Macdonald & Company

For many professionals in real estate, the question isn’t whether they’d ever consider a non‑permanent role; it’s what would actually make it worthwhile. We’re seeing interim, contract and fractional roles play very different roles depending on context. For some, it’s the chance to work on a genuinely interesting or high impact project. For others, flexibility (in time, location or commitment) is the biggest draw. And of course, compensation and broader market conditions still matter, particularly in periods of uncertainty. What’s interesting is that there’s no single driver. The decision is often shaped by career stage, personal priorities and how people want to create impact, rather than a simple permanent vs. non‑permanent mindset. What would influence you most right now?

One of the biggest misconceptions in senior hiring is assuming strong leaders are always “open.” In reality, many are settled, engaged and deeply committed, precisely because they’re effective. That makes them harder to reach, not less valuable. Read the full insight to look beyond the visible market and discover how senior leadership hiring actually happens in real estate. Link in comments. #SeniorLeadership #RealEstate #RealEstateRecruitment #BeConnected

Most people think negotiation starts and ends with base salary. It doesn’t. Too many women accept what’s offered, often because they don’t know what else is on the table. Flexibility, job title, reviews, holidays, progression. All negotiable. That’s where an experienced recruiter matters. They can show you what you can negotiate on, and how to do it with confidence. Watch Macroscope Episode 4: 'Is Real Estate Stalling Progress on Gender Diversity?' Link in the comments.

One stat from a recent episode of Macdonald & Company’s Macroscope really stayed with me. Real estate still has a 16% gender pay gap — and the gap doesn’t start at entry level. It widens later in careers. I recently had the opportunity to be part of this conversation, exploring what’s actually driving that. What stood out most wasn’t just the data. It was where the drop-off happens. Early careers are relatively balanced. But as people move into mid-level and leadership roles, things start to shift. And it’s rarely one single factor. It’s: - career breaks - confidence dips - lack of flexibility - how performance is recognised - how progression is structured All of these things compound over time. And from a hiring perspective, it creates a very real risk. Because the sector isn’t losing entry-level talent. It’s losing experienced, high-value talent mid-career. The kind of people who should be stepping into leadership roles. Which raises a bigger question. Not just: “How do we attract more diverse talent?” But: “How do we retain and progress the talent already in the industry?” It’s a complex issue. But conversations like this feel like an important step in the right direction. If you’re interested, the link to the full episode is in the comments. #LivingSector #RealEstate #Leadership #Diversity #Hiring

Why does the real estate industry continue to lose women at the exact moments their expertise matters most? From the middle-career divergence to the pressures of motherhood and the impact of menopause, these dynamics go far beyond questions of gender politics and speak directly to the industry’s ability to maintain a healthy talent pipeline and protect its long term capability. In this months' issue of Under the Macroscope, we break down the data, the hidden costs and the steps needed to create a work model that actually works for women and for the health of the industry. #realestate #motherhoodpenalty #menopause #AI

Real estate is still losing too many talented women mid‑career, and the consequences for the sector are significant. In our latest episode of Macroscope, Vianney Dinnall-Sadler and Hafsah Zubbair break down their data-backed theories on why the industry continues to face a 16% gender pay gap and what employers can do to change the trajectory. From the 'Pink Flamingo Effect' after career breaks to the hidden cost of stricter office mandates for primary caregivers, the episode examines the pressures that cause progression to stall at the exact moment experience should accelerate. We also look at the data behind bonus gaps, childcare affordability, negotiation confidence and the early adoption of AI, and explore how these factors shape long term leadership pipelines. If you want a clear, practical view of what continues to hold women back in real estate and what employers can do to address it, watch the full episode. Link in the comments section. #realestate #genderpaygap #womeninproperty #EDI #InternationalWomensMonth #womeninleadership

Our latest research shows that women feel undervalued because of culture and values (23%), limited growth pathways (22%), and salary concerns (19%). But numbers only scratch the surface. Behind every data point is a lived experience, moments where potential wasn’t recognised, opportunities weren’t offered, or environments didn’t feel inclusive. We'd love to hear from people across the sector: what do you see or experience as the biggest hidden barrier that doesn’t always make it into the stats? #SalaryReport2026 #RealEstate #WomenInRealEstate #BeConnected

Our latest Salary Guides by Profession offer a clear, data driven view of compensation trends across the global real estate industry. Drawing on insights from our annual Salary, Rewards & Sentiments survey, the guides provide detailed benchmarks for roles spanning Asset Management, Development, Acquisitions, Valuation, Fund & Portfolio Management, Capital Markets, Quantity Surveying, Property Management, Project Management, and others. Coverage extends across the UK, US, Asia‑Pacific and Germany, highlighting notable regional divergences in pay and workforce sentiment. In addition to salary and bonus analysis, the reports examine the forces shaping the modern workplace - from return‑to‑office mandates to the growing influence of AI - and the implications for both employers and professionals. A practical resource for anyone seeking clarity in a rapidly evolving market. Get your guide. Link in the comments below.