Comp and Coffee

We have an announcement...

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:42:00 -0000

Recorded live from WorldatWork Total Rewards 2026 in San Antonio, this special episode of Comp and Coffee gives you an inside look at the launch of Payscale Intelligence Cloud.

Host Ruth Thomas is joined by Chief People Officer Lexi Clarke to share what they are hearing on the ground, including a key insight that 54% of practitioners are struggling with disconnected tools, systems, and processes, and what that means for the future of compensation.

They explore how compensation is evolving from a behind the scenes function into a strategic, always on business lever. You will hear how Payscale Intelligence Cloud is built to support that shift with a unified experience across stakeholders, richer data including skills and demand insights, solutions that scale with your maturity journey, and contextual intelligence to help you make better pay decisions in real time.

The conversation also covers the growing importance of pay transparency, the expanding role of HR teams in compensation, and why stronger alignment with finance is becoming essential to driving business impact.

If you are navigating complexity, data overload, or the pressure to make faster and more defensible pay decisions, this episode is for you.

Grab a coffee and tune in.

Pay equity isn't dead

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:03:00 -0000

The gender pay gap has widened.

New data from the 2026 Gender Pay Gap Report shows the uncontrolled gender pay gap increased from $0.83 to $0.82, meaning women earn 18% less than men on average. That difference translates to $14,300 per year in lost earnings, and over $1 million across a career.

At the same time, organizations are navigating a new era of pay transparency legislation, tighter compensation budgets, and growing scrutiny around fairness in pay practices.

So what does pay equity actually look like in 2026?

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, Ruth Thomas is joined by Vicky Peakman, Founder of Fair Pay Partners, and Lulu Seikaly, Senior Corporate Attorney, to unpack what the latest gender pay gap data really means and why transparency and equity are now inseparable.

Together they explore why the uncontrolled gap still persists, where inequities show up most clearly across careers and industries, and how organizations can move beyond compliance to build compensation strategies that are both equitable and sustainable.

This conversation looks at the legal landscape, the operational realities inside organizations, and the strategic choices leaders must make if they want pay transparency to strengthen trust rather than expose gaps.

Episode resources:

2026 Gender Pay Gap Report: https://www.payscale.com/featured-content/gender-pay-gap
HR’s 2026 Guide to Pay Equity: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/hr-2026-guide-to-pay-equity
Email: coffee@payscale.com for listener questions and suggestions

The hidden cost of peanut butter pay

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 23:00:00 -0000

When budgets shrink, performance pay is put to the test.

The 2026 Compensation Best Practices Report tells a clear story: budgets are tighter, bonuses are shrinking, and organizations are reaching for simpler pay strategies to get through the year.

Today we're exploring what happens when compensation decisions prioritize administrative ease over strategic intent — and what leaders can do about it.

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, Ruth Thomas is joined by Founder of Payformance Partners Marc Mullis and People Operations leader at Leapfrog, Brittany Vogel to explore how organizations can maintain performance differentiation, employee trust, and retention in an era of tiny budgets.

This conversation goes beyond theory. It examines how leaders are creatively rethinking frequency versus size of rewards, leveraging non-base pay tools, strengthening communication, and avoiding the long-term consequences of oversimplified pay strategies.

Episode Resources:

2026 Compensation Best Practices Report: https://www.payscale.com/featured-content/cbpr

Your insights matter and shape the future of work. Participate in the 2027 Compensation Best Practices Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cbprsignup

Email: coffee@payscale.com for listener questions and suggestions

When pay research speaks: What HR and compensation leaders need to know now

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:37:00 -0000

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, Ruth Thomas sits down with Stacey Harris, Chief Research Officer at Sapient Insights Group, and Amy Stewart, Payscale’s Manager of Content & Research, to unpack how HR and compensation leaders can turn data into strategic, defensible decisions.

We explore the latest research on HR systems, compensation trends, and the growing role of AI in pay and talent management. Stacey shares insights from the 28th annual HR Systems Survey, highlighting the tension HR leaders face between driving growth and managing costs, navigating workforce shifts, and understanding mid-market versus enterprise trends. Amy provides a sneak peek at Payscale’s 2026 Compensation Best Practices Report, including pay increase trends, “peanut butter” pay practices, and strategies for retaining top talent while controlling costs.

Key takeaways include:

Data-driven decision making: Use multiple validated data sources to interpret trends and avoid overreacting to headlines.
Strategic compensation: Confidence in pay offers and total rewards is critical, especially in uncertain markets.
Technology & AI: AI is transforming compensation strategy, enabling smarter market pricing and strategic insights—but trust and validated data remain essential.
HR as a business partner: Compensation isn’t just an HR function; it’s a strategic lever that should inform enterprise-level decisions and connect to business outcomes.

Whether you’re evaluating HR tech, managing tight budgets, or planning for AI integration, this episode provides practical guidance for leaders who want to leverage research to make smarter, more strategic decisions in 2026.

Episode resources:

Sapient Insights Group HR Systems Survey Report: https://bit.ly/4rB1zos
Payscale 2026 Salary Increase Preview Report: https://bit.ly/3NWIQ8a
Payscale Salary Budget Survey: https://bit.ly/4qYwlaD
Payscale Pay Trends and Market Pricing Research: https://bit.ly/4kj5hk4
Email: coffee@payscale.com for listener questions and suggestions

The business impact of confident pay

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:27:00 -0000

Pay decisions do not live in isolation. They shape hiring speed, retention, employee trust, and ultimately business performance.

According to Payscale’s 2026 Compensation Best Practices Report, 63% of organizations believe their compensation policies drive positive business outcomes. That confidence shows up in measurable ways, including lower voluntary turnover, faster time to fill, and stronger employee sentiment.

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, Ruth Thomas brings together leaders from across Payscale’s people, research, and total rewards teams to unpack what “pay confidence” really means, how organizations are building it in a constrained market, and why compensation is increasingly being treated as core business infrastructure rather than an HR function of last resort.

This conversation moves beyond theory to explore how confident pay decisions are made today, how they are being tested by flat increases, AI, and misinformation, and how leaders can connect pay strategy directly to outcomes executives care about.

Speakers:

Ruth Thomas – Chief Compensation Strategist, Payscale

Amy Stewart – Manager, Research and Insights, Payscale

Brittni Beers-Branco – VP of People, Payscale

Lauren Hein – Head of Total Rewards, Payscale

Episode Resources:

2026 Compensation Best Practices Report: https://www.payscale.com/featured-content/cbpr?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=cnt_awr_2026-cbpr-podcast_wv_fls&utm_content=2026-cbpr-podcast_rpt_pst

Your insights matter and shape the future of work. Participate in the 2027 Compensation Best Practices Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cbprsignup

Email: coffee@payscale.com for listener questions and suggestions

What's in and out for HR and compensation in 2026: Predictions, opportunities, and challenges

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:19:00 -0000

HR and compensation leaders are facing a new set of challenges and opportunities in 2026. From new pay transparency laws to AI-driven decision-making, the landscape is shifting fast. This episode unpacks what is in and what is out for the year ahead and explores the trends that will define the future of work.

Email: coffee@payscale.com for listener questions and suggestions.
Payscale End-of-Year report and HR Predictions: https://www.payscale.com/featured-content/end-of-year-top-jobs-report?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=cnt_awr_eoyreport_wv&utm_content=eoyreport_pst
Compensation translator: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/your-compensation-translator?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=cnt_awr_comptranslator-asset_wv&utm_content=compensation-translator-asset
2026 Pay increase report – https://www.payscale.com/featured-content/2026-salary-increases-preview?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=cnt_awr_payincreasereport_wv&utm_content=payincreasereport_pst

Lost in translation: How HR, finance, legal, and leadership can finally speak the same language about pay

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 01:19:00 -0000

Everyone agrees that pay matters. What they do not agree on is what it means.
HR talks about fairness and equity.
Finance talks about cost and ROI.
Legal talks about compliance and defensibility.
Leaders talk about performance and business outcomes.

These perspectives are all correct, yet they often conflict. When they collide, compensation decisions lose clarity, employees feel confused, and managers deliver mixed messages—leaving HR as the translator.

In this episode, Ruth Thomas is joined by Hannah Beaver, Director of Compensation at Trilogy Health Services, and Kim O’Grady, Compensation Supervisor at Designer Brands. Together, they break down how organizations can turn pay into a shared language that builds trust, alignment, and credibility from the C-suite to the front line.

Episode resources:

Email: coffee@payscale.com for listener questions and suggestions.
Compensation translator: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/your-compensation-translator?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=cnt_awr_comptranslator-asset_wv&utm_content=compensation-translator-asset

Pay transparency again? What you actually need to know for 2026

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:49:00 -0000

Another conversation about pay transparency? We know what you are thinking, haven’t we already covered this?

But the truth is, 2025 changed everything. From a wave of new state laws in the U.S. to Canada and the EU rewriting the playbook, pay transparency has moved from policy talk to daily reality. With 2026 around the corner, the stakes are only getting higher.

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas sits down with Vicky Peakman, Director at Fair Pay Partners, and Lulu Seikaly, Senior Corporate Attorney at Payscale, to unpack the year’s biggest developments and what is coming next.

Episode resources:

2025 – 2026 Salary budget survey - https://www.payscale.com/featured-content/salary-budget-survey-sbs?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=cnt_awr_payforperformance-blog_wv&utm_content=payforperformance-blog_sia

Your voice deserves to be heard! Participate in this year’s compensation best practices survey - https://www.research.net/r/CBPR26Coffee

Email: coffee@payscale.com for listener questions and suggestions.

AI overload? What HR Tech 2025 got right (and wrong)

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:54:00 -0000

At HR Tech 2025, AI stole the spotlight, but not everyone was convinced. Amid the hype and bold claims, HR and compensation professionals were asking tougher questions: What’s actually working? What’s just marketing? And how can AI really make their jobs easier?

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas sits down with Peh Keong Teh, Chief Product Officer at Payscale, Olivia Sedler, Product Manager at Payscale, and Mark Feffer, contributing analyst at 3Sixty Insights and editor of WorkforceAI.News and HCM Technology Report. Together, they cut through the noise from HR Tech, unpack what vendors got right and wrong, and discuss where AI can and cannot move the needle for HR and comp leaders today.

