We have an IT team that is completely critical to our day to day operations. It was originally a team a 3, then one with left due to being forced to come into the office (even though their job can be done from home). Then someone was let go for “performance”, which just left one guy to run one of the most important teams at the company.
This guy works days, nights and weekends. Never pushes back and even works during vacation. He approached his manager, asked for an 8% raise (showing salaries in the area and being paid significantly less) and was told that it'd be reviewed with the higher ups. The higher ups agreed and my CIO pushed it forward.
That was until HR stepped in. They said his pay rate “was perfect” and that they'll veto the raise. They have complete financial control over salaries above the CIO/IT higher-ups, so the guy will not be getting the raise he deserves. As a result, he decided to apply for jobs and word on the street is that he received an offer letter.
Management is panicking. If the guy leaves, it could affect up to 75% of projects (either slowdowns or complete freezes). They don't have a game plan in place and HR refuses to budge. I saw the CIO scream at the head of HR and they did not change their mind at all.
Once that resignation comes in, this company is going to burn internally. HR already caused a staffing shortage due to banning remote work; this will become a total disaster. I'm hoping I can land a remote job ASAP before the disaster fire goes towards me.
All of this could have been avoided over 8%.