents an opportunity to strengthen internal trust, promote greater fairness and enhance companies’ attractiveness in the labour market. Católica-Lisbon SBE actively supports this transition process by promoting applied knowledge, experience sharing and practical tools that contribute to an informed and sustainable adoption of pay transparency.
Registrations for the event are now open on Mercer’s website.