Compensation and benefits media

08/05/2026

Five-year equity vesting is back: designing retention grants under the new proxy regime

Learn why executive equity vesting design has become a board-level issue, how to balance time-based and performance-based awards, and how vesting length affects retention, dilution, tax, and investor expectations.

Why 83% of employers still spread merit equally, and why it is a retention trap

07/05/2026

Why 83% of employers still spread merit equally, and why it is a retention trap

GLP-1 drugs on your plan: coverage rules that contain cost without revolt

07/05/2026

GLP-1 drugs on your plan: coverage rules that contain cost without revolt

ISS and Glass Lewis extend pay-for-performance to 5 years: what changes for grant design

29/04/2026

ISS and Glass Lewis extend pay-for-performance to 5 years: what changes for grant design

Pay Equity

Location-agnostic pay: the hidden cost of killing your geo-differentials

04/05/2026

Pay equity audits that hold up in court: a defensible methodology

Spotlight

Salary Structures

07/05/2026

Location-agnostic pay: the hidden cost of killing your geo-differentials

Learn how geographic pay differentials, flat national pay and tiered metro models affect total compensation cost, internal equity and relocation policy, with concrete examples, math and sample geo-factor guidance for total rewards leaders.

Total rewards transparency: when showing the whole pie backfires

03/05/2026

Total rewards transparency: when showing the whole pie backfires

Why most total rewards transparency efforts backfire, how the 120% trust cliff works, and how to design compensation policies and benefits that employees actually believe.

Massachusetts starts fining non-compliant job postings: the first real pay transparency stress test

Learn how Massachusetts pay transparency enforcement works in practice, from Notices to Cure and two-day response windows to escalating fines, coverage thresholds, and practical audit steps for compensation teams.

Pay transparency laws by state: the 2026 compliance map

Learn how pay transparency laws by state affect job postings, remote roles and internal promotions, with key statutes, thresholds, penalties and practical compliance examples for compensation leaders.

Retention without sign-on bonuses: what actually sticks

Practical employee retention strategies for HR and managers, from recognition design to stay interviews, counter offers, career paths and flexible work policies.

US health benefit costs set to jump 6.5% in 2026: the deductible game is running out

Employer health benefit costs are projected to rise 6.5% in 2026, pushing average spending per worker above $18,500. Learn how income-based contributions, network design, GLP-1 management and ACA coordination can control trend while protecting affordability and equity.

by Vincent Lefebvre

Proxy season 2026: what ISS and Glass Lewis will actually punish this year

21/04/2026

Proxy season 2026: what ISS and Glass Lewis will actually punish this year

Say-on-Pay 2026 guide for compensation committees: how ISS 2025 Americas policies and Glass Lewis 2025 pay-for-performance scorecards affect executive pay design, grant structures, and proxy disclosure.

by Laura Patel

Mercer pegs 2026 US merit at 3.2%. The real story is the 83% spreading it flat.

20/04/2026

Mercer pegs 2026 US merit at 3.2%. The real story is the 83% spreading it flat.

Learn how to use your merit increase budget 2026 as a strategic tool for retention, pay equity and performance, with data from Mercer and WorldatWork and practical salary budget governance examples.

Pay transparency laws do not fix pay: structure beats disclosure

Learn why a pay transparency strategy is not the same as a compensation strategy, how salary range disclosure exposes job architecture, and how HR leaders can use transparency laws to build defensible, equitable pay structures.

ACA affordability threshold 2026: the 9.96% rule and the three safe harbors

Learn how the ACA affordability threshold of 9.86% for 2026 really affects employer health plan contributions, how the three IRS safe harbors work, and how to avoid costly Section 4980H penalties and IRS Letter 226J challenges.

Crafting a welcoming letter to a new employee that elevates compensation and benefits

13/04/2026

Crafting a welcoming letter to a new employee that elevates compensation and benefits

Learn how to craft a welcoming letter to a new employee that clarifies compensation, benefits, and culture while strengthening onboarding, trust, and retention.

by Rebecca O'Donnell

How smart eNPS questions transform employee engagement and advocacy

by Charlotte Bernier-Wells

11/04/2026

How smart eNPS questions transform employee engagement and advocacy

Learn how well designed eNPS questions, scales, and surveys reveal employee engagement, guide compensation and benefits decisions, and strengthen workplace advocacy.

The best platforms for building integrations with HRIS tools for modern compensation teams

11/04/2026

The best platforms for building integrations with HRIS tools for modern compensation teams

Learn how the best platforms for building integrations with HRIS tools support accurate payroll, global workforce management, and strategic compensation decisions.

by Olivia Martinez

How smart sales representative incentives transform performance and pay

How smart sales representative incentives transform performance and pay

Learn how smart sales representative incentives align goals, rewards, and performance to motivate sales teams, protect ethics, and support long term growth.

by Madeleine Beaumont

Engaging virtual christmas party ideas for remote teams seeking connection

Engaging virtual christmas party ideas for remote teams seeking connection

Learn how strategic virtual Christmas party ideas can strengthen remote team engagement, support fair rewards, and enhance your overall compensation and benefits strategy.

by Rebecca O'Donnell

How thoughtful welcome letters to new employees elevate compensation and benefits strategies

How thoughtful welcome letters to new employees elevate compensation and benefits strategies

Learn how thoughtful welcome letters to new employees clarify compensation, benefits, and onboarding, building trust, engagement, and a strong company culture.

by Vincent Lefebvre

How compensation and benefits strategies elevate workforce efficiency

by Jean-Paul Dubois-Maier

How compensation and benefits strategies elevate workforce efficiency

How smart compensation and benefits strategies enhance workforce efficiency, employee productivity, engagement, and mental health in modern workplaces.