Episode Resources:

Pay trends report - https://www.payscale.com/featured-content/pay-trends-report
How AI is reshaping your workforce - https://www.payscale.com/compensation-trends/how-ai-is-reshaping-your-workforce
AI 101 - https://www.payscale.com/compensation-trends/ai-101-the-hr-and-compensation-starter-p[…]gn=brd_ai-blog-engagement_wv&utm_content=data_blg_ai-101_pst
AI Webinar - https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/how-ai-is-reshaping-pay-decisions-on-d[…]ement_wv&utm_content=data_wbn-o_how-ai-is-reshaping-comp_pst
Email: coffee@payscale.com for listener questions and suggestions

The most important pay conversations you're not having

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:02:00 -0000

In a year of tight budgets and increasing expectations of pay transparency, pay conversations are more critical than ever. Skipping, delaying, or diluting these conversations can erode trust and leave employees disengaged. In this episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas is joined by Payscale leaders to explore the “compensation telephone game,” share how HR trains managers to deliver clear messages, and discuss strategies for keeping the right talent engaged in a volatile environment.

Guests:

Lexi Clarke – Chief People Officer, Payscale

Lauren Hein – Head of Total Rewards, Payscale

Lauren Cole – Senior Director, Services & Customer Education

Resources:

2025 – 2026 Salary budget survey - https://www.payscale.com/featured-content/salary-budget-survey-sbs?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=cnt_awr_payforperformance-blog_wv&utm_content=payforperformance-blog_sia

Your voice deserves to be heard! Participate in this year’s compensation best practices survey - https://www.research.net/r/CBPR26Coffee

Your pay communications playbook - https://www.payscale.com/compensation-trends/your-pay-communications-playbook-building-trust-through-compensation-transparency?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=cnt_awr_payforperformance-blog_wv&utm_content=payforperformance-blog_sia

Email: coffee@payscale.com for listener questions and suggestions

Pay transparency in practice: Making pay a universal language

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 18:29:00 -0000

Pay transparency laws are forcing the conversation—but alignment is what makes it stick.

When it comes to pay transparency, HR, Legal, and leadership often speak in different “dialects.” HR frames it around equity and structure, Legal around compliance and risk, and leadership around outcomes and cost. The challenge? These perspectives rarely align into a shared understanding that employees can trust.

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, we’re bringing together three leading voices to explore how organizations can move beyond compliance and turn transparency into a universal language of trust and alignment:

Ruth Thomas – Chief Compensation Strategist and pay equity thought leader and advisor, helping organizations build consistent, bias-free pay practices.

Lulu Seikaly – Corporate attorney guiding employers through the legal realities of pay transparency laws.

Elaina Van Kirk, PHR – Principal Consultant at Exude Human Capital, advising organizations on compensation, performance, and inclusive culture strategies.

Together, they’ll uncover how HR, Finance, and Legal can stop speaking past each other—and start building a pay narrative that employees not only understand but believe.

Salary budgets are shifting — here’s how to stay ahead

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 18:59:00 -0000

Salary budgets are tightening — but strategy doesn’t have to.

Payscale’s 10th Annual Salary Budget Survey reveals that planned pay increases for 2026 are dipping slightly from 2025, with economic uncertainty replacing competition for talent as the top driver of budget changes. But even in a cooling pay environment, HR and comp pros have a window to realign strategy before Q4 — if they have the right data in hand.

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas sits down with Amy Stewart, Payscale’s Principal of Research & Insights, and Kathryn Gombos, HR & Total Rewards Leader and Founder of Gombos Group. Together, they unpack the latest salary budget trends, explore what’s behind the shifts, and share how organizations can use these insights to plan smarter, communicate with confidence, and navigate survey season without burning out.

2025–2026 Payscale Salary Budget Survey - https://www.payscale.com/featured-content/salary-budget-survey-sbs

Email: coffee@payscale.com for listener questions and suggestions

Fair pay means nothing if no one believes it

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Fair pay means nothing if no one believes it. That’s the wake-up call from Payscale’s latest Fair Pay Impact Report. Despite rising wages, transparency laws, and improved market conditions, employees don’t believe they’re being paid fairly—and it’s costing businesses their best people.

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas is joined by Lexi Clarke and Kate Peter—three women in the C-suite who are putting fair pay back at the top of the agenda. They unpack what the data tells us, what it feels like as leaders, and what needs to happen next.

Episode Resources:

Fair Pay Impact Report - https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/fair-pay-impact
Email coffee@payscale.com for listener questions and suggestions

Connect with us

Email: coffee@payscale.com
Website: https://www.payscale.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/payscale
X: https://twitter.com/payscale
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/payscale

Chapters

(00:00) Commitment to Fair Pay and Leadership Introductions

(02:52) The Importance of Staying Loud About Pay Equity

(05:06) Challenges and Realities of Fair Pay Perception

(13:14) Economic Pressure and Trends Impacting Compensation Trust

(17:06) Defining and Practicing Real Transparency

(24:02) Personal Experiences Shaping Pay Advocacy

(31:01) Rebuilding Trust Through Honest Conversation

Turning pay into a business driver: A CHRO + CFO conversation

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:58:00 -0000

When the CFO asks why… will you panic or present your case with confidence?

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, we go behind the scenes with Lexi Clarke and Philip Watson to uncover how HR and Finance can stop speaking past each other—and start building stronger pay strategies together. Whether you're preparing for budget season or defending comp decisions in the boardroom, this episode gives you the language, data, and mindset you need to show that compensation isn’t just a line item—it’s a lever for business success.

The pay crystal ball: predicting the future with Pearl Meyer + Payscale

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:36:00 -0000

Compensation isn’t just an HR function—it’s a core business strategy. In this episode of Comp and Coffee, we look into the pay crystal ball with Rebecca Toman of Pearl Meyer, Ruth Thomas, Chief Compensation Strategist at Payscale, and Sara Hillenmeyer, Payscale’s Director of Data Science. Together, they explore how trusted data, AI, and a forward-thinking approach to comp strategy can help organizations not just keep up—but lead. If you care about performance, retention, equity, or executive pay, this episode is your blueprint for aligning comp strategy with long-term business success.

Closing the Confidence Gap: Pay Strategy Challenges in 2025

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0000

What happens when your pay strategy sparks more questions than confidence—and your best people start walking? In this episode, we bring in the experts to tackle the hard truths behind tough pay conversations and how to rebuild trust before it’s too late.

Episode resources:

https://www.payscale.com/featured-content/cbpr
Email coffee@payscale.com for listener questions and suggestions

Compensation History: A Walk Through the Past and Future of Pay

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 13:10:00 -0000

Compensation has come a long way—from handwritten ledgers and dusty binders to AI-powered insights and real-time salary data. But what does the past teach us about where we’re headed? Join us for a nostalgia-packed, future-forward journey through the history of comp, featuring expert reflections from WorldatWork, and predictions from the people shaping the next era of pay.

113: Gender Pay Gap Report: Facts revealed

Thu, 01 May 2025 11:43:22 -0000

What's the state of the gender pay gap in 2025?

In this episode Ruth Thomas discusses Payscale's 2025 Gender Pay Gap Report with Amy Stewart, Payscale's principal content strategist and author of the report.

Together, they explore the controlled and uncontrolled pay gaps, the impact of pay transparency, and the various systemic factors contributing to the gender pay gap.

Gain insights into why pay disparities persist and what organizations can do to address these inequalities.

Key Highlights

Discussion on the difference between controlled and uncontrolled pay gaps and their current figures.
Examination of how pay transparency legislation is affecting gender pay gaps across different states in the U.S.
Insights into the systemic issues and historical context driving the gender pay gap, including the role of motherhood.
Analysis of specific data showing pay disparities for women of color and in various industries.
Recommendations for organizations on measures to close the gender pay gap.

Quotes

"Pay transparency legislation is showing promise in closing pay gaps, though the impact is gradual." – Amy Stewart
"The gender pay gap remains at 83 cents on the dollar for women, highlighting persistent barriers in the workforce." – Ruth Thomas

Resources

2025 Gender Pay Gap Report: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/gender-pay-gap/

112: Give your salary data strategy a glow up

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 17:21:16 -0000

With the median company now using three salary data sources—and four or more for larger organizations—it’s clear that more data is the norm. But more doesn’t always mean better. Are you truly getting the most out of your investment in compensation data? Or just adding complexity without clarity?

In this episode, we break down what an effective compensation benchmarking strategy really looks like—and how to use multiple data sources strategically, not just simultaneously.

Resources:

111: Leading through the gap: Women, pay equity & the path to the C-suite

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:38:15 -0000

Why has the gender pay gap stalled, and what does it take for women to break into leadership? In this episode of Comp & Coffee, Ruth Thomas sits down with Payscale’s Chief People Officer, Lexi Clarke, and Chief Customer Officer, Kate Peter, to explore the latest findings from the 2025 Gender Pay Gap Report. They discuss the challenges women face in leadership, the role of pay transparency, and what businesses can do to close the gap. Grab your coffee and join us for this important conversation!

Key Highlights
• Discussion of the persistent gender pay gap and the role of pay transparency in addressing this issue.
• Insights from Lexi and Kate on navigating leadership roles as women and overcoming challenges in male-dominated industries.
• Analysis of factors contributing to the stalling of pay gap improvements since 2022, with a focus on systemic issues and political influences.
• Examination of the motherhood penalty and its impact on women's career trajectories.
• The importance of having a "personal board of directors" and being authentic in leadership roles.

Quotes
• "I want to show her what strong looks like. I want to be messy in front of her and show her that you can lead authentically." – Kate Peter
• "You can't unsee the data once you have it, and then you want to act on it." – Ruth Thomas
• "Being authentic is my way of making sure I'm doing my best work." – Lexi Clarke

References
Payscale's 2025 Gender Pay Gap Report

110: Key trends from the 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 07:29:00 -0000

Compensation practices are constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires a keen understanding of the latest trends and data. In this episode, we’re sitting down with Amy Stewart, Principal of Content Strategy; Sara Hillenmeyer, Senior Director of Data Science; and Lulu Seikaly, Senior Corporate Attorney, to pour over the latest insights from the Compensation Best Practices Report 2025. We’ll explore the hottest trends in pay strategy, the bold flavors of pay transparency, and the strongest shifts impacting compensation programs today.

Key Highlights:

—Analysis of the 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report, labeled as "The Year of Contention." —Examination of trends in pay transparency and the legislative impacts on organizations. —Discussion on the increased adoption of AI and compensation technology in HR processes. —Insights into employee demand for transparency and the role of managers in pay discussions.

