Ask the expert: Job rewards can seem unjust

What can you do when a very favourable review of your job performance is not matched by an appropriate increase in pay? Dr Marie Wilson, head of management and employment relations at University of Auckland Business School, suggests a solution.

I've just had the worst performance review experience I've ever had. After a glowing review from my manager, I received a letter of congratulations from the company, saying that I would get a whopping 3 per cent increase. I can't even buy a sandwich with the difference this will make to my pay! I felt great after the meeting, but I feel insulted by the pay rise. Am I out of line?


A: Possibly. The downside of a low-inflation economy is that average wage rises are small.

As you say, however, the change in your pay-cheque doesn't feel as great as the kudos from your boss. There are things that both you and your company can do to improve this situation.

You can think of other rewards. Chances are your manager can't give you more money, so what else would help to make you feel like a valued part of the organisation? Are you looking for promotional or development opportunities? Do you need more education or more flexible hours? Perhaps more interesting projects would increase your career prospects and earning capacity, longer term.

Businesses can also consider a diverse range of rewards for top performers. International research suggests that top performers often feel under-rewarded because they may contribute up to 20 times more in business impact while receiving 10 to 20 per cent more pay. Greater creativity and flexibility help to address these issues, as do very simple changes such as awarding pay increases as a bonus rather than increments.

What's the big deal about wearing make-up to work? I'm a fuss-free sort of woman working as a sales executive, but was recently told that I should put lipstick on to visit clients outside the office. It has never been an issue in other jobs.


I assume you're not selling cosmetics. Most workplaces have an expectation about employee appearance, particularly if you meet customers. This may be set out in a dress code or just be an understanding.

But you and your boss seem to have different ideas about appropriate appearance. So why did your boss suggest lipstick? Was it as a result of a customer complaint or is it a personal preference?

If there isn't a dress code (and few of these specify lipstick), your appearance is neat and professional, and your performance is good, then your boss has very little room for concern.

A discussion is still a good idea, though, to make sure this isn't covering up a bigger issue.

E-mail questions to our Career Editor, Julie Middleton.