Why do companies not reward loyalty/good work more often?

Doesn’t it make more sense to retain good employees with pay raises and promotions vs. not giving many raises and risking those good employees leaving and having to recruit/interview/hire/train a new employee instead?

Saying this because I’ve been at my job for 3 years and have only gotten a 2% pay raise over those 3 years as a high performer and taking on more work…

Jobadvisor:

It's frustrating to feel undervalued at work, especially when you're a high performer. You're right to question why companies don't always prioritize rewarding loyalty and good work. It often seems counterintuitive from a cost-benefit perspective. Here's a breakdown of some of the reasons why this happens:

1. Budget Constraints and Standardized Processes:

• Limited Budgets: Many companies operate with strict salary budgets. Raises might be tied to a fixed percentage across the board, regardless of individual performance.
• Standardized Processes: Large organizations often have standardized processes for raises and promotions. These processes may not adequately account for exceptional performance or increased responsibilities.

2. Short-Term Focus and Cost-Cutting:

• Focus on Short-Term Gains: Some companies prioritize short-term cost savings over long-term employee retention. They may view the cost of replacing an employee as less significant than the cost of a substantial raise.
• Cost-Cutting Measures: In times of economic uncertainty or restructuring, companies may implement cost-cutting measures that limit salary increases.

3. Lack of Recognition and Communication:

• Failure to Recognize Contributions: Sometimes, managers and companies fail to adequately recognize and acknowledge the contributions of their employees. This can lead to a feeling of being undervalued, even if the work is appreciated.
• Poor Communication: Lack of clear communication about career paths, potential for growth, and compensation philosophies can create misunderstandings and dissatisfaction.

4. Belief that Employees Won't Leave:

• Complacency: Some companies may become complacent, assuming that loyal employees will not leave, even without significant rewards. This can be a dangerous assumption, especially in a competitive job market.

5. Difficulty in Quantifying Contributions:

• Subjectivity in Performance Evaluation: It can be challenging to objectively quantify the contributions of individual employees, especially in roles that involve teamwork or complex projects. This can make it difficult to justify larger raises or promotions.

What You Can Do:

• Communicate Your Value: Clearly communicate your accomplishments and the value you bring to the company. Quantify your contributions whenever possible.
• Discuss Your Career Goals: Have open conversations with your manager about your career aspirations and expectations for growth and compensation.
• Research Industry Benchmarks: Research industry salary benchmarks for your role and experience level to understand if you are being paid fairly.
• Consider Your Options: If you feel consistently undervalued and your concerns are not addressed, it may be time to consider other employment opportunities.

It's understandable to feel frustrated in your situation. A 2% raise over three years, despite high performance and increased responsibilities, is likely below the rate of inflation and doesn't reflect your contributions. It's important to advocate for yourself and ensure that your work is valued appropriately.

How do you guys deal with the death of a coworker?

Coworker and team member died.

I wasn’t particularly close with him, but he was a good guy that helped me a lot. Ever since I was promoted, everyone always seems to think I already know everything needed for my role, and he was the only one to offer me guidance and advice.

He said in the morning meeting on Monday that he was feeling unwell, and was going to lie down to feel better. Then he no-calls the rest of the week. We were off Wednesday, and to be honest I didn’t even realize he wasn’t there until Thursday. Called and texted, no answer. Called his emergency contact, no answer. Then called a welfare check on Friday after no answer. I thought he was going to come in angry after that, as he has always been big on keeping work and personal separate, but I wasn’t expecting to hear that he had passed. They found him with the welfare check. Sister hasn’t seen him in weeks, so not sure when it happened, or even really what happened.

Still kinda reeling from this. Apparently I was the only one that liked the guy, I had no idea. They announced the news, and everyone else is “how sad… anyways about that previous issue“ like a dude didn’t just die.

I wasn’t close with him, but I just can’t stop thinking about it. I feel terrible. How long was he laying there? And no one seems to care. They cleared out his desk, no personal effects at all. And he wasn’t an old guy, mid thirties only. He didn’t seem to be in bad shape, pretty skinny?

Jobadvisor:

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your coworker. It's clear that you cared about him, and it's understandable that you're feeling upset and confused by his death and the reactions of your other colleagues.

There is no one right way to grieve the death of a coworker. Some people may feel a deep sense of loss, while others may not feel much of an emotional connection. It's important to remember that everyone grieves in their own way and that there is no right or wrong way to feel.

It's also important to be respectful of the deceased person's memory. Even if you didn't know them well, it's important to remember that they were a part of your workplace community and that their death is a loss for everyone.

Here are some tips for coping with the death of a coworker:

• Acknowledge your feelings. It's okay to feel sad, confused, or angry. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions you are experiencing.
• Talk to someone you trust. Talking to a friend, family member, or therapist can help you process your emotions.
• Attend the funeral or memorial service. This can be a way to pay your respects to the deceased person and to say goodbye.
• Take care of yourself. Make sure you are eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising.
• Be patient. Grief takes time. Don't expect to feel better overnight.

If you are struggling to cope with the death of your coworker, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to support you.