Quotes:

—"Organizations are communicating more about compensation practices, and this transparency is being followed by higher investments in compensation data." – Lulu Seikaly —"Companies are increasingly using AI to supercharge their existing HR and compensation teams with real-time data and improved workflows." – Sarah Hillenmeyer

Episode Resources:

—Get the CBPR 2025 Report: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/cbpr/ —Watch our expert panel: https://www.payscale.com/events/2025-compensation-best-practices-panel/

109: What’s Next for Compensation Technology with Cliff Stevenson

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:54:00 -0000

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas is joined by Cliff Stevenson, Director of Research at Sapient Insights Group, to discuss the latest trends in HR technology. The conversation covers AI's impact on compensation, HR anchor systems, and the importance of real-time data to enhance compensation strategies. This episode offers valuable insights and advice for HR and compensation leaders looking to navigate upcoming tech innovations in 2025.

Key Highlights:

Discussion on the high user experience and vendor satisfaction in compensation software, with Payscale ranking amongst the top.
Exploration of HR anchor systems and clustering trends for improving employee experience.
Insight into AI's present-day solutions and its role in decision-making for HR professionals.
The importance of leveraging real-time data for effective compensation management.
Preparing HR systems for integrating contingent labor markets and evolving compensation tools.

Quotes:

"User experience and access to real-time data are crucial for HR professionals." – Cliff Stevenson
"AI is moving from future promise to present-day solution." – Cliff Stevenson
"We should gear towards a human-centric workplace by leveraging AI." – Cliff Stevenson

Resources

Payscale recognized with 12 G2 Winter Awards: https://www.payscale.com/compensation-trends/your-feedback-matters-payscale-recognized-with-12-g2-winter-awards/
Making smarter pay decisions just got easier with expanded API integrations from Payscale: https://www.payscale.com/compensation-trends/making-smarter-pay-decisions-just-got-easier-with-expanded-api-integrations-from-payscale/

108: Spill the Beans on Pay Transparency Trends with Lulu Seikaly

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0000

In this episode of "Comp and Coffee," Ruth Thomas is joined by Lulu Seikaly, our senior corporate attorney and pay transparency expert at Payscale, to unravel the complexities of pay transparency trends and legislation. With new laws continually emerging, the duo explores what this shift means for organizations, employees, and the future of compensation practices. This episode is packed with insights on compliance, the growing importance of trust in pay practices, and practical steps companies can take to effectively navigate these changes.

Key Highlights

Overview of the latest pay transparency legislation in the U.S. and Europe, including specific state and country initiatives.
Discussion on the misconceptions and challenges organizations face regarding pay transparency and how to overcome them.
The importance of internal pay equity checks and getting organizational structures in order before posting salary ranges.
Best practices for building trust through transparency and its impact on employee retention and satisfaction.
Upcoming trends and potential legal challenges in the pay transparency landscape, including increased focus on pay communication and equity audits.

Quotes

"The term pay transparency kind of has this notion that you have to show off your salaries that everyone makes within the company. But... they don't require employers to post everyone's salary for the world to see." – Lulu Seikaly
"Once an employee understands why they're being paid, the way they're paid makes those ideas dissipate." – Lulu Seikaly
"If your employees trust you, then they will be more engaged, they are more likely to stay with you, and they are more likely to be productive." – Ruth Thomas

Resources

2025 HR Predictions Guide: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/2024-end-of-year-report/#module-19*
January Legislative Lowdown: https://www.payscale.com/compensation-trends/the-legislative-lowdown-january-2025/*
Webinar: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/how-to-prepare-for-pay-transparency-in-2025-webinar-on-demand/

107: Coaching Managers for Better Compensation Dialogues

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 07:35:00 -0000

In this episode of "Comp and Coffee," host Ruth Thomas is joined by Payscale's compensation experts Kim Taylor and Roberto Molina to discuss strategies for empowering managers in compensation dialogues. The trio dives into the importance of coaching managers to lead effective pay conversations, especially amid increasing demand for transparency and legislative changes. Tune in to discover actionable insights for conducting smoother pay conversations that boost engagement and trust within organizations.

Key Highlights

Importance of manager preparedness in pay conversations and how robust information can aid these discussions.
The rise of pay transparency laws driving the need for effective communication strategies.
The challenges and pitfalls of pay conversations, including avoiding them or lacking preparation.
Techniques for aligning performance reviews with compensation discussions to increase clarity and trust.
Innovative training methods being adopted by organizations to enhance compensation dialogues at all levels.

Quotes

"So much of an employee's self-worth is tied up in their salary—it's uncomfortable to bring what might be perceived as not the most ideal news." – Kim Taylor
"When managers are not aware of the why behind these ranges, they often cede their authority on pay decisions back to HR." – Roberto Molina
"Pay is very personal; it drives your lifestyle, and these conversations can often be awkward and necessary." – Ruth Thomas

References

How to Train Managers to Have Successful Pay Webinar: https://www.payscale.com/events/how-to-train-managers-to-have-successful-pay-conversations/
Mastering Effective Pay Communications: Best Practices for Success Webinar: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/mastering-effective-pay-communications-best-practices-for-success-webinar-on-demand/

106: What's Brewing for 2025 with Sarika Lamont

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:43:00 -0000

Grab your favorite mug—we’re asking what’s ✨brewing✨ in comp strategies for the year ahead.

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas kicks off 2025 with guest Sarika Lamont, Vice President of People and Culture at Vidyard. The discussion revolves around the emerging trends and critical priorities in HR and compensation, focusing on the intersection of equity, AI, and employee empowerment. Sarika shares insights on fostering pay equity independently of DE&I trends and emphasizes the importance of sustainable pay practices. Tune in for a dynamic conversation about navigating HR challenges and strategies in the new year.

Key Highlights:

The influence of political and economic changes on HR priorities in 2025.
The ongoing debate and strategies around remote work versus return to office.
The role of AI in shaping HR and compensation processes and policies.
A deep dive into the importance of pay transparency and equity amid shifting DE&I focuses.
Innovative approaches to integrating performance and pay within organizations.
Emerging trends in personalized rewards and skills-based pay practices.

Quotes:

"Compensation is an area of strategic focus for HR teams and leaders in 2025." – Sarika Lamont
"Pay equity should happen systemically all the time, driven through inclusive processes." – Sarika Lamont
"Performance is about growth; feedback is how action happens." – Sarika Lamont
"The power of choice in total rewards is critical for fulfilling diverse employee needs." – Sarika Lamont

Resources:

2025 HR Predictions Guide: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/2024-end-of-year-report/#module-19
I Hate it Here Podcast Episode Compensation 101 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/54HavsXulnai0ORYK79D58?si=Y8THgieHSo-Sq_yE9vIkpA&nd=1&dlsi=6c587930609e460c

105: 2025 HR predictions

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 04:59:37 -0000

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas is joined by Payscale's thought leaders Sarah Hillenmeyer, Senior Director of Data Science, and Lexi Clark, Chief People Officer, to explore HR predictions for 2025. The discussion dives into the evolving employer-employee power dynamics, the rapid adoption of AI in HR, and the implications of wage growth trends as we transition into the new year. This episode promises insightful perspectives on the future of work, perfect for HR professionals navigating the year-end hustle.

Key Highlights

No major surprises in 2024, but the ongoing debate over remote versus in-office work and its compensation implications is highlighted.
Unexpected rapid adoption of AI in HR, particularly in recruitment and hiring processes.
Continued focus on fair and transparent pay amidst evolving employer-employee dynamics.
AI governance is predicted to become crucial with potential state-level regulations emerging in 2025.
Wage growth may dip below 4%, with sector-specific variations still influencing compensation planning.

Quotes

"We've seen more enthusiasm and adoption of AI across HR-related use cases than I expected." – Sarah Hillenmeyer
"If you're working on your year-end process, apply a fair pay lens." – Ruth Thomas
"Employer-employee friction... the cat's out of the bag and it's not going back in." – Lexi Clark

104: 2024 Year End Report: Hot Jobs & Key Insights with Amy Stewart

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 04:59:00 -0000

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, hosts Ruth Thomas and Amy Stewart dive into Payscale's 2024 Year-End Report, highlighting the state of the job market as we approach 2025. Amy Stewart, Payscale's Principal Content Strategist, shares her insights on the year’s labor market trends, hot jobs, and the significance of wage growth. The episode also explores the challenges and opportunities in recruiting and retaining top talent in an evolving economic landscape. Tune in for vital takeaways to inform your compensation strategies for the coming year.

Key Highlights:

Analysis of 2024 labor market trends and the return to normalcy post-pandemic.
Discussion on the impacts of inflation and interest rates on the economy.
Examination of the top jobs lists including fastest wage growth, quit rates, and recruitment challenges.
Insights on pay transparency and its influence on organizational performance.
Overview of Payscale's pivotal research reports and predictions for 2025.

Quotes:

"The labor market is starting to return to a state of normal." – Amy Stewart
"Customer service team leader is seeing a 20% wage growth year over year." – Amy Stewart
"The perception of fair pay impacts whether employees stay or leave." – Amy Stewart

103: Payscale's Q4 Enhancements and AI-Powered Future

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas is joined by first-time guests Morgan Love, Tina Yu, and Olivia Crowley as they explore Payscale's exciting Q4 advancements and the role of AI in compensation. The discussion centers on managing salary surveys, leveraging dynamic data, and incorporating AI to ease and enhance compensation processes. Tune in to learn how these innovations empower compensation professionals to focus on strategic decision-making.

Key Highlights:

Introduction of Payscale's updated survey experience designed to streamline survey management.
The growing importance of utilizing dynamic data for compensation strategies.
How Payscale's AI-driven solutions are transforming compensation tasks into strategic opportunities.
Details on Payscale’s peer dataset and its expansion to include trending job roles.
Insight into Payscale's efforts to improve transparency and data accuracy for better pay decisions.

Quotes:

"Dynamic data sources are often much more timely, more transparent, and way more robust." – Morgan Love
"AI won't replace HR and comp roles, but it will handle the tedious tasks." – Tina Yu
"Compensation is an art, and you can't replace an art with technology." – Olivia Crowley

102: Our Compference24 Review

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 10:51:00 -0000

What a brilliant time we had at Compference24! In this episode of Comp and Coffee Ruth Thomas is joined by Marc Mullis of Payformance Partners and Elena Van Kirk of Exude Human Capital to review and discuss all things Compf24. They share their own experiences of Payscale's annual flagship conference, as well as dig into the exciting intersection of compensation strategy, equity, and future workforce considerations.

Whether you are looking to understand the future of pay transparency or seeking fresh ideas in compensation management, this episode offers valuable insights for all.

Key Highlights:

Exploration of diverse perspectives and the importance of industry-wide collaboration at Compference24.
The significance of balancing tactical compensation practices with innovative strategies.
Discussion on the evolving importance of skills-based pay systems in modern compensation frameworks.
Insights on how Gen Z's expectations are reshaping workplace cultures and compensation strategies.
The critical role of managers in influencing employee salary growth and career progression.

