Comments on: Salary Freeze = High Turnover

By: Marcus Auerlius

Marcus Auerlius — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:49:56 +0000

I am an IT worker too and have with been with the same out fit for nearly 10 years now. I am still not back to the level I was at with my previous job (more so when one thinks that salary was tax free & came with housing provided). Yes, every now and then we get the salary freeze and then typically they postpone raises for a time. Fortunately my managers appreciate what I do and I have been getting okay raises.

I too am looking to leap.

By: On Lunches at This Writer’s Wallet

On Lunches at This Writer’s Wallet — Fri, 16 May 2008 01:42:25 +0000

[...] back together. Potluck Thursdays have been awesome, but the ring leader is leaving (so sad! this salary freeze stinks). So we’re back where we started, wanting to order [...]

By: This Writer

This Writer — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:16:37 +0000

Annette, thank you so much for this feedback. What is the deal with IT, by the way? Almost every person who’s told me they’re in a salary freeze or have been in a salary freeze has been in IT.

I think you advice is EXCELLENT.

By: Annette

Annette — Wed, 07 May 2008 04:32:23 +0000

That’s a really hard situation. I’m in IT, so our freezes are generally of the “no raise this year” variety. The way for us to get significantly more filthy lucre is to get another position. The money from a new employer is usually much higher than staying with the current one for 3% increases per year.

I have four items of advice.
1. Try to make the non-monetary factors attractive. The people and teams you work, dress code, flex time, fun work assignments, etc. will often satisfy as much as the money.
2. Look on the “bright” side, new staff offer an opportunity for new ideas and personalities to change the workplace for the better. In some industries, it gives a chance for the employees that stay to build their seniority in the group. It also provides mentoring opportunities for more experienced staff.
3. Never take it personally. You do what you can do, and you fight hard for both your staff and the organization. Send folks off to new positions with a sense that, although you will miss them, you are happy for their new opportunities. One of them may be your manager one day! Leave the door open for them to return.
4. Everything happens for a reason. These challenges give you an opportunity to learn management skills that are hard won (and look great on YOUR resume.)

I’m stepping off my soapbox now. Best of luck.