My bosses always give me verbal praise for the work I am doing, yet they will not give me an increase, though I am aware of others who are not only receiving increases, but spot bonuses.

9 Comments

1. Laurie HApril 25,2024 at 1:20PM UTC

   Have you discussed these concerns directly with your manager or HR? Open up a dialogue about your expectations and the challenges you're facing. This might help address these issues and find a resolution. Your loyalty and dedication to the company certainly warrants a thoughtful discussion about how to ensure your professional growth and success align with the organization's goals. Then use the results of this conversation to conisder next steps.

2. AnonymousApril 26,2024 at 4:02PM UTC

   Hi Laurie. Yes. I have discussed it with 2 levels of managers, and I am in HR. I keep asking for continued discussion, as though I am aware of the general process of how the company determines increases, I have not had a meaningful review or discussion about how I am valued. It feels like they are avoiding the issue. Age may be a factor. It really is frustrating, but moreover, it makes my day-to-day very stressful.

3. AnonymousApril 25,2024 at 3:37PM UTC

   If it were me, I would start looking for another job. Then when you get an offer you can decide if you want to leave, but if you really want to stay then you have a counter offer which you can see if they want to match it. Or, go to the new cpmpany. Best of luck.

4. AnonymousApril 25,2024 at 6:02PM UTC

   Listen to the message that is being delivered to you: they're not afraid of losing you. To date, there have been no consequences for their inactions around raises and promotions. You stay in this role despite this lack of recognition or pay. You can make threats about looking for a new job but your tenure there will tell a different story. This will not course-correct, time to look for something new. I'm sorry this is happening, it's obvious you're very committed to this organization.

5. AnonymousApril 27,2024 at 5:27PM UTC

   Sorry to hear you're going through this.

   Do you know if you're already at the top of your position's pay range? HR will know if you need to find out.

   Are the employees who receive increases and bonuses in different depts. than you? A different dept. might have a different budget available to them.

   If final part of a goal is approval by management, I agree, that is not completely in your control. If you are required to achieve that again this year, are you willing to document the attempts you make to obtain management's approval, calendar reminders to yourself for these attempts, seek out advice from HR before next year's review to ask who else can grant approval to complete your yearly goal. Sometimes you just have to cc the right person on an email to avoid the email being overlooked.

   If your colleagues are held to similar goals, chat with them, take an informal poll to ask how they obtain management's approval. Even ask HR how other employees have obtained it. The worst that can happen is them saying they don't want to discuss it.

   I agree that it's the right moment to consider switching employers. There are plenty of workplaces who manage organized, consistent performance review programs. Allow yourself a generous amount of time to update your resume to current ATS friendly format, review current job descriptions to see what employers are hiring for, even complete an online application for a job you might not want just to get familiar with current online applications.

   Wishing you success and happiness!

6. AnonymousApril 28,2024 at 10:19PM UTC

   Thank you for your comments. I actually updated my resume a few years ago, and literally spent a year familiarizing myself with the new formats and online processes. I'm glad I did; there was a lot to learn. I will only have to add recent comments and set aside more recent projects to showcase. As I moved through the years, I was also able to collect many accolades from management on my LinkedIn account as well. I'm in good shape there. My only hesitation was that I was hoping to ride into retirement from this company. Again, I very much appreciate your comments!

7. AnonymousApril 28,2024 at 12:59PM UTC

   I echo the person below who said you may already be at the top of your pay tier. Have you checked with the industry standards for your position and industry? These can vary by part of the country/world you are in so check on this using your local area. salary. com is a website that allows you to do this, although there are others. I also agree with the person who said that there are no consequences for your company treating you this way, so start looking. The only way to get a raise (assuming you want to stay there) may be to get an offer from another company and use that as a negotiating item.

8. AnonymousApril 28,2024 at 10:14PM UTC

   Thank you for your help! The company states they are using pay ranges that are blended across the USA. Add to that they are using a 2-tier position listing that allows them to blend pay ranges across 2 positions, or choose the lower-paying position. They will not disclose the pay range. Yes....I am looking for a new job.

9. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachApril 30,2024 at 2:02AM UTC

   Schedule a meeting to discuss and understand the pay structure. What warrants a spot bonus ? Have everything clearly laid out for you so you can see if you are indeed at the top of the range or if it is something else and you may need to assess if you want to leave and go somewhere you are valued.