Carson City's Strategic Shift to Data-Driven, Real-Time Compensation Decisions

Customer Case Study: Carson, California

The City of Carson, under the leadership of Human Resources Director Joshua Boudreaux, successfully transitioned from outdated, error-prone spreadsheets to Live Compensation Software. This implementation addressed the need for a modern, real-time approach to managing compensation and labor costs, enabling the city to maintain transparency, equity, and efficiency in its HR and finance operations.

The City of Carson faced significant challenges in managing compensation and labor costs. The use of spreadsheets made it difficult to accurately track and analyze data, often leading to inefficiencies. As the city’s workforce grew and compensation structures became more complex, there was an increasing need for a solution that could provide real-time insights and support data-driven decision-making.

Recognizing its potential to revolutionize the city’s approach to compensation management, Mr. Boudreaux spearheaded the adoption of new compensation technology for confident analysis. This software provided a comprehensive platform that integrated all aspects of compensation, including total compensation, benefits, and other employee-related costs.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

• Real-time Data Analysis: The software allowed the HR team to analyze compensation data instantly. As Mr. Boudreaux noted, “We are using the new tool to stay in real-time with workforce costs. The Live Compensation Software lets us see exactly where we stand in terms of competitive compensation.”
• Comprehensive Analysis: The platform enabled the city to consider not just base salaries, but total compensation, including benefits like medical, disability, dental, and vision. “It’s the total cost of the employee, not just what they see on LinkedIn or government jobsites,” Boudreaux explained.
• Scenario Building: The software provided the ability to build various scenarios, allowing the HR team to assess different compensation structures and their impacts. “I’ve built various scenarios so we can see how valid our data is and where we stand compared to the market,” Boudreaux added.

The City of Carson experienced several key benefits following the implementation:

• Improved Accuracy: The real-time data tracking and comprehensive analysis tools provided by the software reduced errors and improved the accuracy of compensation reports.
• Enhanced Transparency: By using a living document that updates in real-time, the city ensured equity across classifications and avoided the need for constant external consultations. “We now have a living document so that we’re not just doing this as a snapshot in time, but we’re ensuring equity amongst our classifications ongoing,” said Boudreaux.
• Greater Efficiency: The ability to monitor and analyze data quickly and effectively allowed the City of Carson to make informed decisions without delay, streamlining HR operations.

The City of Carson’s transition to Live Compensation Software is a prime example of how modern technology can transform public sector operations. By moving away from outdated methods and embracing a real-time, comprehensive approach to compensation management, the city has improved accuracy, efficiency, and transparency in its HR and finance departments. This case study highlights the importance of innovation in government operations and the benefits that can be achieved through the adoption of cutting-edge solutions.