Mike Andes argues that traditional raise practices are often unfair—driven by visibility to the boss, personal relationships, or requests/need—rather than true contribution. He critiques favoritism (looking good in front of the manager, socializing with the boss) and endorses a meritocratic approach where pay increases align with an employee’s measurable contribution to the business.
How do I give someone a raise based upon if the business can afford it? Based upon if they work hard in front of me? In traditional workplaces, this is how people get raises. Look good in front of the boss. Take the boss out for drinks on the weekend, you know, get cozy with them. It doesn't matter about what the team thinks about it. Just as long as your manager or boss thinks you deserve a raise, then you'll get a raise. And then a lot of times raises go to the people who just ask for them or need them the most when that's not fair. What should be done if you have a meritocracy inside the company, the harder you work, the more money you make, the more you contribute to the business, the more money you make for the business, the more money you should make. I believe to my my heart that every single employee wants to be paid this way.
