Feeling Stuck After Asking for a Raise in a Growing Company – What Should I Do?

Hi there, I joined this organization in February 2024. I had a discussion with my owner when I joined. He told me that our company is new and only 40-50 employees were working at the time. The organization has since expanded, and there are now 110 employees who have recently started working with the company. We agreed on a salary of 15k for 40 employees, considering this is a rural area in Himachal Pradesh. However, last week, I asked for a salary raise, and he quarreled with me. He is not even speaking to me now. I am short on expenses. In this case, what should I do?

Hi, increment or salary hike is not mandatory and cannot be claimed legally as a matter of right. However, employers should ensure that salaries are fixed and paid on par with the minimum wages applicable to the state. If the employer is not paying the salary as per your expectations, then it's better to look for another offer. Why litigate the relationship with the employer?

Salary Increment Considerations

The question of a salary increment should not be an individual case but rather for all employees working in your organization. You joined the job in February 2024 and have not yet completed a year. Asking for an increment doesn't sound appropriate.

Yes, the company recruits people initially with low packages because it was the inception period, but it pays at a matching rate at a minimal rate. You all can jointly raise your voices for an increment if two criteria are met. Firstly, if there was a change in the rate of wages notified by the state government. Secondly, if the company recruited new employees at a higher rate than the 40 employees who joined at the initial stage.

Therefore, you can refer the matter to the labor office for action, but trying to move through the union is the best way to get results.

I am working as an HR & Admin executive in a garment manufacturing company. Unfortunately, my seniors know nothing, and the company lacks efficiency in every process. Everyone is highly frustrated as the top management runs the company in an outdated manner. There is constant conflict among employees even for simple tasks.

Seeking Advice for Career Growth

Can anyone advise me on how I can learn and grow in this environment, or should I consider moving to another company?

Let me get this clear. Are you an employee or a consultant? What is the work you do?

If you do not provide full details, no one will be able to give you the right answer.

Why do you think your salary should go up just because the company has more people? At best, if the workload is higher than what you can complete on your own, you can ask for an assistant.

Importance of Clear Communication

This is why you should put all details at the start instead of letting people guess your condition.

Understanding Salary Increases

Salary increase is not a right, except where you have an inflation-linked salary (DA component) or if it is a part of your employment contract. In your case, you accepted a lower salary for your own reasons, and if they are not willing to increase it now, either they believe you are not going to get an alternate job or they do not believe that you are worth paying more.

Considering Job Change

If they do not agree, you should change your job to a company that is willing to pay what you want.