FNDN Series
Compensation as a Product: The Startup Approach to Pay, with Jessica Zwaan at COO of Talentful
Mar 8, 2025
Jessica Zwaan, a seasoned COO and author of 'Built for People,' shares her insights on innovative compensation strategies tailored for startups. She discusses how applying product management principles can revolutionize HR practices. Key topics include performance-based pay, the importance of transparency in compensation, and the need for flexibility in pay structures. Jessica emphasizes the dangers of freezing salaries during financial strain and offers practical advice for building trust and engagement among employees, ensuring teams thrive in dynamic environments.
51:09
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Quick takeaways
- Adopting a product management perspective enhances compensation strategies by aligning them with the company's culture and overarching goals.
- Freezing compensation during economic downturns can damage employee trust and engagement, necessitating transparent communication and alternative solutions.
Deep dives
The Importance of a Product Mindset in Compensation
Adopting a product management perspective when approaching compensation structures proves beneficial in tech startups. This mindset emphasizes understanding compensation as more than a reactive process rooted in market rates; it turns it into a strategic decision that aligns with the company's culture and goals. By focusing on what a startup is trying to achieve with its compensation strategy, rather than simply copying competitors, companies can create packages that resonate with their target talent. This approach is about defining compensation as a unique reflection of the company’s mission and values.
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