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 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. 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

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. 

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. 

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 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. 

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/

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 Clarke ReferencesPayscale'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 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/  

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/

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/

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 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

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

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

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/

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