“Total [salary] increases for publicly traded companies are more modest than private companies, likely because public firms may utilize other vehicles to reward employees including more widespread equity programs,” Agenda reported based on Pearl Meyer's salary survey.

“Companies are confronting wage pressure across employment levels, and some are providing more flexible working arrangements in response,” said Bill Reilly, managing director at Pearl Meyer.

“While there are many factors that contribute to an employer’s pay gap, one of the more significant factors—over which employers have some control—is the percentage of women or under-represented minorities in executive and management roles,” Jim Hudner, managing director at Pearl Meyer.