Feeling Undervalued at Work: Should I Resign After No Raise for 2 Years?

I'm currently working with a Pvt. Ltd company for the last 2 years in the HR Department. The HR department started with me in this company. Since then, I've been the only person taking care of the HR Department. Along with HR responsibilities, I also handle several other tasks.

I have always been sincere and hardworking, never late or irregular in attendance. I was promised a salary raise after a probation period of 3 months, but I have not received it. Several employees have come and gone after me with higher salaries. All new employees are joining at a much higher salary compared to mine. I have completed all the PF formalities for employers, which were pending for a long time, and have released all the ex-employees' (50 in total) PF withdrawal money that was stuck. I also arrange employee engagement activities to keep all staff motivated and stress-free.

However, I have never been appreciated for this. This Diwali, all the staff were given bonuses, even the new employees who have not completed 6 months. But, I was not given a bonus. I felt very bad about this. I had even asked for a salary hike, which I have not yet received.

Now, I'm planning to resign from the job. Please advise me if I am right, or what should I do. I'm in great confusion.

Please help me. Also, kindly provide me with a sample resignation letter for no salary increment for the last 2 years.

Your reply will be awaited.

Regards,

Hey, it is really sad that they have treated you this way. However, I would suggest that you speak to your reporting manager about this one-on-one before you draft a resignation letter. You need to understand the pros and cons of resigning from a job at a time when the market is down, and HR jobs are hardly available.

I would suggest you talk to your employer and figure out a solution. If you do not get a positive reply, then start looking for another job. Do not resign until you have another job that pays you well and suits your choice. Hope things get better for you. Stay in touch!

That's really true; don't resign unless you get another good opportunity. One more suggestion I want to give you: have a discussion with your reporting manager and tell him about the issue. Don't complain about bias and prejudice; instead, ask for your future growth and development.

If he/she agrees, accept it. If not, inform them that you would like to resign for better growth and development. Don't hesitate to leave the company if you are not satisfied.

Thank you.

I second both the team members who have replied above. Talk to the company first; if they are satisfied with your hard work, they will definitely consider retaining you. Meanwhile, also look for other jobs. Use your emails if not mobiles. Change only if they give you a negative reply. Put in the resignation only after you get another offer in hand.

All the best!!

Regards,
Jeena

I really thank you for your comments. Though after talking to my manager, he has not responded negatively. Also, I have already spoken to him about my salary rise, as I have not received a raise since I joined. To which he said he will talk to the director and will try. Now, the only thing I have to do is wait and watch. If I get a salary raise by next month, fingers crossed, I am really in need of one. Thank you to all once again for your comments.

Have you figured out the reason why you haven't received a single pay raise in the past two years? As the sole HR person in your company, how is the bonus determined by the management? In a way, one could say you are the HR head of the company. I suggest you directly meet with the director and create an organizational structure with a clear reporting hierarchy. Define the duties and responsibilities of every employee to prevent bias and disparities. Your direct reporting should be to the company director, not to any other manager. Ensure all policies and procedures are approved and signed by your director for smooth execution.

Update your profile regularly on job portals. Check your email and job opportunities after work. Only consider interviewing if you come across a lucrative offer. However, do not resign from your current position until you have a formal offer in hand, as finding a job while unemployed can be challenging.

Thanks,

Bhumi

Hey, there is no need to worry. HR is essential in any company. If you motivate employees, you should also receive motivation from the employer. If this is a concern, you should discuss it with your employer. If they are willing to provide an increment, that's great. Ask for an increment based on your abilities if one is not offered.

If your employer agrees, that's good for you. If not, consider resigning. You have valuable experience in the HR field, so finding a new and suitable job should not be a challenge for you. Remember to maintain a professional demeanor.

All the best.

Best wishes,
Shreya

Well done! Great work you have done for the organization! Always remember, do not hesitate to discuss with your seniors, mainly during these crucial moments. I would suggest you speak with your HR Head politely to get the issue resolved. My sixth sense is saying that you will definitely get an increment and other benefits.

