Hello everyone! Hopefully this is the right channel. Im looking for advice on how to approach a situation regarding a very poor merit increase. Now before everyone spams “LEAVE” please use that as a last option.
Backstory: I work as a Engineer for a very large energy company. We had record breaking years (last two had highest gross and net in recent history) and our parent holding company also recorded an excellent year. Now we generally receive a 2-3% yearly merit increase. Our structure comprises of a 1-5 rating system. Rating 1 or 2 rarely happens as that means you perform terribly. 3/5 is meets expectations (generally awarded with 2.8%) that is handed out to 85% of the company. 4/5 is exceeds expectations (generally awarded 3.2-3.5%) and is handed out to 15% of the company. The 5/5 is a unicorn which never happens.
As such, we received our merit increase and it was BELOW the general expectations. 3/5 = 2.5% and 4/5 received 3.2%.
Everyone is upset. My coworkers are frustrated because at each townhall meeting the company brags about record profits. We all want to rebel but don’t want to take such drastic actions ….yet.
So, finally the question I’m posing. Our manager has indicated this coming Monday we will have the head of HR available to answer any and all questions about our compensation increase. What are some hard hitting questions that I should ask? I don’t want to get emotional and start yelling, but I do want to convey my dissatisfaction with what has occurred. Examples include: How was the compensation adjustment calculated? What factors were taken into account before the decision was made?
Just to add: Ive reached out to cross functional teams that i trust and it appears they received same merit increase regardless of their department.
I appreciate all your help and hope to find some solutions! Take care 🙂