Quotes:

"Comp geeks are not just number crunchers; we tell stories with data." – Marc Mullis
"Managers have more influence on equitable salary growth than they may realize." – Elena Van Kirk
"Gen Z's impact on workplace culture and compensation is just beginning." – Marc Mullis

Resources:

Link to register to view Compference24 sessions on-demand: www.payscale.com/compference
Link to Payformance Partners: https://payformancepartners.com/
Link to Exude Human Capital: https://exudehc.com/

101: Hot Takes on the Future of HR Tech

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 22:01:00 -0000

In this engaging episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas is joined by Payscale colleagues Katie Harmon and Sara Hillenmeyer to discuss their insights and experiences from the recent HR Tech conference in Las Vegas. The trio dives into the electrifying energy at the event, highlighting how AI and skills-based talent management are transforming HR practices. With firsthand observations from the conference floor, they unpack the implications of these technologies on compensation, diversity, and inclusion—offering listeners a promising glimpse into the future of HR.

Key Highlights:

AI Transformation: Discussing real-world applications and impact of agentic AI systems in HR, moving beyond hype.
HR's AI-Driven Future: Strategies for HR professionals to prepare for AI integration and transformation in their roles.
Skills-Based Talent Management: Exploring how this approach can support diversity and drive fair compensation practices.
Trends and Innovations: Highlights of standout vendors and new features seen in HR tech, including AI-driven training and analytics.
Conference Insights: Capturing the unique and lively atmosphere of the HR Tech conference.

Quotes:

"Agentic AI can transform HR practices by performing actual user tasks, not just suggesting actions." – Sara Hillenmeyer
"The future of HR is about making humans a better resource, not replacing them with AI." – Katie Harmon

100: Centenary Edition

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 20:38:00 -0000

In this special centenary episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas celebrates 100 insightful episodes of discussions on compensation. Joined by Heather Kruger, Senior Director of Corporate Marketing, and Zach Jamieson, HR Manager at Payscale, this episode reflects on past episodes' themes and their evolution in today's workplace. From the historical journey of pay structures to remote work dynamics, this episode offers a comprehensive reflection and future outlook on compensation management.

Key Highlights:

The origins and evolution of the Comp and Coffee podcast.
Reflections on episode 25's discussion on salary structures and the impact of pay transparency legislation.
Insights on the journey towards pay transparency and equitable compensation practices.
The transformation of remote work and its implication on organizational policies and employee engagement.
Revisiting episode 75's debate on quiet quitting and its relation to employee engagement and workplace culture.
A look at Payscale's upcoming annual virtual conference, Compference24.

Quotes:

"Great compensation is not just about structures—it's about fostering simple, honest conversations over a cup of coffee." – Heather Kruger
"Our culture isn't built by the walls of our office." – Paul Wolfe, as quoted by Ruth Thomas
"It's really about knowing when enough is enough and when you're maybe pushing your employee just a little bit too much." – Zach Jamieson

99 Reporting on our 2024 Salary Budget Survey

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 18:02:00 -0000

In this episode of Comp & Coffee, host Ruth Thomas delves into the insights from Payscale’s newly released 2024 Salary Budget Survey Report. Joined by Amy Stewart, Principal of Research and Insights at Payscale, and Minde Stone, Senior Director of Rewards, HR Operations, and Talent Acquisition, the discussion covers critical findings from the survey, the macroeconomic factors influencing salary budgets, and practical tips for compensation professionals as they approach the budgeting season. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to compensation management, this episode offers actionable advice for planning your salary budget for 2025.

Key Highlights:

Overview of the 2024 Salary Budget Survey and its importance for budget planning.
Decline in salary budgets from the peak of the Great Resignation.
Discussion on macroeconomic factors impacting salary budgets.
Differences in salary budgeting trends across various industries.
Practical tips for compensation professionals during the budgeting season.
Importance of stakeholder engagement in the budgeting process.

98 50 Shades of Pay

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 20:40:00 -0000

In this episode of Comp & Coffee, Ruth Thomas hosts a lively discussion on favorite summer reads that offer both professional insights and personal growth. Joined by Jennifer Ferris, Principal Solutions Consultant at Payscale, and Liz Sheffield, Manager of Content Marketing, they dive into books that range from leadership strategies to pay equity.

The books they discuss include:

"The Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career You Love Without Becoming a Person You Hate" by Fran Hauser
"Leading Without Authority: How the New Power of Co-Elevation Can Break Down Silos, Transform Teams, and Reinvent Collaboration" by Keith Ferrazzi and Noel Weyrich
"Daily Practices of Inclusive Leaders: A Guide to Building a Culture of Belonging" by Eddie Pate and Jonathan Stutz
"Fair Pay" by David Buckmaster

Tune in for their expert takes on titles that can enrich your understanding of compensation and inclusive leadership.

Key Highlights:

Ruth, Jen, and Liz share their summer book recommendations—perfect for both professional development and leisure reading.
Jen Ferris discusses "The Myth of the Nice Girl" by Fran Hauser and "Leading Without Authority" by Keith Ferrazzi, highlighting the importance of genuine leadership.
Liz Sheffield reviews "Daily Practices of Inclusive Leaders" by Eddie Pate, emphasizing the significance of inclusive leadership in today’s workplace.
Ruth Thomas recommends "Fair Pay" by David Buckmaster, focusing on practical approaches to achieving pay equity.

Quotes:

"You can and you really should use your niceness as a strength." – Jen Ferris
"This needs to be a company book that we all read because it is incredible." – Jen Ferris on "Leading Without Authority"
"Every little thing that you’re doing is having a ripple effect." – Liz Sheffield

References:

"The Myth of the Nice Girl" by Fran Hauser
"Leading Without Authority" by Keith Ferrazzi
"Daily Practices of Inclusive Leaders" by Eddie Pate and Jonathan Stutz
"Fair Pay" by David Buckmaster

97 Payscale’s Latest Innovations and Compensation Management Trends

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

This episode of Comp & Coffee, hosted by Ruth Thomas, covers Payscale's latest innovations and updates in compensation management. Key themes include surfacing actionable insights, growing data, and incorporating user-led feedback. The discussion features Brooke Grimes, Senior Director of Product Marketing, and Brittany Innes, Senior Director of Product Management. They highlight new features such as job family management, improvements in survey participation, and growth in peer data. The episode also introduces the upcoming "Payscale Innovation Unleashed" webinar and shares insights from a recent top performers report in compensation practices.

96 Survey participation season: What's new

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 13:58:00 -0000

Join Ruth Thomas, Chief Evangelist at Payscale, on this episode of Comp and Coffee as she delves into the world of salary surveys with Gerard Smith, Amy Bredemus, and Matt Chalek. Learn about the importance of participation in third-party salary surveys, how Payscale integrates and manages multiple survey data sources, and the impact of AI in improving compensation management. Tune in to discover tips for navigating survey provider changes, understanding data trends, and enhancing your compensation strategies.

95 WorldatWork Review

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 14:56:00 -0000

Join Ruth Thomas, Chief Evangelist at Payscale, and her co-host Liz Sheffield as they recap their experience at the WorldatWork Total Rewards 2024 conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. This episode features in-depth discussions on the latest trends in reward and compensation, key takeaways from various sessions on AI, pay transparency, and personal reflections from industry professionals. Gain valuable insights on how to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of compensation management.

94 We'll be at WorldAtWork!

Tue, 14 May 2024 17:06:00 -0000

In this episode of Comp & Coffee, Ruth Thomas discusses the upcoming WorldatWork Total Reward 2024 Conference. She is joined by Lexi Clarke, Chief People Officer at Payscale, and James Atkinson, VP of Data Products. They talk about the sessions they will be leading at the conference, including topics such as equipping people managers for effective pay conversations and the impact of AI on compensation. They also discuss the importance of continuous learning and networking at events like WorldatWork.

93 CBPR Highlights

Tue, 07 May 2024 21:20:00 -0000

In this episode of Comp & Coffee, hosted by Ruth Thomas, Chief Evangelist at Payscale, the podcast dives into the findings of Payscale’s 2024 Compensation Best Practice Report (CBPR). Guests Amy Stewart, Associate Director of Content Marketing and author of the CBPR, alongside Lulu Seikaly, Payscale’s Senior Corporate Attorney, share their insights on the evolving landscape of compensation management. Key topics discussed include the significant increase in organizations practicing pay transparency, the impact of artificial intelligence on compensation decisions, and the implications of minimum wage changes on compensation strategy. The episode also touches on the importance of pay communications, trends in pay equity, and the role of AI in reducing unfulfilling work. The discussions emphasize the importance of strategic compensation management to attract and retain talents, navigate legal landscapes, and foster employee trust and engagement.

92 AI Innovations at Payscale

Fri, 03 May 2024 13:46:00 -0000

In this episode of Comp and Coffee, Ruth Thomas and her Payscale colleagues, Brooke Grimes, James Atkinson, and Brittany Innes, discuss the latest innovations at Payscale in response to market demands and key compensation trends. They cover how Payscale is leveraging AI to enhance product and data offerings, particularly in job description management, and the role of AI in improving efficiency and fairness in HR practices based on insights from the Compensation Best Practice Report 2024. The team also delves into Payscale's efforts to simplify workflows for both managers and administrators in compensation planning, along with the introduction of new features like Explore Payscale Tiles and Single Sign-On for Payscale Connect. Additionally, they highlight the importance of robust data sources for accurate benchmarking, and the development of new datasets to meet customer demands. The podcast also mentions resources like the Payscale certifications program, partnerships for enhanced data offerings, and upcoming events where listeners can engage with Payscale directly.

Episode 91 - Progress on Gender Pay Gaps - Part 2

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0000

We are again discussing Gender Pay Gaps and the findings from our recently released GPGR. In our last episode, we introduced you to this year’s report and the overall outcomes. Today we are going to build on that and delve into more of the reports insights and discuss some of the potential drivers of pay gaps.

Picking up from our last episode, we'll take a deeper dive into the Payscale Gender Pay Gap Report.

We'll start with a quick summary of report findings, then explore how age affects the pay gap. Additionally host Ruth Thomas together with guests Amy Stewart and Kelly Campana will also discuss how changing views of women's work can influence how we measure the gap itself.

Most importantly, we'll focus on practical tips for closing the gap by highlighting what employees bring to the company. Listen and explore actionable ways to create a more equitable workplace!

