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Comp and Coffee

Comp and Coffee

By: WRKdefined Podcast Network
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 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 performance—packed with insights, practical tips, and strategies to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world of work.All rights reserved by WRKdefined Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • We have an announcement...

    We have an announcement...
    Apr 20 2026
    18 mins
  • Pay equity isn't dead

    Pay equity isn't dead
    Mar 25 2026
    The gender pay gap has widened. New data from the 2026 Gender Pay Gap Report shows the uncontrolled gender pay gap increased from $0.83 to $0.82, meaning women earn 18% less than men on average. That difference translates to $14,300 per year in lost earnings, and over $1 million across a career. At the same time, organizations are navigating a new era of pay transparency legislation, tighter compensation budgets, and growing scrutiny around fairness in pay practices. So what does pay equity actually look like in 2026? In this episode of Comp and Coffee, Ruth Thomas is joined by Vicky Peakman, Founder of Fair Pay Partners, and Lulu Seikaly, Senior Corporate Attorney, to unpack what the latest gender pay gap data really means and why transparency and equity are now inseparable. Together they explore why the uncontrolled gap still persists, where inequities show up most clearly across careers and industries, and how organizations can move beyond compliance to build compensation strategies that are both equitable and sustainable. This conversation looks at the legal landscape, the operational realities inside organizations, and the strategic choices leaders must make if they want pay transparency to strengthen trust rather than expose gaps. Episode resources: 2026 Gender Pay Gap Report: https://www.payscale.com/featured-content/gender-pay-gap HR’s 2026 Guide to Pay Equity: https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/hr-2026-guide-to-pay-equity Email: coffee@payscale.com for listener questions and suggestions
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    40 mins
  • The hidden cost of peanut butter pay

    The hidden cost of peanut butter pay
    Mar 15 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
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    33 mins
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