As we move into 2024, U.S. employers are adjusting their compensation strategies to navigate a complex economic landscape. According to Mercer’s latest U.S. Compensation Planning Survey1, organizations are planning more modest salary increases compared to previous years. This article explores these trends and highlights how innovative platforms like pepelwerk can support organizations in optimizing their compensation strategies.
Mercer’s survey reveals that U.S. employers plan to raise their compensation budgets by 3.5% for merit increases and 3.9% for total salary increases for non-unionized employees in 20241. These figures are slightly lower than the actual increases seen in 2023, reflecting a cautious approach amid economic uncertainties. Despite this, the planned increases remain above pre-pandemic levels, indicating ongoing labor market tightness and low unemployment rates.
To effectively manage compensation budgets, employers must adopt a strategic approach. This involves focusing on critical talent segments and ensuring pay increases are distributed fairly and equitably. pepelwerk offers a data-driven platform that helps organizations identify and attract top talent, ensuring that compensation investments are aligned with business goals2. By leveraging AI and analytics, pepelwerk enables employers to make informed decisions about salary adjustments and promotions.
Different industries face unique compensation challenges. For instance, the healthcare sector is projecting lower-than-average merit increases as it continues to recover from the financial impact of the pandemic1. Similarly, the high-tech industry is seeing a reversal of historical trends, with more modest increases planned due to recent layoffs and financial strain.
pepelwerk’s tailored solutions can help organizations in these industries navigate their specific challenges. By providing insights into market trends and compensation benchmarks, pepelwerk supports employers in making competitive and equitable pay decisions2.
Retention remains a key focus for employers, with many planning off-cycle pay increases to address retention concerns and counteroffers1. pepelwerk’s career management tools help organizations retain top talent by offering personalized career development resources and growth opportunities2. This holistic approach not only enhances employee satisfaction but also reduces turnover rates.
As employers plan for 2024, adopting a strategic and data-driven approach to compensation is crucial. By leveraging insights from Mercer’s comprehensive survey and the innovative solutions offered by pepelwerk, organizations can navigate the complexities of the current economic landscape and ensure their compensation strategies are effective and equitable.
For more detailed insights from Mercer’s survey, visit their website1. To explore how pepelwerk can support your compensation planning and talent management needs, check out their platform2.
1: Mercer. “2024 US Compensation Planning Survey.” Mercer, 2023. 2: Pepelwerk. “Career Matching Technology Innovation.” Pepelwerk, 2024.