As companies (and universities) tighten their boot straps the annual salary raise pool gets smaller and smaller. The dilemma is an interesting one — should everyone get a average or bad evaluation so the small raises can be justified, or should everyone get a well deserved evaluation and a small raise? The amount of money that is distributed does not change — the message certainly does.
Beyond the money, the message is important. Hard working, proud men and women want to be recognized for their tireless efforts, their loyalty to their organizations and their contributions. They certainly should not be graded down to justify a smaller raise.
Paycheck workers will unfortunately always be part of the equation, but this is not about them. I hope that for the rest of us, our loyalty, our professionalism and our work ethic is recognized, even if it is not financially rewarded.
About Hemant Rustogi