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Swift Staffing Solutions HR Files – Bonuses Offered Only to New Hires

We have started a segment allowing potential candidates to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. This month’s question is:

QUESTION: I have worked at my current job for almost 3 years. We have been working remotely for the past year and recently moved back into the office. Many co-workers have quit so my company is holding a large hiring event where they are offering sign on bonuses as incentive. I have not had a raise in over a year and was not offered a bonus to return to the office. When I asked for a raise, my boss said it is not in the budget at this time. I feel like it is unfair for new hires to get sign on bonuses and employees that chose to stay are not even considered for a raise or bonus. I work hard in my position and feel very unappreciated. What can I do about this?

ANSWER: There are a few ways you can handle this situation in a professional manner. First, you can talk to your immediate boss. I know you have already asked for a raise, but try to approach the situation by bringing up the fact that bonuses are being offered to new hires and you also feel that returning employees need to be considered in the budget as well. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the conversation, your next course of action would be to move up the chain of command. Be sure you are respecting the chain of command and not jumping over someone’s head in order to be heard. Start at the supervisor closest to you and go from there.

Make sure you have exhausted all options and if you are still not happy with the response then you have a decision to make. If you truly feel unappreciated in a way where it affects your job and the company is not willing to bend, the only other option is possibly moving on to another company. Keep in mind this is a drastic decision that should not be taken lightly or decided while emotions are high. Take time to consider your options and if a raise is more important than your standing at the company.

If you have a question you want answered, please contact us HERE. We will feature one frequently asked question a month.