All is well!

I really thank you all for your response and support. Can you please reply to my query below as well?

Job Interview Query

As you know, I have been with this company for the last two years without a single increment. So, I'm trying for a new job, and I recently got an interview from one of the companies for the HR and Admin Department. This company is well-established and near my place. However, the interview date is not yet confirmed.

In view of the above, my query is: if this company asks about the reason for leaving my current company, is it okay if I mention the lack of salary increment for two years, or what else should I mention?

What if I mention the reason as a salary increment and they might think that, since my performance is not good or not up to the mark, I didn't receive any salary raise? And because of this misunderstanding, if they reject me, my salary is not raised because I never asked for it. I was actually waiting for them to do the same, and even due to bad market conditions, I was waiting. Anyways, my company gives a raise only if anybody is asking for it; otherwise, not.

Also, I think after having over 6 years of experience, my salary is very low, below average.

Kindly help me with this. I'm too confused.

Regards,

Interview Tips for Job Seekers

You should never inform the interviewer that you are looking for a change because you didn't get a hike for two years. Instead, put it in a general way that you are looking for better opportunities and to explore the HR areas.

Never ever speak negatively about your previous employer, as it may even lead to the rejection of your candidature.

Good luck.

Request for Suggestions on Resignation

In view of the above discussion, after continuous follow-up of three months for a salary hike, I have not received a single increment yet. Although, after all the discussions with my manager, he didn't reply negatively but also not positively. On top of all this, now my seniors are putting pressure on me for recruitment and certain other issues. They keep finding ways to overload me with unnecessary work. My director shouts and yells at me at the top of his voice without any reason, which makes me feel really insulted. For the last two years, I have been sincerely working without any salary raise, appreciation for the work done, no motivation, and no bonus. I'm fed up with all this. I'm simply not interested in working in this firm anymore. The way my employers behave with me hurts after working so hard for them.

Now, I have decided to resign, giving 25 days' notice. If I don't, they won't process my PF and the remaining days' salary. I also feel like taking some legal action against them. Can I do that? Today, I'll be informing my employers about my resignation. Should I mention the salary reason and their rude behavior, and the lack of proper infrastructure, career growth, and development? Is it okay?

Please help me with this.

Thank you.

First of all, speak clearly with your director about a salary increment and do not disclose anything about resignation. If you feel that this firm is not suitable for you, then start searching for a new job. Do not submit your resignation until you secure a new job.

Good work must always be appreciated. If you've put in your best and are still not getting the minimum, then you should have moved forward a long time ago. Now, since you have finally decided to move, you must stick to your decision. What I would suggest to you here is that whenever you leave any organization, a proper exit is a must. But since you mentioned that they would not be processing your salary (if you're sure, otherwise a proper exit must be done), then you do not need to bother about the notice period as well.

At times, this is the way of management to force the employee to leave when:

1. They cannot afford such costly employees (in some companies—usually start-ups or financially troubled companies—HR people are considered as Non-Performing Assets) when they can have people in the same profile and same work but much cheaper.

2. You're not justifying the salary you're being paid.

3. They take you for granted since they are aware that you're not confident and active enough to fight for your own rights. So, it's been a rule since ages to bully the weaker or quieter ones.

What I would suggest is either to make them realize your value to them or leave gracefully. There's no point working at such a place where you have detached yourself from. Now, you should aggressively look for a new fit for yourself elsewhere.

You must know a right candidate will always find a place somewhere. Nobody lets the right talent go. Make a place for yourself even if they do not have a vacancy.

Best wishes to you!

Dear Sir, First of all, you have experience as you wrote in your mail, then you should apply for another job. Secondly, being an HR Senior, you can ask your employer about your bonus and other facilities. Please do not be confused about this matter.

Regards,
Meenu