Louisville, KY- 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.