Compensation

Recently at my work, we had a discussion about promoting a high performing employee. As human resources, I met with their manager to discuss their performance as well as the new requirements of the promoted position. It was decided that at this time, the employee would be promoted, trained, and given a raise once he finished the training portion of the position.

We sat down with the employee to explain the situation and offer then the promotion. After asking a few questions, learning the role, reading the job description, the employee inquired about the compensation. It was shared that initially, the employee would not receive any compensation increase, however, after the completion of training, the employee would receive an increase. The employee then shared frustration that they would be taking on new tasks, learning new functions, but receiving their current wage. After some communication about the matter, the employee decided to turn down the offer because they did not want to do more work without more compensation.

This situation was one that I did not expect. I imagined that the employee would be excited about the promotion, new responsibilities, and future compensation. While these things were real excitement for the employee, the new tasks and lack of immediate increase upset the employee.