Didn't get the annual salary increase I was expecting

[Anonymous]

A year ago, my employer told me I would be getting a 5% salary pay raise at my next annual review time, based on my performance measures. Since that time, the company has struggled and they have had some financial issues. Today, I had my annual review and my employer said they would not be increasing my salary because it wasn't in the budget. They are happy with my performance, and I met all of my benchmarks. But there are a lot of financial uncertainties at the moment, and they can't justify, based on their numbers, to give me the raise I was promised.

I feel deflated and very upset. I have a large role at this company and while I was aware of the financial issues, I have been there for over 10 years. Not trying to be greedy, but I worked my butt off this year and weathered through a lot. Is there anything I can do to convince them that I need and deserve this pay raise, even if it isn't in their current budget?

[Anonymous]

Get another offer and leave.

[Anonymous]

My husband’s company is preparing to declare bankruptcy. Only 5 people in the company know this. Maybe it’s something like that OP, or layoffs. Either way just be glad you have a job.

[Anonymous]

I don't think you can take it personally. They are struggling financially and might truly not be able to make this work. Why don't you point out how hard you worked and explain your feelings on this, suggesting a few options outside the realm of increased compensation? Would you like to have a little additional vacation time, more flexibility on work hours or when you leave each day, more telework, attend a conference of some time or take a class (maybe suggest they pay 1/2 and/or allow you the paid time off to do it), etc.?

[Anonymous]

Is everyone treated the same way, especially the upper management? I'd start looking for the next job just in case...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My husband’s company is preparing to declare bankruptcy. Only 5 people in the company know this. Maybe it’s something like that OP, or layoffs. Either way just be glad you have a job.

Very bad advice. You should be paid what you are worth.

Time to find another job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My husband’s company is preparing to declare bankruptcy. Only 5 people in the company know this. Maybe it’s something like that OP, or layoffs. Either way just be glad you have a job.

Very bad advice. You should be paid what you are worth.

Time to find another job.

They’re basically giving you a warning that things are bad and you could get laid off soon. Take the time and apply for other jobs.

[Anonymous]

Find a new job if they are having financial difficulties.

[Anonymous]

Employers love love love employees who are emotionally invested in their position in the company and have too much inertia to run for the exit despite multiple warning signs.

Run, Forrest, run!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My husband’s company is preparing to declare bankruptcy. Only 5 people in the company know this. Maybe it’s something like that OP, or layoffs. Either way just be glad you have a job.

Very bad advice. You should be paid what you are worth.

Time to find another job.

+1.

Where did this ‘Just be happy you have a job attitude start’? It really allows ERs to do anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is everyone treated the same way, especially the upper management? I'd start looking for the next job just in case...

Yeah, so like did the CEO take a pay cut so his employees can get raises?

What a bait and switch. You need to escape.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My husband’s company is preparing to declare bankruptcy. Only 5 people in the company know this. Maybe it’s something like that OP, or layoffs. Either way just be glad you have a job.

Very bad advice. You should be paid what you are worth.

Time to find another job.

They’re basically giving you a warning that things are bad and you could get laid off soon. Take the time and apply for other jobs.

Yes exactly this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is everyone treated the same way, especially the upper management? I'd start looking for the next job just in case...

Yeah, so like did the CEO take a pay cut so his employees can get raises?

What a bait and switch. You need to escape.

I worked for a place like this. CEO made massive unprecedented bonuses based on the CEO's bonus "goals" which we can't see while telling staff "we didn't hit the employee bonus goals."

[Anonymous]

I've been through this as well, bad sign when companies start salary freezes, hiring freezes. Next comes furloughs and lay offs - or at least this should be a BIG warning sign that this is possible. If they can't even manage a 1-2% salary increase they are in trouble financially. Update your resume and start looking now! Because this also means you probably won't get a severance package when laid off as well. You don't have to TAKE another job unless you like it, but start shopping around now and interview if only for practice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've been through this as well, bad sign when companies start salary freezes, hiring freezes. Next comes furloughs and lay offs - or at least this should be a BIG warning sign that this is possible. If they can't even manage a 1-2% salary increase they are in trouble financially. Update your resume and start looking now! Because this also means you probably won't get a severance package when laid off as well. You don't have to TAKE another job unless you like it, but start shopping around now and interview if only for practice.

Exactly, a 5 percent salary raise for a strong contributor you want to retain is not going to break the bank for a company that is in good or even just okay shape. Assuming OP's performance is as good as she says it is, the company is in really bad shape and layoffs are coming.