Key Takeaways:

Quick summary of Payscale’s gender pay gap report
Why does age affect the gender pay gap?
The idea behind how to measure the pay gap and how historical ideas around women’s contribution to the world are changing
It is important to remind employees about where is their best contribution lies and happen
Women who work from home have a wider pay gap than those who work in offices

Resources:

Payscale Website: www.payscale.com
Email: coffee@payscale.com

Episode 90 - Progress on Gender Pay Gaps - Part 1

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:06:00 -0000

Our discussions this month are all aimed at raising awareness and encouraging action to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our workplaces and society at large. This year’s Women’s History Month theme “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion" which is very appropriate for this conversation.

Today, host Ruth Thomas welcomes guests Michelle Gyima and Amy Stewart to analyze data from the recently published Gender Pay Gap Report 2024. This report, now in its tenth year, offers a much deeper understanding of the factors driving pay gaps. Together, they'll delve into the report's insights and share their perspectives on the analyzed data.

Key Takeaways:

How much women are paid compared to men?
The uncontrolled pay gap
Gender stereotypes in the workspace and how they affect overall pay
Bias in pay history
Why pay gaps don’t close just because of pay transparency legislation
How organizations can address the Gender Pay Gap?

Resources:

•2024 Gender Pay Gap Report: www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/gender-pay-gap

Payscale Website: www.payscale.com

•Email: coffee@payscale.com

Episode 89 - Minimum Wage Developments

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 07:34:00 -0000

In January, we saw 22 U.S. states boosting their minimum wage rates with effect from the 1st of the month and three more planned later this year. So now there will soon be 30 states with minimum wages higher than the federal standard, which is $7.25 per hour for non-exempt workers. In this episode, we're talking about the impact this is having and will have.

Have you ever wondered how minimum wage could impact your pay? Tune in, and let's find out! Join Ruth and her guests, Vicky, Lulu, and Kim, as they delve into the specifics of minimum wages.

Gain practical tips on attracting and retaining top talent, understand the effects of minimum wages on pay dates, and discover how increasing the minimum wage may align with environmental, social, and governance policies. Join us in this discussion as we explore the rewards and complexities of the expanding job market.

Key Takeaways:

Minimum wage in U.S. history
The Wage Act bill proposal
How to attract and retain your best workers
The impact of minimum wages on pay dates
How increasing the minimum wage will contribute to environmental, social, and governance policies
How to solve pay compression

Resources:

Payscale Website: www.payscale.com
Minimum Wage Report: https://payscale.com/research-and-insights/minimum-wage-report
Email: coffee@payscale.com

Episode 88 - Top Predictions for HR and Compensation Management in 2024

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0000

Curious about job market trends in 2024? Join us in this episode as we delve into market predictions and the evolving compensation landscape for this calendar year.

Our thought leaders at Payscale will discuss the fate of talent acquisition and share insights to help you navigate the changing world of work. Tune in with our guests, James and Lulu, as they break down key aspects of the job industry this 2024.

Key Takeaways:

Legislation and advancements in technology
What is ahead in the legislative landscape in 2024 and for those managing compensation?
Does the 2024 presidential election impact the legislation?
Pay transparency and its impact on compensation data
Using job posting data as an additional source for compensation professionals
How does Payscale use AI for this calendar year?
What is the one thing that surprised them in 2023?

Resources:

Payscale Website: www.payscale.com
Payscale End-of-Year Report: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/2023-end-of-year-report/
Payscale HR Predictions Guide:
https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/2023-end-of-year-report/#module-23
Email: coffee@payscale.com

Episode 87 - PayScale's 2023 End of Year Report Hot Jobs Report

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0000

As we close out the year, this discussion centers the state of the labor market as we pivot into 2024 as well as hot jobs and this year. What are the predictions from our thought leaders here at Payscale? Listen to find out!

Let's dive into Payscale’s 2023 End-of-Year Report! In this episode, guests Amy Stewart and Lexi Clarke provide insights into the state of the job market as we approach 2024. They highlight the top 10 in-demand jobs of 2023 with significant wage growth and reveal the jobs people are most inclined to quit, drawing from Payscale’s employee-reported survey data.

Key Takeaways:

How do you come up with the end-of-year report?
What is the condition of the labor market in the upcoming years?
Labor force specifications are at historic lows.
Employer and employee friction is not going away.
Is pay going to be as high in 2024?
Transparency is huge.
The "hot jobs" list highlights
Sneak Peak: Top predictions for 2024

Resources:

Payscale Website: www.payscale.com
Payscale End-of-Year Report: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/2023-end-of-year-report/
Email: coffee@payscale.com

Ep 86 - Spotlight on gender pay gaps

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0000

Vicki, Liz, and Ruth discuss the gender pay gap -- what it is and how it's looking for next year. Is your organization taking necessary action to close the gap?

In this episode, we're peering into the future—2024, to be exact—to predict what changes lie ahead for the gender pay gap. Our guests, Vicky Peakman and Liz Sheffield, will be breaking down the factors that could impact who earns what, exploring everything from how workplaces are evolving to new policies on the horizon.

Join us for this chat as we talk about the possibilities, making sense of what the working world might look like in just a few years and how we can bridge the gap together!

Key Takeaways:

Looking at potential predictions in the year 2024 on gender pay gaps.
Setting your intentions straight
The mean pay gap for full-time workers.
Examining the uncontrolled pay gap versus the controlled pay gap.
How will the gender pay gap evolve throughout the next year?
Exploring how the pay gap reached its lowest amount during the pandemic.
Do women of different races experience varying impacts from the gender pay gap?
Measure your pay gaps at all times.

Resources:

Ep 85 - Remote Work Is Here to Stay

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0000

Amy, Ruth, and Russ discuss remote work, RTO mandates, and the impact this is having on the workplace. How will new policies and expectations impact your workforce?

In this episode, we delve into the dynamic landscape of remote work and the evolving scenarios surrounding return-to-office mandates. Explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of work as we navigate the intersection of technology, workplace culture, and the ongoing impact of global events.

From the thrill of flexible schedules to the challenges of Zoom fatigue, we're dissecting it all!

Key Takeaways:

Remote work policies, expectations, and return-to-office policies
Adjusting to the shift in our working environment
Increase in hybrid and remote organizations compared to traditional offices
Challenges when it comes to return to the office
Is productivity really the issue when moving to remote work?
Building company culture from a distance
Differences in pay with remote and traditional workers

Resources:

Payscale Website: www.payscale.com
2023 Remote Work Report: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/remote-work/
Email: coffee@payscale.com

Ep 84 - Pay Transparency: Why Employees Care

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:05:00 -0000

Liz, Lulu, Ruth, & Russ discuss Pay Transparency from the employees perspective. Is this your company's opportunity to build a better brand?

Assets:

Payscale Comp Quick Guide: Understanding Employee Reaction to Pay Transparency

Ep 83 - Is algorithmic pay the future?

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 23:36:00 -0000

Sara Hillenmeyer, Payscale's Director of Data Science, and Lulu Seikaly, Senior Corporate Attorney @ Payscale, join Ruth & Russ to discuss a recent article about two brothers who both drive for Uber. The brothers recently conducted an experiment. They opened their Uber apps while sitting in the same room, and tested which brother could earn more money to do the same work. They found that Uber showed them nearly identical jobs but offered to pay one of them a little better. The siblings could only guess why. Had Uber's algorithm somehow calculated their worth differently and how did they do that?

We discuss this topic and the broader implications of algorithmic pay.

Ep 82 - The 4 Day Work Week: Smarter or Harder?

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:51:00 -0000

We discuss the growing number iniatives, such as those lead by 4dayweek.com, around the 4 day work week and the concept of 100:80:100. 100% pay for 80% time worked with 100% productivity targets. Is this working smarter, harder, both, or neither?

Ep 81 - Retention Report: Will pay transparency make 2023 the year of retention?

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 13:42:00 -0000

Amy joins Ruth and Russ to share insights from our newest research report! It's a first-of-its-kind look at the top reasons employees consider quitting their jobs, and specially looks at does pay transparency help to retain workers — or is pay transparency a retention risk?

Report Overview:

https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/retention-report/

Report details:

https://www.payscale.com/press-releases/new-payscale-research-reveals-top-drivers-behind-employee-turnover-and-the-impact-of-pay-transparency/

Ep 80 - Payscale Comp Best Practices Report 2023

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:54:00 -0000

Ruth, Bill, & Russ are joined by Amy to review the 2023 Payscale Compensation Best Practices Report (CBPR) and share their insightes. How are things changing as we move into Q2 of 2023?

Ep 79 - What's in the News Q1 2023

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 14:41:00 -0000

Ruth, Bill, & Russ have each selected a recent news story related to compensation to discuss. Do you share their take on these topics? Ruth's Pick: Netflix stepped back on open salary policiy for execs Bill's Pick: FTC announced changes to outlaw non-compete clauses

Russ's Pick: Disney's annnouncement that 'hybrid work' now means in office 4 days a week

Ep 78 - What jobs are hot and what are not going into 2023

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 19:24:00 -0000

Amy Stewart, one of the minds behind the annual Payscale CBPR report, joins Bill, Ruth, & Russ to discuss what jobs are hot and what are not going into 2023.

Ep 77 - 2023 Predictions in Compensation

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:50:00 -0000

Ruth, Bill, & Russ each made 3 predictions about what they each think will happen in the compensation space in 2023 without conferring with each other. Join us as we share our predictions with each other and see if you agree on what we agree on.

Ep 76 - The Increasing Pay Disclosure Laws

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 17:33:00 -0000

Vicky, Bill, & Russ discuss the increasing numbers of pay disclosure laws that are going live in a variety of cities, counties, and states. What will be the impact and how does a compensation or HR professional stay proactive?

Ep 75 - Quiet Quitting isn't new is it?

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 15:06:00 -0000

Ruth, Bill, & Russ discuss the 'new' phenominon of "Quite Quitting." Excactly what is it? Is it different from 'work to rule' and other such movements? How should we as HR and compensation professionals respond?

Ep 74 - Should HR be paid less than finance?

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 09:26:14 -0000

Vicky, Bill, & Russ discuss the importance and impact of the HR to an organization, a role which happens to be predominantly female, and contrasts it to the importance and impact of finance, a role which happens to be predominantly male. Are these to critical functions and career paths compensated equally? Should they be? If not, why not?

Ep 73 - 3 ways you can tell if your employees are doing their own comp research, you won't believe number 2!

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:18:41 -0000

Bill, Matt, Ruth, & Russ explore the pros and cons of employees doing their own salary market research and how to handle the conversation.

