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The monthly payday – a workplace fixture for more than a century – may be on its way out, as nearly half of UK employees call for greater flexibility over how they access their wages.
Research from payroll technology provider IRIS Software Group found that 46 per cent of employees would prefer to scrap monthly pay in favour of Earned Wage Access (EWA), also known as on-demand pay. The system allows staff to withdraw part of their earnings whenever they need it, rather than waiting until the end of the month.
Two-thirds (66 per cent) of workers said they would access their pay more than once a month if given the option. One in five would draw wages weekly, while smaller numbers preferred fortnightly or even daily access. Almost half (48 per cent) said an employer offering EWA would be more attractive than one that did not.
The findings suggest that in an era of rising costs and financial insecurity, the predictability of the monthly cycle is less appealing than the flexibility of real-time pay. Over half of respondents (52 per cent) said being able to access wages on demand would help them manage the cost of living, while 51 per cent felt it would give them greater control of their finances.
When asked how they would use EWA, employees cited covering unexpected bills (43 per cent), managing everyday expenses (40 per cent) and reducing reliance on debt such as overdrafts and credit cards (29%).
Balancing flexibility with control
While demand for pay flexibility is clear, some employees voiced caution. One in five (21 per cent) worried that accessing wages early could leave them feeling less in control of their money, potentially leading to overspending or making it harder to budget around monthly bills.
To address these concerns, IRIS has partnered with Level Financial Technology to build safeguards into its new On-Demand Pay feature. The solution includes proactive usage monitoring and complies with the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals’ Code of Practice.
Stephanie Coward, Managing Director for HCM at IRIS, said the shift represents the next step in modernising payroll.
“For over a century, many Brits have lived by the rhythm of the monthly payday,” Coward said. “It’s so ingrained that few of us ever question it. But technology is revolutionising every aspect of how we manage money – from instant payments to real-time banking. The workplace is the final frontier. This isn’t just about paying people differently; it’s about giving workers the financial flexibility that matches the reality of modern life.”
The research also explored responsibility for financial outcomes. While most employees said money management should rest with the individual, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) felt employers bore some responsibility if staff ran into difficulties after using EWA.
With one in six UK workers already paid through IRIS software, the company argues that demand for flexibility will grow rapidly. Coward added:
“Whether you’re an SME competing for talent or an enterprise managing thousands of employees, the ability to offer flexible pay access is becoming essential.”
A challenge to tradition
Monthly pay has long been the standard for UK workers, with roots in early 20th-century payroll systems. But as employers compete for talent in a high-cost economy, pressure is building to rethink pay cycles.
The IRIS findings suggest the issue is not just about convenience but about financial wellbeing. For employees, access to wages on demand could mean avoiding short-term debt. Whilst for employers fulfilling such a demand could result in challenging consequences.
