When your merit budget feels more like limes and salt than a top-shelf blend, how do you still create something worth raising a glass to? Many organizations are facing tight budgets—sometimes just 2%—and are expected to deliver pay-for-performance, manage compression, and address pay equity issues all at once.

This lively session brings together seasoned practitioners to share how they’ve turned sour merit cycles into refreshing success stories. You’ll explore real-world strategies for rewarding top performers, balancing fairness, and squeezing the most value from limited funds. From creative pay-for-performance models to practical equity adjustments, you’ll leave with ideas strong enough to take the edge off even the saltiest cycle—no trip to Mexico required.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn practical ways to maximize limited merit budgets while rewarding performance and maintaining equity.
• Discover how other organizations have tackled compression, pay equity, and market adjustments during lean cycles.
• Explore how technology and creative planning can help you mix the right blend of recognition, fairness, and fiscal discipline—without over-shaking the budget.