Nashville, TN- The Great Debate - Are Merit Increases Still Effective?

​Merit increases have been a cornerstone of compensation programs for decades—but are they still delivering what we expect? In this session, we break down the real pros and cons of merit pay as a tool for rewarding performance, driving engagement, and retaining talent in a rapidly evolving labor market.  We’ll explore two contrasting viewpoints: one arguing that merit increases remain a critical lever for motivating employees and reinforcing a performance culture, and the other highlighting the growing evidence that traditional merit cycles may be falling short—diluted by budget constraints, inconsistent evaluation practices, and shifting employee expectations. Participants will walk away with fresh perspectives, practical considerations, and the chance to reflect on how well annual merit increases are actually working in their own organizations. Whether you’re defending the practice or ready to disrupt it, this debate will challenge your assumptions and spark meaningful conversation. Pay equity and transparency continue to be in the spotlight as legislation like the EU Pay Transparency Directive puts more pressure on employers to explain why they pay what they pay. AI only adds to the mix with employees' ability to have their own "Comp Coaches." Join us for a discussion of how companies are driving clarity, fairness, and trust by exploring how compensation gaps form, closing gaps and embedding fairness in their processes, and scaling thoughtful communications. We'll explore the latest approaches and how companies are supporting equitable decision making and preparing managers to discuss pay with confidence and consistency.