New research reveals Australians remain unprepared for Payday Super, now mere months away

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 23 February 2026 – New research from Employment Hero, the global authority in employment, has found that 80 per cent of Australian employees and 58 per cent of Australian businesses are unaware of Payday Super. This is despite the landmark reform, which requires employers to pay superannuation on payday rather than quarterly, taking effect on 1 July 2026.

Inside the Future of Super: 2026 Report, which surveyed 500 Australian businesses and over 1,000 employees, paints a concerning picture of national readiness for what represents the most significant change to superannuation compliance since the introduction of compulsory super in 1992.

Businesses facing a preparation gap

The report found that 70 per cent of businesses are worried about their ability to stay on top of evolving requirements, and 36 per cent of employees have concerns about their employer’s ability to implement upcoming changes. Additionally, 84 per cent of businesses already report frustrations with their current super processes, with returned funds due to errors (63 per cent) and manual processing steps (60 per cent) cited as the biggest pain points. 

The financial implications are equally significant. According to Employment Hero’s own financial modelling, businesses will need an average of $124,000 in additional working capital to manage the shift from quarterly to per-pay-cycle contributions, with 40 per cent indicating they may need to access credit or financing to meet the new requirements.

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable. With the ATO’s Small Business Superannuation Clearing House closing on 1 July 2026, employers currently relying on manual or disconnected processes face a perfect storm of regulatory change and reduced support.

Employee engagement concerning

Currently, only 18 per cent of workers check their superannuation each pay cycle, and less than half (41 per cent) actively engaged with their super fund to some extent in the past year.

This disengagement has real consequences. The report modelled that over a 40-year career, the difference between an engaged and disengaged employee can amount to approximately $156,000 in retirement savings, driven not by income differences but by actions such as consolidating accounts, monitoring contributions, and keeping fees low.

The report also uncovered a significant gender disparity in superannuation confidence. Women are more than twice as likely as men to lack confidence in making super decisions. In contrast, only six per cent of women consider themselves knowledgeable about super compared to 15 per cent of men.

However, Payday Super may drive a positive shift in engagement. The research projects a 33 per cent increase in employees checking their super every payday once the reforms take effect, as more frequent, visible contributions prompt closer scrutiny.

A call for urgent action

Employment Hero General Manager, Superannuation and Benefits, Rob Dunn, says the new law is a significant win for Australian workers, but businesses need the right support to meet the tight deadline.

“Payday Super is one of the most positive reforms for working Australians in decades. More frequent contributions mean better visibility, fewer lost accounts, and ultimately, healthier retirement savings for millions of people,” Mr Dunn said.

“The challenge is that with just over four months to go, nearly six in 10 employers still don’t know about this change. It’s not a reflection of unwillingness – businesses need clearer guidance and smarter tools to get ready in time. The right payroll and payments solution will not only help businesses stay compliant, but also better position them to attract and retain talent in a market where employees increasingly expect visibility over their entitlements.”

For more information, visit employmenthero.com/inside-the-future-of-super