The State of Pay: 7 Compensation Trends Redefining the Workplace
Compensation strategy is outpacing infrastructure in 2026.
With pay transparency laws now covering 40% of the US workforce, pressure is mounting to demonstrate fairness and empower managers to make defensible pay decisions. Yet, many organizations are struggling with outdated systems that simply can't support modern compensation demands.
We surveyed 178 US compensation, HR, and finance leaders to identify the trends reshaping compensation strategy. Download our free report to learn about how:
- Cross-functional buy-in is the new standard: 93% say compensation software decisions now involve the C-suite, IT, and finance, linking pay directly to broader business outcomes.
- Spreadsheets are failing: 34% cite manual, spreadsheet-heavy systems as a top pain point that limits their strategy.
- AI readiness depends on governance: 56% see strong potential for AI automation, but 52% require strict data privacy safeguards before adopting it.
Inside, you'll also get expert insights from beqom leadership, including:
- Why pay decisions can no longer remain a back-office function (Vismay Gada, Chief Evangelist).
- The two critical questions every team must ask before adopting AI (Clare Bonham, Chief Product Officer).
- 3 concrete steps you can take right now to close the gap between your strategy and your infrastructure.
Fill out the form to access the full report.
Some of our latest resources
Explore beqom's latest resources, including expert eGuides, exclusive webinars, and so much more.
EU Pay Transparency Directive Fireside Chat With TUI Group
Europe's pay transparency landscape is still shifting post-deadline. Watch our recent webinar with beqom experts Lara Winzen and Hayley Bakker, and Max Oranski from TUI, for a candid look at what's changed, where member states stand, and what it means for employers on the ground.
Download the Pay Intelligence Report
We surveyed 202 US HR, finance, and comp leaders. Download The Pay Intelligence Report to learn where the pay proof gap opens up and the practical steps to close it.
Download the HR Leader’s Guide to Pay Communication
Every review cycle puts managers in conversations they didn't design but have to deliver. Get the checklists, scripts, and ground rules to brief them with confidence.
Some of our latest articles
Broaden your understanding with our curated selection of recent articles. Explore best practices, gain insights from industry thought leaders, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends to help drive success in your field.
How to Deliver Talent Calibration That Survives a Pay-Gap Audit
Learn how to build objective ratings, record every calibration change, and test pay equity before pay decisions lock, so your pay gap audit is defensible before anyone asks.
How to Design a Long-Term Incentive Plan That Retains Top Talent
Learn how to design a long-term incentive plan that retains top talent, from choosing the right plan type to simulating cost before a single grant goes out.
EU Pay Transparency Directive Transposition Activity by Nation
The EU Pay Transparency Directive's 7 June 2026 transposition deadline has passed, but implementation across member states remains incomplete. We maintain this tracker so you can see exactly where each country stands, from finalized legislation to drafts still working their way through parliament.
