Employers’ flat 2026 pay plans point to ‘disconnect,’ Mercer says

This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: U.S. organizations expect to maintain steady pay strategies in 2026 despite economic concerns, according to the results of an October survey published by Mercer on Tuesday. The firm’s data showed expected average merit base salary increases of 3.2% for the new year and an average overall increase of 3.5%. Most respondents planned to spread those increases equally ...