Ep 72 - Managing Compensation in Turbulent Times

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 16:15:17 -0000

Are we headed into a recession? The future is unclear at best. We discuss what HR, Total Rewards, & Compensation leaders should be thinking about when the the potential for an economic downturn looms.

Ep 71 - Conferences are back - What topics are hot?

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 13:20:16 -0000

Ruth, Bill, & Russ discuss the return of in person conferences in the Comp, HR, & Total Rewards space. What's the current thinking and evolving best practices?

Ep 70 - If you're not at market, they will leave

Sat, 30 Apr 2022 11:53:30 -0000

Matt, Bill, Heather & Russ review recent findings from PEW Rearch that finds low pay & lack of advancement are #1 & #2 reasons people quite in 2021. Are you at market?

Ep 69 - Payscale Comp Best Practices Report 2022

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 18:03:14 -0000

Matt, Bill, & Russ review the 2022 CBPR and share their insightes. What was as expected and what was surprising?

Ep 68 - Skills Based Pay: It’s like Guacamole???

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 20:12:56 -0000

Matt, Bill, & Russ discuss why discussions about skills based pay are on the rise, the pro’s and cons of the concept, and approaches to getting there.

Ep 67 - Retaining Highly Intelligent People

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 21:23:07 -0000

We discuss the signs of highly intelligent people and what this implies for both retaining them as well as the potential impact loosing them.

Ep 66 - Is this the Golden Age of HR?

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 15:24:37 -0000

With businesses taking a renewed focus on retention, hiring, Pay Equity, and employee engagement we stop and ask: Are we in a golden age for HR?

Ep 65 - CURO's Comp Planning & Pay Equity Solutions Join Payscale

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 17:06:45 -0000

CURO co-founder Ruth Thomas joins us to discuss the evolution in thinking around CURO's ground breaking Comp Planning & Pay Equity solutions and the impact of joining forces with Payscale.

Ep 64 - Criticality of Comp Comms

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 18:37:01 -0000

Continual and consistent communication around compensation has always been critical. We discuss why it's time to up your game.

Ep 63 - Weathering the Great Resignation

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:54:43 -0000

Experts say “The Great Resignation” is coming. We examine the warning signs and how compensation practices can both contribute and mitigate the impact on your org.

Ep 62 - What do Dolly Parton & pay equity have in common?

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 21:56:48 -0000

Equity, diversity, & equality have moved up the priority list in the minds of comp & HR professionals as well as business leaders. Bill, Matt, & Russ look to the past as well as examine what clients are saying today about approaches and pitfalls.

Ep 61 - Handling Compression

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 14:24:37 -0000

With many companies deferring 2020 merit cycles and a potential minimum wage increase on the horizon it’s not hard to foresee pay compression challenges looming on the horizon. Bill, Matt, & Russ discuss the issue and share what they know of how organizations are working try and get ahead of it.

Ep 60 - PayScale & Payfactors Join Forces

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 09:42:25 -0000

The CEO’s of Payscale & Payfactors, Scott Torrey & Jeff Laliberte, join us to discuss how this merger came to be, what it means for our clients, and what it means for the future of compensation.

Ep 59 - Building a Diverse Leadership Team

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 20:32:12 -0000

David Chun, CEO and founder of Equilar, joins us to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and options for companies looking to improve diversity in leadership through the Equilar Diversity Network (EDN).

Ep 58 - How COVID is screwing up HR

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 13:01:57 -0000

Jo, Matt, & Russ discuss how HR has had to adapt and respond tactically to the new strategic challenges as we move into stage 2 of the global pandemic.

Ep 57 - Are Freelance & Contract Workers Still a Thing?

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 16:56:09 -0000

Bill, Matt, & Russ share news on changes to AB5 in CA thanks to new Proposition 22 passing. California has made two changes to how contractors and freelancers are treated---in opposite directions. What could this mean for employees in every state? How should you be thinking about your contract and freelance workers?

Ep 56 - Perking up your remote workforce

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 14:39:29 -0000

Russ & Sarah discuss how to keep your employees feeling appreciated in a time of COVID and remote work.

Ep 55 - Remote Work: Implications & Complications

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 09:46:17 -0000

Bill, Matt, and Russ discuss the evidence and likelihood that the possibility of remote work is permanently influencing the landscape of talent pools and what the implications are for HR and compensation.

Ep 54 - Taxing Companies if CEO Pay is Too High

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 13:30:08 -0000

Bill, Matt, & Russ use the City of San Francisco's upcoming proposed ballot initiative--Proposition L---to discuss the pros and cons of governments creating business taxes for companies with a high CEO-to-median-employee pay ratios.

Ep 53 - Make Pay Equity Analysis Easier by Getting Job Descriptions Right

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 15:16:05 -0000

Bill, Matt, & Russ discuss why getting job descriptions right is the critical first step in analyzing and establishing gender and racial pay equity.

Ep 52 - Job-Based Ranges vs. Traditional Salary Structures

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 18:54:09 -0000

Kim, Erica, & Russ take a deep look at the concept of salary structures. Why do comp professionals spend so much time with them? What are the different types? When should you consider, for example, job-based ranges over traditional grades and structures and vice versa?

Ep 51 - 2020 Market Data - Can the past guide us or will it misguide us?

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 13:33:02 -0000

In this episode, Bill, Matt, & Russ discuss the questions that most compensation practitioners are asking themselves now: How unique are the current economic conditions and talent market? What are going to be the challenges of getting accurate market data for 2020? Are their opportunities to look to the past for guidance? Are there risks?

Ep 50 - Returning to Work

Wed, 27 May 2020 16:43:35 -0000

Just as everyone seems to be adjusting to the new normal of working from home if possible, the country is starting to reopen and businesses are now focusing on trying to determine when and how to return to work post COVID-19 shutdowns.

In this episode, Matt, Bill, & Russ discuss what we're hearing and seeing regarding the details, approaches, and challenges organizations are working through to safely and efficiently open while meeting the evolving expectations and concerns of their talent.

Would you like to leave us feedback? Email us: coffee@payfactors.com

Ep 49 - COVID-19 Peer Meetups

Wed, 06 May 2020 20:17:01 -0000

To help facilitate communication in these uncertain times Payfactors has been hosting virtual industry meet-ups of compensation and HR professionals. To date, we've met separately with members of several different industries including hospitality, airline, retail and healthcare.

In this episode, Matt, Bill, & Russ discuss the trends, topics, and insights that have come from the practitioners on the front line.

Would you like to leave us feedback? Email us: coffee@payfactors.com

Ep 48 - California's AB-5

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 18:36:09 -0000

On this episode we're joined by Margarita Wear from the Maier Law Group in San Rafael, California. https://maierlawgroup.com/margarita-wear Margarita talks with us about California's assembly bill 5 (AB-5) law and what it means for HR and compensation pros. Relevant links: Vox Cuts Hundreds of Freelancers: https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2019-12-17/vox-media-cuts-hundreds-freelancers-ab5

Instacart Likely to Flunk AB5: https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Court-says-Instacart-flunks-AB5-shoppers-should-15083096.php
Borello Law: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_independentcontractor.htm
Cali Court Exempts Truckers From Gig Law: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-employment-california-truckers/california-court-says-truckers-exempt-from-gig-worker-law-idUSKBN1Z82TP
Uber, Postmates Sue California Over AB-5: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/30/uber-postmates-sue-california-over-ab5.html
NY to Become Next Battleground for Gig Law: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/new-york-said-to-become-next-battleground-for-gig-worker-law

Ep 47 - How To Measure Comp - Part Deux

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 20:05:47 -0000

We continue our discussion from episode 46 and dive into practical ways you can think about measuring and communicating the results of compensation management.

Ep 46 - How To Measure Compensation

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 14:58:26 -0000

Tessa joins Kaite, Bill, and Shawn to discuss the findings of a recent survey on the measurement of compensation that was done with Human Capital Media.

Download the survey report at: https://info.payfactors.com/comp-measured-report-lpnd
Listen to the webinar to get further into it: https://info.payfactors.com/how-is-comp-measured-2020-lpnd
Glossy/Matte photo of Bill? coffee@payfactors.com

Ep 45 - The Value of Compensation

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:04:48 -0000

On this episode we're joined by Russ Wakelin, chief experience officer at Payfactors. Russ talks with us about compensation strategy being at the center of profit, risk, and growth. We also discuss how compensation pros can better align with these drivers to show the values of compensation to executives. Link to Arizona Total Rewards event where Russ will be speaking in Feb 2020: https://aztotalrewards.com/meetinginfo.php?id=70&ts=1579716316

Ep 44 - A 2019 Comp Retrospective

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 15:28:05 -0000

Before we dive fully into 2020, we look back at the happenings of 2019 through the eyes of compensation. A comp retrospective, if you will. Links to items we mention:

Massachusetts Equal Pay Act (July 2018): https://bit.ly/30kDsi7
Minimum wage changes in 2020: https://abcn.ws/30jnvc8
Minimum Wage Map: https://www.minimumwagemap.com/
The NYT article on tax cuts: https://nyti.ms/2Tu686S
The LA Times article on the same topic: https://bit.ly/30kcU0B
Upcoming W@W Webinar, "How Should Compensation Be Measured?": https://bit.ly/2NotbMT

Ep 43 - Job Description Management

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:24:06 -0000

In this episode we discuss the importance of job descriptions, why compensation should own them, and then we cover some ways that keeping them updated can be relatively painless.

Ep 42 - How Has Tech Changed The Workplace?

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 11:30:00 -0000

We talk a lot about how technology has changed compensation. But we don't often discuss how technology has changed how we work in general. In this episode we step back and do just that. We also discuss how to use technology in the right ways to help your productivity.

Ep 41 - Minimum Wage Changes and Associated Compression

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 11:30:00 -0000

In this episode we discuss minimum wage changes and the associated compression that can occur with them. To access the interactive Minimum Wage Map we mention, go to https://minimumwagemap.com/

Ep 40 - CompCon 2019 Recap

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 11:30:00 -0000

In this episode we give a quick recap of the only compensation conference that matters, CompCon. You can keep up to date with CompCon 2020 happenings at https://compcon.com/ Here are the links mentioned in the episode:

Gummy Bear Song (don't listen -- it'll get trapped in your head): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=astISOttCQ0
David Goggins on Comp & Coffee: https://payfactors.com/david-goggins-comp-coffee/
BJ Fogg Tiny Habits(tm): https://www.tinyhabits.com/

Ep 39 - Median versus Outliers

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 10:00:00 -0000

As our team gets ready for the second annual CompCon in San Francisco today, we're joined in this episode by our very own Kim Taylor, CCP, GRP. Kim joins us to discuss median versus outliers and what a focus on each means to compensation strategy.

