If you've already completed the 2026 LeadingAge Wisconsin–MRA Compensation Survey, thank you. You've done something that matters — for your organization, your workforce and the broader field. If you haven't yet, there's still time, and we have a very good reason to ask you to bump it up on your to-do list.

The survey closes Friday, July 3, 2026, but what happens afterward might be the most compelling reason to participate.

The Data Comes Alive This Fall

This September, at Change Makers: 2026 Annual Conference and 46th Annual Exhibitors Forum, we're devoting an entire pre-conference workshop to exploring what the survey results actually mean for you and your organization.

PC1: The Intersection of Workforce Compensation and Culture takes place Monday, Sept. 29, from 1:15–4:30 p.m. and is built to help you move from data to action.

The workshop kicks off with a deep dive into the 2026 LeadingAge Wisconsin–MRA Compensation Survey results, presented by experts from MRA – The Management Association. You'll hear key findings, emerging trends and market insights — the kind of information that can genuinely shape how you think about recruiting, retaining and rewarding your team.

Beyond the Numbers

Compensation is about more than what shows up on a paycheck. Molly Carpenter, director of workforce strategy and development at LeadingAge (national), will help participants explore the relationship between pay practices and organizational culture. Think total rewards, flexibility, professional development and benefits that address what employees actually need in their lives. Think about how the conversations you have, or don't have, with your staff shape trust, engagement and whether they stick around.

Molly will challenge participants to look at compensation through a cultural lens and consider how non-traditional benefits and authentic workforce stewardship can set their organization apart.

Ideas You Can Actually Use

The workshop wraps up with a practical action-planning session led by LeadingAge Wisconsin Workforce Network Co-Chairs Tracy Blaubach and Reggie Miller, alongside LeadingAge Wisconsin's Kate Battiato, VP of media and community impact. They'll highlight creative workforce investments and real-world examples from LeadingAge Wisconsin members who are doing things differently, and seeing results.

You'll leave with fresh ideas, practical strategies and clear next steps.

First, You Have to Participate in the Survey

To get the most from this opportunity, it's important that interested organizations complete the survey. Only organizations that complete the survey are eligible to purchase the reports. The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Provider Compensation Survey for Executives and the Wisconsin Long-Term Care Provider Compensation Survey for Senior Living Employees will be sold together as a package for $495 and are expected to be available by Sept. 1, 2026. For MRA members, all fees are waived.

The survey covers wage and benefits data for 96 positions, from executive leadership to frontline staff, across skilled nursing, assisted living, home health and independent living settings. That's a comprehensive benchmarking tool that can help you stay competitive in a tough workforce environment.

If your organization hasn't received the survey link, please contact Kate Battiato. The link was first sent on June 1 from salarysurvey.mranet@periscopeiq.com, with email reminders sent out weekly. To help ensure delivery, add @periscopeiq.com and surveys@mranet.org to your safe senders list.

Come Be a Change Maker

The pre-conference workshop is just one piece of what promises to be a remarkable gathering. Change Makers: 2026 Annual Conference and 46th Annual Exhibitors Forum is where Wisconsin's aging services leaders come together to connect, recharge and recommit to the work that matters most.

Register for the conference and explore the full pre-conference lineup on our conference website. We hope to see you there — ready to ignite change, right here in Wisconsin.