Welcome to today’s roundtable, where we dive into the complex and essential topic of fair compensation. More than just a salary figure, fair compensation sits at the heart of every career decision and organizational strategy. Are you exploring a new opportunity? Seeking a career progression or promotion? Considering a lateral move for improved work-life balance or a cultural change? In all cases, understanding what constitutes competitive compensation is crucial to every professional and hiring manager.

Both Candidates and Hiring Managers are Confused

In recent conversations with both candidates and hiring teams, a recurring theme has emerged. There is often confusion about what fair and competitive compensation really means. The market shifts rapidly. What was considered fair six months ago may not hold true today. Therefore, basing career and hiring choices on outdated benchmarks can lead to job dissatisfaction, decreased morale, or even attrition.

Why Clarity is Important

Research and recent reports strongly support the statement that employees who feel undervalued or underpaid are significantly more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.

The net: companies neglecting fair compensation risk losing both existing talent and new hires. For example, according to Payscale’s 2025 Fair Pay Impact Report, employees who believe they are paid unfairly are 45% more likely to look for a new job, regardless of their actual compensation. Additionally, nearly one-third of organizations identified unfair pay as the primary reason for losing talent, underscoring how pay inequity drives turnover.

Alternatively, studies have also shown that fair, competitive pay not only increases retention rates but also helps attract high-performing talent. This means employees are less likely to stay at companies where they feel underappreciated or where pay practices are not transparent and equitable.

Are You Receiving Fair Compensation?

During this episode, we will explore what fair compensation is for both consultants and permanent employees. We discuss why it matters, when it doesn’t matter, how to benchmark it for your specific role, and how to transparently discuss expectations with hiring teams.

Our team shares practical tips for researching market rates. We also outline how to approach uncomfortable salary conversations. If you are wondering when to bring up compensation, how to ensure your rate reflects your value, or how to avoid common pitfalls in negotiation, you are in the right place.

Join us as we dissect the concept of fair compensation and empower you to navigate your next career conversation with confidence and knowledge.

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