The minimum wage increase for 2026 is now a reality. For companies whose operations take place on the street—technicians, crews, merchandisers, salespeople, supervisors, inspectors—the impact is even more noticeable: labor costs are rising while room for maneuver is shrinking.

In this context, the greatest risk is responding with short-term solutions: across-the-board increases, disorderly cuts, or greater operational pressure on teams. Recent experience shows that this path is not sustainable. It flattens structures, breaks internal equity, and disconnects compensation from the real value that each role contributes.

The conclusion is clear: it is not about paying less, but about paying better, and that is only possible if compensation is backed by real and measurable productivity.