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Raises

Here are the questions filed under this category. To read Ken's advice on any item, click on the link "Read Ken's Answer."


I work for a great company and enjoy my job. My problem is I recently found out that one of my co-workers makes double the salary that I do. He has others help with his work, sleeps at his desk, and holds onto work for weeks. When I addressed this with the supervisors, they laughed. I am flabbergasted over the salary. Should I let it go?
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I was recently told by my manager that my pay increase for this year is going to be two percent. I am not at all satisfied with this, but I know I should be happy to get any raise at all. What is the best way to voice my dissatisfaction?
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My boss is five months behind on my annual performance evaluation. I have sent him several reminders, but none has worked. He told me he's waiting for his boss's approval. Just last week, I reminded him again via e-mail and copied his boss. Neither one replied. I want my salary increase and I want to know how I'm doing on the job. Can you give me a suggestion?
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I have been a public school teacher for 15 years, and I am preparing myself for interviews for a management/executive position. Since I have always been paid according to union wage, and I have no experience asking for what I am worth, how do I reveal my salary requirements and salary history to a prospective employer?
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I was recently promoted to a managerial position, but I am disappointed with the salary increase. The average salary for someone in my position is $16,000 more. I met with my boss and argued for an increase, and he said that he will think about it. It has been a month and I still haven't heard anything. Rumor has it he ignores these types of requests for as long as possible. Any suggestions?
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My one-year review and a raise will be coming soon. Another person was hired a couple of months before me for the same position. His review and raise will be due before mine, but I do my job better than he does his. He has had problems with several projects and was briefly on probation. I will be upset if we both receive the same raise. How can I discuss this with my supervisor without sounding arrogant?
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I work for a large, bureaucratic organization. It is a great company, and the only problem is that the raises are not based on merit. I know of several people who received "needs improvement" on their review and were given 5% increases, while others received "meets job requirements" (two rankings better) and received only 3%. Why would a company do this?
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After doing some salary research, I feel that I am considerably underpaid. I like my current job, but if I look for another job, is it wise to say to the interviewer that I need to obtain a higher salary? Also, my current boss once told me to tell her if I'm ever looking for another job. Should I actually tell her?
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In my department, we all were hired within the last 3 months. We have the same job description, duties, and work hours. However, each of us was hired at a different rate of pay, negotiated at the time of employment. The range varies from $18.00 to $24.00 per hour. How do the lower paid employees go back and negotiate for a higher rate of pay?
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Next month, I'll be at my present job for two years. I deserve a raise, but I want to know how to ask. The staff has been reaching its goals and everyone has been getting a bonus for the last few months. I do my job well and feel it should be reflected in an individual manner. How do I convince my boss of that?
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I worked very hard over the past year and received an outstanding review. My performance and contribution were definitely above average, but my increase was the same as everyone else received. When I voiced my concern about this, my manager said that many criteria are used in the process, and he thinks this is fair. How does this sound to you?
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I am an assistant construction manager, and I was passed up on a promotion. They told me that the other person was in the right place at the right time, and I would be given a raise since there was no room for another promotion. It has been six weeks, and I still have not received it. I was told it is on the president's desk. How long should I wait?
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My raise appeared in this paycheck, and at first I was happy with it. After I talked with several co-workers, I found that my percentage increase was lower than theirs. This isn't fair. I think my performance was as good as theirs, but if I say something to my boss, it could be a problem because we are not supposed to talk about pay. What should I do?
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I have worked here for three years, and I have a good salary. I am upset because I have not received a raise in this period, but other people have. Because of my salary level, I feel a little foolish asking for a raise. Do you have any suggestions?
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I am upset that some of my co-workers are getting mid-year raises and I am getting nothing. Raises are given annually, but certain people get extra raises along the way. I told my manager that I would like to be included in these raises, and he said they are all special cases. What should I do?
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When I evaluated my employees last year, I had only been with the company for a couple of months. Since I did not know the employees well, I gave them all high ratings. Now with a year of data, I gave most of them lower ratings. Several have complained that their performance did not drop and it is unfair to rate them lower than last year. How should I handle this?
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Salaries are kept confidential here, but through an email mistake, all of the management salaries in our company were sent to me. I am in management, and I was annoyed that several managers with the same title as mine are making more money. Should I confront my manager?
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I have done excellent work during the year, but I am concerned that I am not going to get a raise because my manager is heavily influenced by another manager who does not like me. My manager let this happen last year, and I am afraid he will do it again. What should I do?
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I just completed an annual review with one of my employees, and he was not satisfied with his raise. He said he could make more money elsewhere, and he does not think his pay here is fair. Our pay is average for the industry. What can I say to him?
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At my evaluation, I received a minimal raise, but I did get a better title. I am unhappy with the raise, and a new title doesn’t mean much. I was afraid this would happen because I heard my manager say that employees prefer titles over money. Is he right?
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I gave one of my better employees a very substantial raise last year, and her pay is now above average for the industry and at the top of the grade for her job in our company. I gave her a modest raise this year, and she is dissatisfied with it and wants more. Our company policy will not allow such an increase, and her position does not warrant it. How should I deal with her?
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We have a popular long-term employee. She has received raises over the years, but her performance has not been good, and it is continuing to slip. We are seriously thinking about terminating her. How do you terminate an employee like this?
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I recently reviewed one of my employees and indicated in writing the areas that needed improvement, while also indicating that there would be no raise unless improvements were made. Less than two months later, this employee demanded a raise and threatened to leave if she did not get it. Should I give in or risk losing her?
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