19/03/2026

How rewards and incentives com programs shape employee loyalty and recognition

Learn how rewards and incentives com programs shape employee loyalty, recognition, and wellbeing through fair design, digital tools, and transparent governance.

Thoughtful mental health gifts for employees that elevate workplace care

Learn how thoughtful mental health gifts for employees enhance total rewards, reduce stress, and strengthen workplace care through strategic, data driven benefit design.

How an employee recognition survey can transform compensation and benefits strategies

Learn how an employee recognition survey can align pay, benefits, and culture, improve employee engagement, and strengthen retention through data driven rewards.

Understanding the Costs of UPS Retirement Health Insurance

Understanding Costco's Dental Coverage Options

03/07/2025

Understanding Costco's Dental Coverage Options

Understanding the Voluntary Separation Scheme: An In-Depth Guide

02/05/2025

Understanding the Voluntary Separation Scheme: An In-Depth Guide

Using non-monetary rewards to boost employee engagement

Understanding Paternity Leave in Massachusetts

Paid Time Off

01/07/2025

Understanding Paternity Leave in Massachusetts

Understanding Eligible Expenses for SF MRA

Wellness Programs

Understanding Eligible Expenses for SF MRA

Understanding Deutsche Bank's Pension Scheme

Retirement Plans

09/05/2025

Understanding Deutsche Bank's Pension Scheme

Adding Your Newborn to Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adding Your Newborn to Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the Intricacies of Captive Health Insurance

Understanding Your Rights: Can You Be Fired if FMLA is Denied?

Understanding Your Rights: Can You Be Fired if FMLA is Denied?

Navigating the American Plan Administrators Provider Portal

Pay Equity

01/07/2025

Navigating the American Plan Administrators Provider Portal

Understanding Unemployment Benefits After FMLA Termination

Benefits Compliance

26/04/2025

Understanding Unemployment Benefits After FMLA Termination

Understanding the Johnson & Johnson Pension Plan

Retirement Plans

30/08/2025

Understanding the Johnson & Johnson Pension Plan

Understanding Citi's Total Compensation Online Platform

Understanding Citi's Total Compensation Online Platform

Understanding Legal Compliance in Employee Compensation

Understanding Legal Compliance in Employee Compensation

Understanding the intricacies of ADA lawsuit settlement amounts

Understanding the intricacies of ADA lawsuit settlement amounts

Compensation Strategies

Review culture definition in compensation and benefits: how feedback shapes performance and pay

04/03/2026

Review culture definition in compensation and benefits: how feedback shapes performance and pay

Understand review culture definition in compensation and benefits, and learn how feedback, leadership, and workplace culture shape performance, pay, and engagement.

Qué significa YTD en un cheque y por qué cambia tu visión del salario

Qué significa YTD en un cheque, cómo se calcula y qué revela realmente sobre tu salario, impuestos y beneficios. Guía clara para entender mejor tu nómina.

by Madeleine Beaumont

Employee Benefits Programs

Working at the Boys and Girls Club: what to know about compensation and benefits

Pay Equity

by Jean-Paul Dubois-Maier

29/01/2026

Working at the Boys and Girls Club: what to know about compensation and benefits

Explore what to expect from compensation and benefits when working at the Boys and Girls Club. Learn about pay structures, unique perks, and how these roles support professional growth.

Understanding benefit bars: what they mean for your compensation package

Flexible Benefits

28/01/2026

Understanding benefit bars: what they mean for your compensation package

Explore the concept of benefit bars, how they impact your compensation, and what to look for when evaluating your total rewards. Get clear, practical insights into this important aspect of employee benefits.

by Rebecca O'Donnell

Incentives and Rewards

Thoughtful office valentine ideas that strengthen teams and workplace rewards

17/03/2026

Thoughtful office valentine ideas that strengthen teams and workplace rewards

Meaningful thanksgiving team building activities that strengthen culture and reward employees

15/03/2026

Meaningful thanksgiving team building activities that strengthen culture and reward employees

How an employee engagement calendar elevates compensation, benefits, and workplace culture

Recognition Programs

14/03/2026

How an employee engagement calendar elevates compensation, benefits, and workplace culture

How to use a stay interview format to strengthen employee engagement and retention

Recognition Programs

13/03/2026

How to use a stay interview format to strengthen employee engagement and retention

Legal and Compliance

What shipbuilders need to know about employee compensation lawsuits and wage fixing claims

by Charlotte Bernier-Wells

27/02/2026

What shipbuilders need to know about employee compensation lawsuits and wage fixing claims

In depth analysis of shipbuilders employee compensation lawsuits, wage fixing claims, and how shipyard workers, engineers, and families may be affected.

Understanding the nj sick leave law for employees and employers

Clear, professional guide to the nj sick leave law, explaining accrual, usage, carryover, employer duties, and employee rights for paid sick time in New Jersey.

Trends and Innovations

17/03/2026

Thoughtful office valentine ideas that strengthen teams and workplace rewards

Professional guide to office valentine ideas that strengthen engagement, fairness, and total rewards, with inclusive activities, low cost options, and HR insights.

Meaningful thanksgiving team building activities that strengthen culture and reward employees

Learn how meaningful thanksgiving team building activities can reinforce compensation, benefits, engagement, and retention for employees in hybrid and office workplaces.