Ep 38 - Want a higher paying job? Quit now.

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 20:28:38 -0000

On this episode we talk about some recent articles that featured compensation news, including searching for a higher paying job and on-demand access to earned wages. Fortune article, "If You Want a Higher Paying Job, the Time to Quit is Now": https://fortune.com/2019/09/24/should-i-quit-for-a-higher-paying-job/ The Hustle, "The perk of werk: Companies are using ‘accelerated pay’ to entice new employees": https://thehustle.co/09232019-accelerated-pay-wages/

Ep 37 - Reducing Gender Pay Inequality

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 11:00:00 -0000

Bill's still on his trip to Tahiti. Kaite's still out running errands. And Shawn's still doing pull-ups thanks to that last podcast. So today we're delivering the audio of a recent webinar we did in partnership with The Predictive Index. The topic was reducing pay inequality, and Payfactors' very own Kim Taylor joined Jackie Dube, VP of Talent Optimization at The Predictive Index to chat pay inequality and associated audits. Want to hear more on this topic? Join us at CompCon on Oct 21-22 in SF. The head of total rewards at Salesforce will discuss their journey to pay equality. http://www.compcon.com

Ep 36 - David Goggins on Mastering Your Mind

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 11:00:00 -0000

David Goggins, author of "Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds" joins us to talk about his incredible life and what he learned along that way from perpetual victim to active duty Navy SEAL to world class ultra athlete and world record holder. If this man doesn't serve as an inspiration, I'll need to check your pulse. David covers: * Callousing your mind * Being uncommon amongst uncommon * Why you need a good cookie jar * The one thing he asks of you if you're coming to see him talk at CompCon You're coming to CompCon, right? https://compcon.com/ Also check out David's book, "Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds" https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-Master-Your/dp/B07KKP62FW

Ep 35 - Storytelling With Data

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 10:30:00 -0000

Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic from Storytelling with Data joins us on this podcast. Cole was previously on the people analytics team at Google. She joins us to talk about:

How to tell stories with data, and how to get people to remember what you want them to
How to prepare for a key presentation
Key tips and tricks to help sway your audience

Check out Cole's book, "Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals" that's out now, and pre-order her upcoming book, "Storytelling with Data: Let's Practice!"

Ep 34 - Business Roundtable's Statement

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 00:59:58 -0000

On this special episode we cover the Business Roundtable's recent statement about taking all stakeholders -- not just shareholders -- into account, and what it means for compensation. You can read the statement here: https://www.businessroundtable.org/business-roundtable-redefines-the-purpose-of-a-corporation-to-promote-an-economy-that-serves-all-americans Other things we mentioned: - Salesforce's 1-1-1 pledge: https://www.salesforce.org/pledge-1/ - B-Corp: https://bcorporation.net/ - CompCon (JOIN US!): https://compcon.com/

Ep 33 - The Comp Strategist (part 3)

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 20:38:49 -0000

Today we wrap up our conversation around the evolution of the compensation strategist. The topic is becoming a business ally, and when you achieve it, you know you're at your best, doing what comp was meant to do. If you're interesting in having further conversations around this topic, reach out! coffee@payfactors.com. 🎉🎉And join us at CompCon - https://compcon.com/ 🎉🎉 Download the eBook mentioned in this ep

Ep 32 - The Comp Strategist (part 2)

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 13:39:08 -0000

In the first part of this series, we covered the foundational element of becoming a comp strategist -- being organized with all your data in one place so that tech is your analyst and you're not longer continually reactive. In this second part, we discuss what to do with the time you have freed up. Namely, communicate across your organization so everyone understands why they're paid what they're paid. Want to participate in conversations like these? Attend CompCon this Oct in SF!

Ep 31 - The Comp Strategist (part 1)

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 10:30:00 -0000

On this episode we start a three-part series on compensation strategy: what a compensation strategist is, how their day-to-day is different, and how you can become one.

Want to learn more about the changes happening in compensation and how you can adapt to them strategically? Register for CompCon in SF Oct 21 - 22.

Ep 30 - Soft Skills

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode we talk with Dr. Achyuta Adhvaryu, assistant professor at the University of Michigan. He recently completed a study on soft skills in the workplace, finding that soft skills training on-the-job boosts worker productivity and generates large returns for the firm. Link to study: https://www.nber.org/papers/w24313.pdf

Ep 29 - Vacation's All I Ever Wanted

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 10:00:00 -0000

Heading into the July 4th holiday in the US we discuss the value of vacations and how they can affect your company. Stats we cite during the podcast:

Ep 28 - "What's Your Biggest Weakness?"

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 21:10:48 -0000

You've no doubt received this question in interviews. "What's your biggest weakness?" But this episode goes well beyond that. We welcome Rick Mace, former startup CEO and current executive partner at Siris Capital to the podcast to discuss: * Why your strengths are also your weaknesses * How you can identify your strengths (and weaknesses) * A real-time strengths and weaknesses identification Did you catch that this week's topic is strengths and weaknesses?

Ep 27 - Errors of Action

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 16:00:00 -0000

In this episode we welcome Mike Zani, CEO of The Predictive Index. Mike joins us to talk about compensation from a CEO's perspective, what an enlightened talent leader is, and why it's better to make errors of action than errors of inaction. Items mentioned in this podcast:

The Predictive Index: https://www.predictiveindex.com
Jim Collins's books: https://www.amazon.com/Jim-Collins/e/B001H6GSHK
QBQ: https://www.amazon.com/QBQ-Question-Behind-Practicing-Accountability-ebook/dp/B000OIZUQW
Play Bigger: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Bigger-Dreamers-Innovators-Dominate-ebook/dp/B015MOJ80G/
Link to all books: https://payfactors.com/learning-books-comp-coffee-ep-17/

Ep 26 - Focus

Mon, 20 May 2019 17:38:08 -0000

One this episode of Comp & Coffee we cover focus. Or, more specifically, how can you get stuff done with all the distractions that abound? Here's a list of links we discuss during the podcast:

Like thinking differently about compensation? Then join us at CompCon, Oct 21-22 in San Fran: http://compcon.com

Ep 25 - Salary Structures

Mon, 06 May 2019 11:39:00 -0000

In this episode we're joined by Kim Taylor, CCP, GRP. Kim joins us to talk about salary structures. We cover the basics of what they are and what they're put in place, but this wouldn't be Comp & Coffee without a stir. So we talk about other ways to tackle this concept, as well.

Like conversations like this? Then join us in Oct in SF for CompCon. (http://www.compcon.com)

Ep 24 - The Democratization of Data

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 19:53:56 -0000

In this episode Shawn and Kaite welcome John Sutliffe. John joins us to talk about a survey he recently completed in conjunction with Human Capital Media, and what the findings mean for the future of compensation data.

Ep 23 - The New COLA (Or Budgeting for Raises)

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 20:55:06 -0000

Mark Szypko joins us. Mark lead total rewards at Magic Leap and Avid, and has recently joined Fresenius Medical. Mark stopped by to chat about budgeting for raises, including: * Making sure that they're in line with your compensation philosophy * How you think differently about 3% raises * What happens if you get stuck with the 3% budget? * What other strategies shift the conversation? If you like these kinds of talks, join us in Oct in SF for CompCon. www.compcon.com

Ep 22 - Great One-On-Ones

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 14:55:33 -0000

In this episode we dive into great 1:1 meetings. Critical to everyone, but especially critical as we want to better communicate the value of great compensation management. We're joined in this episode by Courtney Bigony, Director of People Science at 15five. We discuss: * Why should you hold one-on-one meetings, and what goals you should set for them * How to stay away from the status update one-on-ones * Why your first one-on-one with any manager or employee is different (and what to do about it) * How great one-on-ones can impact your team, department, and the business

🎉 CompCon 2019! 🎉

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 22:09:56 -0000

We're excited to announce the return of CompCon!

CompCon brings together compensation pros and challenges everything you think you know about conferences.

Join us for CompCon in San Francisco on Oct 21st, and get a discounted ticket using the code KRASON.

http://www.compcon.com

Ep 21 - Gamification of Compensation

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 20:42:53 -0000

In this episode we welcome Dawn Dugan to the show. Dawn is well versed in the gamification of compensation. We talk what gamification is all about, how it relates to compensation, and what comp pros can do with it.

Ep 20 - Salary Compression

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Comp + Coffee we talk about salary compression. What is it? Why does it happen? And what can compensation pros do about it?

Ep 19 - The Value of Degrees

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 18:32:34 -0000

In this episode we discuss the value of college degrees, especially as they relate to the rise in tuition in the United States. We also talk about what this means for compensation managers.

Ep 18 - Reporting, Visualization, and Communication with Bryan Briscoe

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 19:19:35 -0000

In this episode we welcome Bryan Briscoe, senior director of compensation at Marriott. With Bryan we chat about stepping up your reporting and visualization game.

Of course, much of what we can report on comes down to effectively communicating, so we spend a good bit of today's conversation on that, too.

Ep 17 - Learning From Books

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 14:47:26 -0000

We talk a lot about ways to map to business needs on this podcast, but today we thought we'd take it beyond just talking. In today's podcast we cover which books have most influenced members of the Comp + Coffee and Payfactors teams. And we cover a wide range of topics, not just business-y books! If you find this interested and want to get in on a Comp + Coffee book club, drop us an email at coffee@payfactors.com.

Ep 16 - The CompCon Recap!

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 16:46:59 -0000

In this episode we recap the first annual CompCon, a gathering of compensation revolutionaries.

We discuss:

Why there’s an appetite for something different, both from a conference standpoint and compensation standpoint
All the new compensation ideas circulating around
How often fair pay came up at the conference, and what it means for compensation management
How compensation pros can improve communication

And much more, including what’s on tap for CompCon 2019. Want to stay in the know? Just enter your email address at https://compcon.com/

Ep 15 - Salary Budget Survey Results and Discussion

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:45:17 -0000

In this episode we discussed the results of our recently released 2018-2019 salary budget survey report, we talk about the purpose of these surveys, and spend a little time on what the future of these surveys might look like.

