Blog - MorganHR

25 Nov 2025

Ask Better Questions: The Leadership Skill That Transforms Performance Conversations

Posted on November 25, 2025 (November 25, 2025) by Stacy Fenner

Venn diagram showing involvement, understanding, and clarity overlapping to illustrate how asking better questions leads to effective performance conversations.

As a leader, have you ever rushed to solve a problem, give an answer, or outline a plan of attack? If so, you’re not alone. HR professionals, compensation teams, and people leaders want to support others. They aim to guide, reassure, and advance the work. Yet this instinct often leads us to skip one critical […]

24 Nov 2025

by Austin Schleeter Permalink

When “Professional” Doesn’t Mean What You Think: Untangling the DOE Degree Ruling and FLSA Confusion

Posted on November 24, 2025 (November 25, 2025) by Austin Schleeter

Scales balancing academic degrees on one side and compensation on the other, symbolizing the difference between educational classifications and the learned professional exemption under FLSA.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. FLSA classifications depend on specific job duties, salary tests, and jurisdictional guidance. Organizations should consult legal counsel or the Department of Labor for guidance on their unique situations. For HR and compensation teams, few things create anxiety faster […]

14 Nov 2025

by Laura Morgan Permalink

Why Job Descriptions Don’t Mention AI Evolution (And Why They Should)

Posted on November 14, 2025 by Laura Morgan

Comparison of traditional static job description versus evolution-focused job description highlighting role transformation expectations

The Silent Evolution Problem in Hiring HR Directors face a puzzling issue in 2025. According to the World Economic Forum, job disruption will equal 22% of roles by 2030, with 170 million new jobs created. Yet most job descriptions remain silent about evolution needs. Meanwhile, your finance team tracks sheets for pay planning, your HR […]

11 Nov 2025

by Stacy Fenner Permalink

Leonardo vs. Michelangelo: Designing the Right AI Learning Environment

Posted on November 11, 2025 (November 11, 2025) by Stacy Fenner

Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo split portrait representing conceptual thinkers and hands-on builders in AI learning environments

When bringing AI into your business, success depends less on algorithms and more on how people learn. Some workers learn by exploring and asking questions, while others learn by doing and building. To make AI truly part of your company culture, you must design an AI learning environment that serves both types: the Leonardos (deep […]

30 Oct 2025

by Laura Morgan Permalink

In the World of Compensation, Not All Hierarchies Are Created Equal

Posted on October 30, 2025 (October 18, 2025) by Laura Morgan

Organizational job hierarchy chart illustrating compensation structure.

Understanding the Role of Hierarchies in Compensation When you think of a “hierarchy,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s a ladder—from highest to lowest, most to least important, or greatest to smallest. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according […]

28 Oct 2025

by Michelle Henderson Permalink

Compa-Ratio Explained: A Simple Guide for HR Directors

Posted on October 28, 2025 (October 18, 2025) by Michelle Henderson

HR professional analyzing digital salary range and range penetration dashboard, visualizing midpoint and pay progression metrics.

Introduction: Making Compensation Metrics Human Again Many HR leaders have faced the moment when a CEO asks, “What’s our compa-ratio for the marketing team?”—and everyone pauses. Compa-ratio, short for comparative ratio, is a metric used in compensation management to compare an employee’s salary to the midpoint of their pay range or market rate. Some organizations […]

27 Oct 2025

by Austin Schleeter Permalink

How to Run a Clean Data Validation Day: Your Compensation Data Validation Checklist

Posted on October 27, 2025 (October 18, 2025) by Austin Schleeter

HR professional marking items on a compensation data validation checklist clipboard.

Why Data Validation Is HR’s Hidden Advantage Compensation planning only works when the data behind it is rock solid. Inaccurate records, mismatched job titles, or outdated benchmarks can unravel even the most well-designed programs. That’s why every HR team needs a compensation data validation checklist—a simple but powerful way to ensure your planning process starts […]

24 Oct 2025

by Alex Morgan Permalink

Compensation KPIs Predict Attrition: Metrics & Thresholds

Posted on October 24, 2025 (October 18, 2025) by Alex Morgan

Compensation dashboard highlighting attrition risk metrics including compa-ratio pay compression and voluntary turnover rate thresholds

The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Compensation Signals Most HR Directors find turnover problems too late. By the time exit talks reveal pay issues, your best workers have already taken other offers. Also, replacing one employee costs between 50% to four times their yearly salary, based on the role and level. So, tracking pay metrics becomes […]

22 Oct 2025

by Laura Morgan Permalink

The CHRO vs. VP of HR Distinction: Context Matters More Than You Think

Posted on October 22, 2025 (November 10, 2025) by Laura Morgan

Infographic comparing VP of Human Resources and CHRO roles showing tactical operations versus strategic leadership in HR

Most executives can recite EBITDA margins in their sleep. However, far fewer can explain the difference between CHRO and VP of HR—and yet that distinction quietly drives tens of millions in enterprise value. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: your “CHRO” might just be an expensive VP with a better business card. Consequently, every company should ask […]

21 Oct 2025

by Michelle Henderson Permalink

Bonus Planning: Simple Systems for Small Teams

Posted on October 21, 2025 (October 18, 2025) by Michelle Henderson

Bonus planning before and after comparison showing chaotic spreadsheets versus organized dashboards

Annual Bonus Planning for Small Teams: Admin-Friendly Systems That Actually Work Are your bonus conversations happening in hallway whispers while your “plan” lives in a chaotic Excel file that nobody understands? Do your managers spend more time debating fairness than celebrating wins? If this sounds familiar, your small business likely needs a smarter approach to […]