Navigating a Verbal Agreement Breakdown with Your Employer
When a verbal agreement for a significant salary increase is reneged by a company, the worker faces a challenging situation. This article explores the best course of action and provides guidance on how to approach the situation with professionalism, ensuring your career moves in the right direction.
Understanding the Situation
Imagine a scenario where an employee secured a 10% pay rise at a yearly review with their manager and CEO. After the positive outcome, the worker was heralded for their contributions, only to find that HR reversed the decision, offering a mere 1% increase. This article delves into the steps you can take, especially considering that this has happened in the past two years without a salary adjustment.
Strategies and Considerations
Accept the Offer and Move Forward
The first course of action is to accept the raise. Accepting the raised salary shows your future employers that you are professional and willing to work under the current conditions. This decision demonstrates to potential employers that you are adaptable and committed to your job, even without the full raise you originally sought.
Look for a New Position
Despite the offered raise, you might find it difficult to stay in a company where you haven’t received a substantive pay increase in multiple years. If the company is still in good financial shape and you are highly rated, strategically looking for a new position would be a wise move. This option is aligned with the principle that most companies have fair appraisal systems. Your performance naturally influences your salary negotiation, and if the company cannot or will not provide the expected raises, it might be time to look elsewhere.
Consider the Company’s Financial Health
Understanding the company's financial health is crucial. If the company is doing well but persistently fails to provide raises, they may be greedy. However, if the company is struggling to afford raises, it’s even more important to consider your options. A drop in revenue or profit is a valid reason for suspension of raises, and a good leader should have communicated this to you. They might offer alternative benefits such as vacation time or PTO in exchange for a raise, which could be a viable short-term solution if you remain committed to the company.
Take Action
Regardless of the reason, if you are consistently denied raises despite your performance, your best course of action is to look for another job. This strategy is based on the common practice of salary transitions in new roles. The negotiation for raises is often part of the job hunt and potential offer discussions. If you find a better position, you might receive the raise you deserve.
Conclusion
The decision to stay or to look for a new job depends on your career goals and the situation at hand. Whether you accept the revised offer or start looking for a new position, navigating the dynamics of verbal agreements and salary negotiations is crucial. This employment strategy can help you make informed decisions that align with your professional growth and personal satisfaction.
Good luck!