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Comp and Coffee

Comp and Coffee

Written by: WRKdefined Podcast Network
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 Comp and Coffee is a podcast by Payscale where we explore the art and science of compensation management. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us for conversations on pay and performance—packed with insights, practical tips, and strategies to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world of work.All rights reserved by WRKdefined Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • The business impact of confident pay

    The business impact of confident pay
    Feb 24 2026
    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
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    37 mins
  • When pay research speaks: What HR and compensation leaders need to know now

    When pay research speaks: What HR and compensation leaders need to know now
    Feb 5 2026
    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
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    38 mins
  • What's in and out for HR and compensation in 2026: Predictions, opportunities, and challenges

    What's in and out for HR and compensation in 2026: Predictions, opportunities, and challenges
    Jan 20 2026
    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
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    39 mins
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