The Modern Comp Manifesto Pay is not compa-ratios—it’s Karen from accounting, wondering how she will pay her skyrocketing rent—when she just got passed over for an expected raise. Pay is not merit increases—it’s James from marketing, doing the happy dance–because he just got a raise and can finally enroll his kids in dance class. Pay not job grades—it’s Amber from customer service’s shocked face—when she finds out how much Rachel (who just started) is making compared to her. Too many compensation managers and compensation programs gloss over the fact that they exist to serve the business in attracting and retaining people.