I am very fortunate in having found a great position in a company where I get paid well and highly enjoy what I do, however I realize that this is the exception more than it is the norm. I wanted to share something that I do to try to help that would be effective if it was done by more people in my similar position:
I will often take interviews (despite having a great job) for the sole purpose to try to increase their compensation packages/working conditions for other/future applicants. Usually I would say things like
“Oh I am being offered more money/better time/higher position by a competitor. I appreciate the offer, but I'll have to accept theirs. “
The exact thing I say depends on the specifics of the job and interview process. The Idea is more than just a flat refusal, but to convince them that they are being outperformed by a competitor ( I never say which), in an effort to get them to increase/improve on their own, kinda like inception I suppose.
My hope is that at least person reaps the benefit of better conditions.