SimplyMerit is cloud-based compensation management software created by MorganHR that simplifies merit planning, bonuses, and equity grants with real-time collaboration, HRIS integration, and Total Rewards Statements. Most organizations go live in 5 days.

How does SimplyMerit integrate with our HRIS?

SimplyMerit integrates seamlessly with ADP, Paylocity, BambooHR, and other major HRIS platforms through secure API connections. Employee data syncs automatically to eliminate manual updates.

How long does SimplyMerit implementation take?

Most organizations are live in 5 days with our Live in Five implementation process. This includes setup, data migration, and team training.

Can SimplyMerit handle bonuses and equity grants?

Yes. SimplyMerit handles merit increases, bonuses, spot awards, promotions, equity grants, and other variable compensation types in one platform.

What makes MorganHR different from other compensation consultants?

MorganHR combines expert compensation consulting with SimplyMerit software. Every client gets ongoing access to our compensation consultants, not just a software helpdesk. We provide both strategic guidance and powerful tools.

Blog - Page 2 of 27

08 Dec 2025

by Austin Schleeter Permalink

Are You “Out of Office” – or Out of Clarity? Why the Holiday Season Exposes How Little We Understand Our PTO Policies

Posted on December 8, 2025 (December 19, 2025) by Austin Schleeter

Illustration showing a December calendar, clocks, PTO icons, and policy checkmarks representing holiday time-off planning and PTO policy clarity.

The inbox says, “I’ll be offline.”The calendar says, “OOO.”And the brain says, “Wait… am I using PTO, a floating holiday, sick leave, or something else entirely?” Every December, conversations about time off surge. Employees submit last-minute requests, managers scramble to balance coverage, and HR teams brace for the annual wave of “What policy applies here?” […]

02 Dec 2025

by Austin Schleeter Permalink

Benchmarking Salaries in a Competitive Market: Strategies for Attracting Top Talent Without Breaking the Bank

Posted on December 2, 2025 (December 19, 2025) by Austin Schleeter

Salary data comparability decision matrix showing seven evaluation criteria for compensation benchmarking with color-coded outcomes for high confidence, use with caution, and exclude from analysis

Ever wonder why two seemingly identical jobs at different companies can pay $20,000 apart? You’re three months into your compensation analyst role, and your hiring manager just asked you to price a new Marketing Manager position. You pull up three salary surveys, search Google for “Marketing Manager salary,” and get numbers ranging from $68,000 to […]

01 Dec 2025

by Stacy Fenner Permalink

Compensation Planning Clarity: Your 2026 Decision Framework

Posted on December 1, 2025 (December 19, 2025) by Stacy Fenner

Compensation planning clarity framework flowchart showing five diagnostic questions leading to three organizational categories and recommended action paths for 2026.

Manual compensation planning can consume hundreds of HR hours per cycle, yet 44% of employers still cite compensation as their top unresolved challenge. The problem isn’t effort—it’s focus. Spreadsheet errors multiply, managers lack confidence in pay decisions, and strategic priorities get buried under administrative noise. The 2026 planning cycle demands something different: compensation planning clarity […]

25 Nov 2025

by Stacy Fenner Permalink

Ask Better Questions: The Leadership Skill That Transforms Performance Conversations

Posted on November 25, 2025 (December 19, 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 (December 19, 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 (December 19, 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 (December 19, 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 (December 19, 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 (December 19, 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 (December 19, 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 […]