Download the free 2018-2019 Salary Budget Survey Report at:https://info.payfactors.com/salary-budget-survey-2018

Ep 14 - The Future of HR with Jason Averbook

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 14:37:45 -0000

Jason Averbook, CEO of LeapGen and CompCon keynote joins us to discuss:

Why now is a time in HR that's unlike any that have come before
Why HR should go away as a department
And what the future of HR...or the people team...might look like

Come see Jason speak at CompCon in Boston on:

Why is data and foundation so important?
Why is employee experience so important, and what does HR need to drive that?
How do you think about the difference between automation and digitization?
What skillsets does HR need going forward?

http://www.compcon.com

#AgedandSage - Romaine Lewis, Navigant Consulting

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 19:43:51 -0000

On this #AgedandSage episode, we pick up a new format that will appear from time to time. On #AgedandSage we'll speak with comp professionals about what's aged, that is what's something that used to work that no longer works for them. And then what's sage, or what's something new that's working well.

On this episode we talk with Romaine Lewis of Navigant Consulting.

Ep 13 - An Equal Pay Story

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 17:36:33 -0000

As we gear up for CompCon (http://www.compcon.com) and the equal pay topics we'll be covering there, we welcome Megan to the podcast. Megan shares her very recent equal pay saga.

Ep 12 - Incentives and Rewards

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 18:36:09 -0000

In this episode we talk about the traditional structure of incentives and rewards, the differences between them, and how to personalize them.

Ep 11 - The Compensation Revolution with Jeff Laliberte

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 17:42:24 -0000

Fresh off of his World at Work Total Rewards 2018 talk, "The Compensation Revolution: Technology's Transformative Effect on the Industry," that was presented with Elizabeth Blencoe from T-Mobile, Jeff Laliberte stops by to discuss why the old was of doing things is just that, and what's on tap for the future of compensation management.

Ep 10 - Mass Equal Pay Law with Steve Weatherhead

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 15:33:50 -0000

In this episode we welcome attorney Steve Weatherhead to give us a recap and an update on the Massachusetts Equal Pay Law. This law in Massachusetts is scheduled to go into effect on July 1st, 2018. We cover the following topics and more:

What defines equal pay?
What is comparable work?
How do pay for performance factor into the law?
What are the newest developments?

Steve Weatherhead is a partner at Marathas Barrow Weatherhead Lent. Learn more about Steve and contact him at https://marbarlaw.com/steven-d-weatherhead/.

Ep 9 - Annual Reviews

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 15:07:00 -0000

Annual reviews often get a bad rap. But why are they the way they are? And what would happen if we could rebuild them entirely?

Interested in hearing more on the future of compensation? Register for CompCon — http://www.compcon.com and use the code COFFEE for a discount.

Ep 8 - Netflix’s former Chief Talent Officer Patty McCord

Fri, 25 May 2018 15:34:29 -0000

On this episode we welcome former Netflix Chief Talent Officer Patty McCord. We chat with Patty about her new book, “Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility” along with a host of other topics that include compensation, recruiting, employee engagement, retention, and Patty’s upcoming keynote at CompCon (http://www.compcon.com).

Like this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and tweet @payfactors.

Ep 7 - Comp's Future with Paul Reiman

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 19:13:22 -0000

In this episode we welcome Paul Reiman, to talk about the future of compensation. Paul is the head of rewards and HR operations for Commvault, a global provider of data management software and related solutions. In his role he oversees the global vision and execution of the organization's compensation, benefit, mobility, HR systems, and HR analytics programs. Paul also founded GetNerdyHR, a blog and podcast devoted to creating a better (and nerdier) way of doing HR.

You can access the "jobs most likely to be automated" article Paul mentioned here: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/high_school_and_beyond/2017/08/are_you_helping_students_prepare_for_jobs_that_will_be_lost_to_automation.html

Paul will also be a speaker at CompCon. Register now at http://www.compcon.com, and use the code COFFEE for a discount.

Ep 6 - Your raise is now a bonus

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 20:48:42 -0000

In this episode we welcome Bill Coleman, COO of Payfactors to discuss:

Why companies are looking to be more flexible with comp programs
The differences between entitlements and bonuses
Are promotions happening more quickly?
How do current compensation trends affect the war for talent?
Why some companies have attempted to add a lottery component to their bonuses

NY Times article, “Where Did Your Pay Raise Go? It May Have Become a Bonus.” https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/10/business/economy/bonus-pay.html

Interested in getting together with the comp community and exchanging ideas? http://www.compcon.com. Use promo code COFFEE.

Ep 5 - CompCon

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 01:27:18 -0000

A special announcement about CompCon!

https://compcon.com/

Ep 4 - Communicating Compensation

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 20:07:19 -0000

In this episode we talk about what effective communication is, and how you can effectively communicate compensation to your organization. We talk about communicating to different levels of the organization, e.g. executives, managers, and employees. And most importantly, we remind you to speak with your organization and listen to what is said.

Here are the links we mention in the podcast.

Developing personas (questions to ask in your org): https://info.payfactors.com/communicating-compensation-guide-to-developing-personas-lpnd

Communicating comp to different levels of your org: https://info.payfactors.com/communicating-compensation-tip-guide-to-communication-lpnd

How to effectively communicate compensation: webinar:https://info.payfactors.com/communicating-compensation-on-demand-webinar

And we recently announced CompCon! Come join as gathering of compensation revolutionaries in Boston this September! https://compcon.com/

Ep 3 - Roundtable Learnings on Salary History Ban Laws

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 14:57:58 -0000

Findings from Payfactors' roundtable event in Massachusetts, where we discussed the effect salary history ban laws are having on compensation management.

Specifically we cover:

* These laws are bringing compensation to the front. Your recommendations and data need to be on point.

* There are a lot of concerns, both internal to organizations and with the laws themselves.

* What’s needed in a big way is a ton of training and messaging for executives, managers, and even employees.

* Most compensation management pros thought they were in good shape, until they started to dig.

* These laws will invoke positive change.

P.S. We are hosting more of these events in 2018 -- maybe we'll be in your city?

Tweet at us @shawnlavana and @kaiterosa.

Ep 2 - Salary History with Emily Martin

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 21:44:33 -0000

We talk with Emily Martin, General Counsel at the National Women's Law Center (https://nwlc.org/staff/emily-martin-vice-president-and-general-counsel/) about the new salary history laws that have come into play this year.

Comp + Coffee - A Primer

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 14:55:37 -0000

In the quick introductory podcast, we introduce your hosts, Shawn and Kaite, and set the stage for this brand new show that will discuss all things compensation (and a little HR).

Comp and Coffee

We have an announcement...

Pay equity isn't dead

The hidden cost of peanut butter pay

When pay research speaks: What HR and compensation leaders need to know now

The business impact of confident pay

What's in and out for HR and compensation in 2026: Predictions, opportunities, and challenges

Lost in translation: How HR, finance, legal, and leadership can finally speak the same language about pay

Pay transparency again? What you actually need to know for 2026

AI overload? What HR Tech 2025 got right (and wrong)

The most important pay conversations you're not having

Pay transparency in practice: Making pay a universal language

Salary budgets are shifting — here’s how to stay ahead

Fair pay means nothing if no one believes it

Turning pay into a business driver: A CHRO + CFO conversation

The pay crystal ball: predicting the future with Pearl Meyer + Payscale

Closing the Confidence Gap: Pay Strategy Challenges in 2025

Compensation History: A Walk Through the Past and Future of Pay

113: Gender Pay Gap Report: Facts revealed

112: Give your salary data strategy a glow up

111: Leading through the gap: Women, pay equity & the path to the C-suite

110: Key trends from the 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report

109: What’s Next for Compensation Technology with Cliff Stevenson

108: Spill the Beans on Pay Transparency Trends with Lulu Seikaly

107: Coaching Managers for Better Compensation Dialogues

106: What's Brewing for 2025 with Sarika Lamont

105: 2025 HR predictions

104: 2024 Year End Report: Hot Jobs & Key Insights with Amy Stewart

103: Payscale's Q4 Enhancements and AI-Powered Future

102: Our Compference24 Review

101: Hot Takes on the Future of HR Tech

100: Centenary Edition

99 Reporting on our 2024 Salary Budget Survey

98 50 Shades of Pay

97 Payscale’s Latest Innovations and Compensation Management Trends

96 Survey participation season: What's new

95 WorldatWork Review

94 We'll be at WorldAtWork!

93 CBPR Highlights

92 AI Innovations at Payscale

Episode 91 - Progress on Gender Pay Gaps - Part 2

Episode 90 - Progress on Gender Pay Gaps - Part 1

Episode 89 - Minimum Wage Developments

Episode 88 - Top Predictions for HR and Compensation Management in 2024

Episode 87 - PayScale's 2023 End of Year Report Hot Jobs Report

Ep 86 - Spotlight on gender pay gaps

Ep 85 - Remote Work Is Here to Stay

Ep 84 - Pay Transparency: Why Employees Care

Ep 83 - Is algorithmic pay the future?

Ep 82 - The 4 Day Work Week: Smarter or Harder?

Ep 81 - Retention Report: Will pay transparency make 2023 the year of retention?

Ep 80 - Payscale Comp Best Practices Report 2023

Ep 79 - What's in the News Q1 2023

Ep 78 - What jobs are hot and what are not going into 2023

Ep 77 - 2023 Predictions in Compensation

Ep 76 - The Increasing Pay Disclosure Laws

Ep 75 - Quiet Quitting isn't new is it?

Ep 74 - Should HR be paid less than finance?

Ep 73 - 3 ways you can tell if your employees are doing their own comp research, you won't believe number 2!

Ep 72 - Managing Compensation in Turbulent Times

Ep 71 - Conferences are back - What topics are hot?

Ep 70 - If you're not at market, they will leave

Ep 69 - Payscale Comp Best Practices Report 2022

Ep 68 - Skills Based Pay: It’s like Guacamole???

Ep 67 - Retaining Highly Intelligent People

Ep 66 - Is this the Golden Age of HR?

Ep 65 - CURO's Comp Planning & Pay Equity Solutions Join Payscale

Ep 64 - Criticality of Comp Comms

Ep 63 - Weathering the Great Resignation

Ep 62 - What do Dolly Parton & pay equity have in common?

Ep 61 - Handling Compression

Ep 60 - PayScale & Payfactors Join Forces

Ep 59 - Building a Diverse Leadership Team

Ep 58 - How COVID is screwing up HR

Ep 57 - Are Freelance & Contract Workers Still a Thing?

Ep 56 - Perking up your remote workforce

Ep 55 - Remote Work: Implications & Complications

Ep 54 - Taxing Companies if CEO Pay is Too High

Ep 53 - Make Pay Equity Analysis Easier by Getting Job Descriptions Right

Ep 52 - Job-Based Ranges vs. Traditional Salary Structures

111: Leading through the gap: Women, pay equity & the path to the C-suite