Comp + Coffee

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 HighlightsDiscussion 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 ThomasResources2025 Gender Pay Gap Report: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/gender-pay-gap/

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: 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report Quick Guide - Aggregate salary data strengthens job pricing confidence What's the price of free salary data? Why salary surveys are so darn popular 

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 ClarkeReferencesPayscale's 2025 Gender Pay Gap Report

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/

In this episode of Comp & 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

In this episode of "Comp & 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 References 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/

In this episode of "Comp & 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/

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

In this episode of Comp & 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

In this episode of Comp & 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

In this episode of Comp & 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

What a brilliant time we had at Compference24! In this episode of Comp & 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 References: 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/

In this engaging episode of Comp & 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

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

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.  

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  

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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

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   

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 

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

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 

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: 2023 Gender Pay Gap Report Payscale Website: www.payscale.com  Email: coffee@payscale.com 

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 

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  

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. Related links: New NY Anti Bias in AI Law effective this month https://hrexecutive.com/why-ai-is-not-a-get-out-of-jail-free-card-for-talent-bias/?oly_enc_id=5456A4959923A9Y   The potential of "algorithmic wage discrimination":  https://www.npr.org/2023/04/25/1171800324/rideshare-drivers-raise-questions-about-how-algorithms-set-drivers-pay-rates?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=npr&utm_medium=social&utm_term=nprnews   

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?     Related links: https://worldatwork.org/resources/publications/workspan-magazine/the-power-of-four    https://www.businessinsider.com/work-from-home-return-to-office-sexism-women-bosses-employees-2023-4?r=US&IR=T https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/03/30/how-americans-view-their-jobs/  https://www.4dayweek.com/about-us https://www.wsj.com/articles/after-testing-four-day-week-companies-say-they-dont-want-to-stop-a06089cc https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/24/worlds-biggest-4-day-workweek-experiment-shows-big-health-benefits.html#:~:text=Employers%20and%20workers%20around%20the,their%20health%2C%20finances%20and%20relationships ·         

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/  

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?

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

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.

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.

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?

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?

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? 

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

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.  

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?  

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? 

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

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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.