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Comp and CoffeePowered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network Author: WRKdefined Podcast Network
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 performancepacked with insights, practical tips, and strategies to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world of work. Language: en Genres: Business, Management, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The hidden cost of peanut butter pay
Sunday, 15 March, 2026
When budgets shrink, performance pay is put to the test. The 2026 Compensation Best Practices Report tells a clear story: budgets are tighter, bonuses are shrinking, and organizations are reaching for simpler pay strategies to get through the year. Today we're exploring what happens when compensation decisions prioritize administrative ease over strategic intent — and what leaders can do about it. In this episode of Comp and Coffee, Ruth Thomas is joined by Founder of Payformance Partners Marc Mullis and People Operations leader at Leapfrog, Brittany Vogel to explore how organizations can maintain performance differentiation, employee trust, and retention in an era of tiny budgets. This conversation goes beyond theory. It examines how leaders are creatively rethinking frequency versus size of rewards, leveraging non-base pay tools, strengthening communication, and avoiding the long-term consequences of oversimplified pay strategies. Episode Resources: 2026 Compensation Best Practices Report: https://www.payscale.com/featured-content/cbpr 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
