Hi all.I've just received my annual pay increase, which for this year is 2.5%.Reason cited: The department in which I work is doing poorly and my utilisation was low. That much is true, however as I see it, that's a management problem. I've done my work to a very high standard, yet the company seems to be holding me accountable for the performance of the department, which, strictly speaking, isn't my responsibility.Is anyone else here in a similar situation? If so, what are you doing as a result of it? I like the department I work in, but this pay "increase" sucks. Moving departments isn't an option for various reasons. How do you know when it's time to move on?

how self absorbed can you be? Of course its your responsibility.What do you want, money for just sitting around all day? Try the dole queue.

The Finnmeister should know that I have seen your future. It starts with P and ends with 45.

realist - No, it's not my responsibility. If we want to get technical about it, sales and business development or even utilisation for that matter is not referred to in my contract of employment with the company. Of course in practice I do my best to try and get fully utilised and to help the department win work (and it goes without saying that I do my work to the highest standards, and can back this up with unambiguous client and manager feedback), but technically, I am not accountable for the performance of the department or any staffing decisions - that's what the partners are there for.

eom

You have not posted under your real name.

Shoulder and chip come to mind.

let's review the facts then1) you are sitting around on the bench2) you are in a poorly performing department3) you want to get paid more even though you aren't even doing a full time job at the moment4) You expect more money even though your department isn't bringing much in5) You cant move departments. is this beacuse a) you are rubbish or b) lazyWhat do you want us to help you with? i would suggest you get out to somewhere else now whilst you still have a chance.you kno its time to move on when you feel for hatever reasons the department or company isn't suitable for you or you for them.

David Finn,You claim it is not your responsibility for departmental performance because "sales and business development or even utilisation for that matter is not referred to in my contract of employment with the company".OK.But is entitlement to payrise above 2.5% in the contract of employment?To go further, is any form of payrise entitlement in your contract?

Fair point, BC. However, a 2.5% pay rise is a pay cut in real terms, whereas I am doing the same amount of work as when I first started (well, substantially more in fact). And just because my utilisation is low, it doesn't mean I've been twiddling my thumbs - I have just been assigned (like many other people in the department) to 'non chargeable' codes a lot.Maybe it's time for market forces to correct the situation.

Sounds like KPMG....

I was in same position last year. Got outstanding ratings from clients but received a "below satisfactory" in my annual review because my utilisation was low. Oh and zero pay rise.Now utilisation is one of my objectives but in reality there is a limit to how much I can influence it......my role is delivery not sales.That said I am responsible for my career. And the way I see it I employ the company to undertake a sales role for me. They have failed so I have fired them and found a replacement. Starting with the new company shortly.

TR I like your attitude. Good stuff.