Speaking to HR magazine, Roberts said the popular theory that money isn't the "be all and end all" is changing.
She said as a result of the tough financial times people have suffered in the past five years, workers are looking at the value of their pay packet much more than softer areas.
Last year saw the hugely successful launch of Engage for Success - a voluntary movement that showed engagement can improve the bottom line.
It stated that being engaged with an employer, having a voice and developing leaders was key to attracting and retaining workers.
Roberts said these are still "vitally important", but it's pay that is the leading factor for employees, a trend she says has been changing over the past 18 months.
"If you want to pull in the best talent you have to have the right money on the table," Roberts told HR.
"When you're down the pub with your mates chatting about jobs the first thing people want to know is how much does it pay."
Roberts said she has noticed the trend happening "across the board" in a lot of different sectors.
Roberts was speaking to HR magazine as she was helping launch a new recruitment drive for Volkswagen UK. The company is looking to fill 20 senior job vacancies across the country, and is looking for talent outside of the industry.
