Should I be upset by this raise?

[agotta]

Ok, so I used to have this great boss. He left in October and I was left to work 2 different jobs until January when a new boss was brought in. Before she got here I essentially ran my department. My old boss trusted me and both he and our President have told me several times that I am the best person they ever had in that position. Since my new boss came I have turned into little more than a secretary.

So she did my one year review, which I was very upset about since she had only been there 4 weeks. I got a very good review (4.5 out of 5) but if you read the individual comments you could tell she didn't know me or my position at all.

So my "raise" came in yesterday. She told me that since I had recieved the highest tier score, that I would recieve the highest percentage raise the company offered. So my paycheck came in (paid bi-monthly) and it is a whopping $28 higher.

It's not really about the money, but I feel like I am not being recognized for what a good job I did last year.

 

[salmoneous]

In corporate America today, don't read too much into the amount of a raise. They tend to be set by crazy HR forumals that may or may not make any sense. If she is honest in telling you that you received the highest percentage offered, that's a good thing, not a bad.

Don't get me wrong. If it's about the money, fight for more money. There are always special raises and off-anniversary increases that can be arranged for somebody who is being unfailry underpaid.

And if it's about respect, fight for more respect. Make sure your boss knows what you are capable of doing, and what you expect to be doing.

I'm just saying don't associate the amount of the raise with respect.

 

[bicker]

Just for comparison: Since I arrived here almost five years ago, I've been promoted twice, and I'm now the chief technical employee in the company. In the same period, I've received a 10% pay cut, and no raises. Go figure.

 

[Disney Doll]

I would tend to agree with what salmoneous said.

I would, howver, make sure by next year she was very well aware of what I did, and how much I did.

 

[Tony-NJ]

What does the percentage come out to? I think the average increase in corporate america these days is 2-3%. Not much I know... I've been at my company for over 10 years - got promotions - I'm noe Senior. We used to give great raises in my opinion, the past few years business has been tough like so many. We've had our share of pay cuts, lay off's etc. I would consider any increase a blessing.

Now on the other hand - I could go work for one of many competitors and make $15-$20K more right off the bat. It's very possible that if they had to replace you that person would get more money....

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Just for comparison: Since I arrived here almost five years ago, I've been promoted twice, and I'm now the chief technical employee in the company. In the same period, I've received a 10% pay cut, and no raises. Go figure.

Maybe my DH should be happy then about his lack of raise in a few years. At least there hasn't been pay cuts.

 

[SC Minnie]

Our company typically maxes out at 2-3% annual raise. The only way you get a higher % is if they bump you into another grade level which would be a promotion of sorts.

 

[KelNottAt]

Did the boss tell you what your percentage is? Does the company let employees know what the target average raise is for the year? (For example, every January my company announces that raises must average X.X% in each cost center.) Or, did she just say it's "the highest?" Do you recall or keep records of your past raises?

Before letting it upset me, I'd do my own calculations to make sure there wasn't a math error or data entry error in HR/Payroll. Don't use $28 for double-checking if that was the net increase; instead, look at the gross and work your math from that.

Then, if something doesn't seem to compute, bring it to the attention of your boss. I'd suggest using email to politely request a time to meet with her about it. That way, you don't surprise her in person with something she'll need time to check-out.

Good luck,

 

[powellrj]

I got a 3% raise this year, but by the time they take out my increased taxes and insurance, I about broke even. Its sad, but 3% seems to be about average this year most places.

 

[dmslush]

Just for comparison: Since I arrived here almost five years ago, I've been promoted twice, and I'm now the chief technical employee in the company. In the same period, I've received a 10% pay cut, and no raises. Go figure.

Pretty much the same here. I started out as a part time advocate for one of our rural counties, and have moved through three positions in three years to where I am now the Legal Adcocate for the shelter. In doing so, I received a small raise (1.15 per hour) BUT I had to give up my milage check driving to the rural county every day since I would be stationed in the shelter. In the end, I ended up bringing home over $1000 less per year

 

[SC Minnie]

Last year we got a 3% raise but they increased what employees had to pay for healthcare. So we we made less even with the raise.

I am really not complaining. I am still thankful I have a job and one that does offer good benefits.

 

[Galahad]

Maybe my DH should be happy then about his lack of raise in a few years. At least there hasn't been pay cuts.

No doubt. I am also in a fairly "high" technical position. My income peaked in 2000 - though I have consistently gotten promotions. I lost 15% of my salary in 2002 and am only now back to where I "left off". For many, the days of expecting raises every year are gone for a while. I'm pretty glad to still be employed in my chosen profession given the changing nature of it. (BTW, I think it is a sign of the natural changes in the marketplace).

 

[MUFFYCAT]

For the past 7 years I've got 1-2% raises. Most people get more, but I'd rather have the flexability to leave early for my kids.
Although, some supervisors haven't gotten any raises the last 3 years.

 

[Bob Slydell]

No doubt. I am also in a fairly "high" technical position. My income peaked in 2000 - though I have consistently gotten promotions. I lost 15% of my salary in 2002 and am only now back to where I "left off". For many, the days of expecting raises every year are gone for a while. I'm pretty glad to still be employed in my chosen profession given the changing nature of it. (BTW, I think it is a sign of the natural changes in the marketplace).

Ahhh, the Y2K days

Same thing with me -- from like '97 to 2000, I was getting double digit raises, huge bonuses, mid-year "salary adjustments" whenever anyone would leave for more money and perks galore. Then reality set in, IT consulting went into the tank and the bottom dropped. It's taken until now to finally get back to my 2001 compensation amount.

 

[phorsenuf]

My Dh hadn't gotten a raise (until recently) for the last 3 years. He's been with the company for 12 years now (more like 20 all in all).
Anyways, over the last couple of years we've been seeing the high-paid long timers getting laid off and fired. I'm sure it was all to reduce costs. DH thought for sure he would be one of them soon. He ended up getting a review a couple of weeks ago and they said wonderful things about him. How he was an asset to the company, has the companies best interest in heart, goes above and beyond, etc. The raise he got with it was pretty flat, but the review itself was more important to him because it was so positive we know they intend on keeping him around.
So I guess it all boils down to do you want more money or would you rather feel secure in your job. For us right now, with the industry he's in, the latter is more important.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Don't get me started on his bonuses and extra $. My DH is supposed to get a % cut of business he brings in and projects that he works on. He still hasn't gotten the 2004 $, which is more than pocket change. I told him to send his company the next college tuition bill for our DD. Let them pay it!

 

[agotta]

I haven't gotten my paystub yet, so I am not sure the exact percentage. I guess it's probably between 2 and 3%, I guess it just seemed really low. I have only been with the company 1 year, so this is my first bump.

 

[Galahad]

Ahhh, the Y2K days

Probably even better to call them the good old "Y2K.COM" days.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Probably even better to call them the good old "Y2K.COM" days.

Good point.

 

[Crankyshank]

Ah the Y2K raises. Those were good days and then no raises from 2000-2005.
OP - between 2-3% is standard and you should be happy with it. Very few people get raises higher and honestly you are fortunate you received a raise.