Comp and Coffee

Amy Stewart, Principal Content Strategist at Payscale, dives into the crucial findings from the 2025 Gender Pay Gap Report. She discusses the distinction between controlled and uncontrolled pay gaps, revealing that women currently earn 83 cents for every dollar men make. The impacts of pay transparency legislation across states are highlighted, alongside systemic issues affecting women, particularly women of color. Stewart also emphasizes the 'motherhood penalty' and provides actionable recommendations for organizations aiming to close these persistent pay disparities.

In this discussion, Sarah Hillenmayer, a lead in AI and data insights at Payscale with over 15 years in HR tech, delves into refining compensation data strategies. She highlights that having multiple data sources isn't always beneficial unless used strategically. The conversation covers the necessity of data transparency and monitoring biases. Additionally, Sarah explores the transformative role of AI in compensation practices and provides insights on crafting effective pay ranges, especially for budget-conscious organizations.

Lexi Clarke, Chief People Officer at Payscale, and Kate Peter, Chief Customer Officer, join the conversation to tackle the gender pay gap and women's leadership challenges. They discuss the role of pay transparency and systemic issues stalling progress since 2022. Personal anecdotes reveal the impact of motherhood on career paths and emphasize the significance of authentic leadership. The need for a personal board of directors is highlighted, showcasing the importance of mentorship and genuine support for women aiming for C-suite positions.

In a compelling discussion, Amy Stewart, Principal of Research and Insights, Sara Hillenmeyer, Senior Director of Data Science, and Lulu Seikaly, Senior Corporate Employment Counsel at Payscale, analyze the evolving landscape of compensation. They dive into the 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report, highlighting trends in pay transparency and AI's growing role in HR. The trio emphasizes the need for organizations to foster clear communication about compensation practices while also addressing the challenges of pay equity and legislative impacts on compensation strategies.

Cliff Stevenson, Director of Research at Sapient Insights Group and an expert in HR technology, dives into the dynamic world of compensation tech. He highlights AI's transformative role, emphasizing its shift from theory to practical solutions for HR professionals. The conversation reveals the importance of real-time data for compensation strategies and how HR anchor systems improve employee experiences. Stevenson also discusses future trends, including the integration of contingent labor markets and user satisfaction in compensation tools.

Lulu Seikaly, a senior corporate attorney and pay transparency expert at Payscale, joins the discussion to shed light on the evolving landscape of pay transparency. She reveals the latest developments in pay legislation across the U.S. and Europe, debunking common misconceptions for organizations. Lulu emphasizes the significance of internal pay equity checks and offers best practices for fostering trust through transparency. As employees demand greater visibility into compensation, she discusses emerging trends that organizations must navigate for a fair future.

Join Kim Taylor, VP of Compensation Services at Payscale, and Roberto Molina, Compensation Consultant at Payscale, as they dive into the nuances of effective pay conversations. They discuss the growing importance of manager preparedness in light of new pay transparency laws. Discover the pitfalls of avoiding these discussions and how to align performance reviews with compensation to foster trust. Innovative training methods to empower managers are highlighted, ensuring better communication that enhances employee engagement and satisfaction.

Sarika Lamont, Vice President of People and Culture at Vidyard, shares her expertise in compensation and HR strategies. She discusses the influence of economic shifts on HR priorities for 2025, the debate between remote work and returning to the office, and the growing importance of pay transparency. Sarika emphasizes fostering pay equity independently of DE&I initiatives and highlights innovative approaches to linking performance with compensation. Tune in for insights on emerging trends in personalized rewards and the evolving role of AI in HR practices.

Join Sarah Hillenmeyer, Payscale's Senior Director of Data Science, and Lexi Clark, Chief People Officer, as they delve into the future of HR by 2025. They discuss rapid AI adoption in recruitment, the evolving dynamics between employers and employees, and the importance of fair pay practices. Sarah predicts AI will significantly boost HR efficiency, while Lexi highlights ongoing debates around remote work and compensation. With projected wage growth changes and emerging AI regulations, this conversation provides vital insights for HR professionals navigating the future.

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