Employers Cutting Back on Across-the-Board Raises

According to Korn Ferry, “Last year, many organizations were pushing to make everyone more productive. This year, some are focusing their pool of raises only on the most productive.” The focus in 2026 will apparently be on rewarding those that are most productive and/or possess the most critical skills. With hiring down both in the US,  this appears to be a “seller’s market” with regard to providing pay increases, with a more strategic view toward distribution of compensation funds.