While salary budgets continue to stabilize, compensation and HR professionals have an opportunity this year to shift their focus from merit increases and bonuses to other factors that are reshaping employee pay. We’ve identified the top 5 trends to watch in 2026.
The bottom line
2026 isn’t about big salary hikes or AI takeovers. It’s about smart, differentiated pay strategies backed by data, equity and continuous review. Organizations that embrace this shift will stay competitive — and ready for the future.
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MARKET Data
Compensation, HR practices and policies surveys
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