Most mid-market employers will hold 2026 salary increase budgets near 3.5% while health benefit costs are projected to rise about 6.5%. Stay competitive by reallocating toward market and equity fixes, rewarding performance and critical skills, keeping a mid-year reserve, refreshing ranges, and clearly communicating total rewards.

Employee compensation is one of the biggest challenges for every employer, from small businesses to major multinationals. Consider these statistics:

As we approach 2025, crafting an effective salary strategy involves more than just staying updated with market trends; it also requires aligning compensation with the organization's broader objectives and meeting employee expectations. Over the last few years, employers have experienced unpredictable fluctuations in the market.

August 26th is Women's Equality Day, which is an excellent time to reflect on the progress we've made on issues like the Gender Wage Gap.