90% reduction in HR data requests.
Go beyond dashboards to real-time insights.
3-week setup. All, at a fraction of the cost.
Included integrates data from your HRIS, ATS, Engagement, and other key systems to empower your organization with actionable insights, enabling smarter decisions and measurable results.
Fords Companies Are Winning with Merit Increases—Here’s Why You Should Pay Attention
In today’s fast-paced work landscape, retaining top talent requires more than a monthly deposit. Employees want recognition, career advancement, and rewards that acknowledge their performance. That’s where merit increases come into play.
If your company in Fords isn’t leveraging strategic raises, you may be falling behind. Let’s explore what a merit increase really is, why it’s essential, and how Included AI is transforming the way companies handle compensation.
A merit increase (also known as a salary bump) is a pay adjustment given based on an employee’s impact. Unlike standard raises or company-wide bonuses, a merit increase is earned—and that makes all the difference.
Merit-based salary adjustments serve as both financial incentives and strategic tools that recognize excellence.
Today’s employees want more than basic compensation—they want to know their efforts are seen. Here’s why merit increases are critical for businesses in Fords and beyond:
In a challenging job market, retaining top performers is everything. When employees know they can achieve rewards based on results, they stay more motivated. A strong merit system helps build a culture of growth and loyalty.
When employees understand that better work leads to better pay, they align more closely with your business goals. A merit-based structure helps encourage accountability.
Without clear systems, raises can be biased. That’s where Included AI comes in. With real-time analytics and equity tools, HR teams can ensure that performance raises are based on facts—not favoritism.
Too often, managers make raise decisions using outdated info or gut instinct. Included AI provides modern tools that enable them to support top talent—consistently and transparently.
Included AI uses advanced technology, analytics, and behavioral science to help organizations in Fords improve how they manage merit increases. Here’s what makes their platform different:
Real-Time Dashboards: Access visual workforce insights.
Bias Interruption Tools: Identify potential inequalities before they influence decisions.
Automated Planning: Distribute raise budgets based on performance and equity standards.
Compliance Reporting: Stay ahead of DEI reporting requirements and internal audits.
Even companies with good intentions can make critical errors. Some pitfalls to avoid when offering merit increases:
Using unclear performance metrics
Skipping equity reviews
Making decisions emotionally
Combining COLA and merit increases
Included AI eliminates these challenges with smart, automated tools.
When executed well, merit increases offer serious value:
Loyal, long-term employees
Increased performance
Greater satisfaction
Cultural alignment
Merit increases aren’t just a cost—they’re an investment.
If your team in Fords is still managing raises via outdated methods, it’s time for a smarter approach.
Included AI is empowering HR leaders to make confident, data-backed compensation decisions that attract top talent.
Whether you’re preparing for your next performance cycle or overhauling your compensation strategy, Included AI helps you do it with fairness, transparency, and intelligence.
Today’s employees expect recognition. A well-designed merit increase program does more than add dollars to earnings—it helps you build a workplace where people thrive.
With tools like Included AI, companies in Fords can modernize their approach to merit-based compensation and set the stage for a more engaged, high-performing workforce.
Don’t just give raises. Give purpose, data, and fairness—powered by Included AI.
Weeks to Value
Rapid deployment to see impact faster
Time Savings
Shift from manual reporting to high-value work
Cost Savings
Compared to legacy or custom tools
Included integrates with a wide variety of tech tools in order to merge all your people data and deliver insights and action steps. All leading HRIS, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), engagement applications, Slack, Teams, SSO are just some of the integrations available.
Discover how Included can transform your people data into actionable insights and business strategy.
© 2025 Included, Inc., All Rights Reserved.