Comp and Coffee

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

In this engaging discussion, guests Hannah Beaver, Director of Compensation at Trilogy Health Services, and Kim O'Grady, Compensation Supervisor at Designer Brands, tackle the convoluted world of compensation. They reveal how differing perspectives from HR, finance, and legal create misunderstandings around pay. Key insights include simplifying compensation concepts for leaders, the psychological aspects of pay perceptions, and the importance of aligning pay strategies with organizational mission. The conversation ultimately emphasizes crafting a unified narrative to build trust and clarity across teams.

Lulu Seikaly, Senior Corporate Employment Counsel at Payscale, and Vicky Peakman, Director of Fair Pay Partners, dive into the crucial updates on pay transparency laws. They explore the 2025 landscape, highlighting how new U.S. state regulations and the EU Pay Transparency Directive will reshape compliance strategies by 2026. The discussion addresses challenges, like job category determination and the implications of not meeting deadlines. Emphasizing a culture of transparency, they share practical steps companies can take to foster trust and fairness in pay practices.

Peh Keong Teh, Chief Product Officer at Payscale, Mark Feffer, a contributing analyst at 3Sixty Insights, and Olivia Sedler, Senior Product Manager at Payscale, dive into the realities of AI in HR tech. They discuss how practitioners are now demanding measurable results instead of hype and how AI should alleviate mundane tasks while enhancing human strategy. The team also explores AI’s role in improving employee self-service and bridging data gaps, emphasizing the importance of governance and transparency as AI adoption ramps up.

Join Lexi Clarke, Chief People Officer at Payscale, Lauren Hein, Head of Total Rewards, and Lauren Cole, Senior Director of Services, as they dive into the crucial topic of pay conversations. They discuss how unclear communication erodes trust and the importance of empathy in pay discussions. Learn about leveraging non-salary rewards when budgets are tight and the growing demand for pay transparency. The guests also share practical tips for managers to prepare for these sensitive talks, emphasizing the emotional impact of compensation on employees.

Lulu Seikaly, a corporate attorney focused on pay transparency laws, and Elaina Van Kirk, a Principal Consultant specializing in equitable compensation, delve into the complexities of pay transparency. They discuss how misalignment among HR, Legal, and Leadership can erode employee trust. Lulu highlights legal risks tied to compensation confusion, while Elaina emphasizes the need for clear communication to unify stakeholder messages. Together, they envision a future where transparency fosters shared understanding and builds lasting trust within organizations.

Amy Stewart, Principal of Research & Insights at Payscale, and Kathryn Gombos, HR and total rewards expert, share insights on shifting salary budgets for 2026. They discuss how economic uncertainty is reshaping pay strategies and the importance of data for HR professionals. Kathryn emphasizes transparent communication and pay equity, while Amy highlights industry variations in salary trends. Together, they offer actionable steps for organizations to navigate budget changes and enhance their compensation strategies.

Lexi Clarke, Chief People Officer at Payscale, and Kate Peter, Chief Customer Officer at Payscale, discuss the critical importance of trust in fair pay practices. They highlight findings from the Fair Pay Impact Report, revealing employees feel underpaid despite rising wages. The conversation delves into the challenges of perception versus reality in compensation, emphasizing the need for transparency and open communication. Personal experiences shape their advocacy for fair pay, urging leaders to foster trust through honest discussions to retain top talent.

Lexi Clarke, Chief People Officer at Payscale, and Philip Watson, Chief Financial Officer at Payscale, delve into the synergy between HR and finance. They discuss how compensation can be a powerful business lever rather than a mere budget item. The conversation highlights strategies for effective collaboration, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and the value of healthy friction within teams. Insights on navigating budget discussions and aligning compensation with business goals offer practical takeaways for professionals in both fields.

Join Rebecca Toman, an executive compensation expert from Pearl Meyer, and Sara Hillenmeyer, Director of Data Science at Payscale, as they dive into the future of compensation. They discuss how AI and trusted data can revolutionize pay strategies for organizations. Tune in to learn about the strategic shift in executive compensation and its link to business growth. The conversation also covers the balance between data-driven decisions and discretion in executive pay, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in a changing economic landscape.