“A 2% raise!”

My raise came in below inflation and I'm effectively taking a pay cut.

What's really going on

A raise below inflation is a real cut in what your money buys, even though the number on your payslip went up. A 5% raise during 7% inflation means you can afford less than before, not more.
Companies often separate a cost-of-living adjustment (roughly 1 to 4%) from a merit increase (roughly 5 to 9%) and a promotion-level increase (10%+). If you only got the first while inflation ran higher, the company didn't reward you. It didn't even keep pace.
Employers' willingness to pay big raises to keep people cooled off once the job market loosened after 2022 to 2023. Raises for both job-switchers and people who stay came down as fewer people quit, so your leverage for staying put is generally weaker than during the tightest hiring years.

What to say

To your manager, 1:1

"Can I talk to you about my raise? I'm grateful for it, but I did the maths and it came in below inflation, so in real terms I'm earning a bit less than last year. I'd like to talk about closing that gap."

Change the words so they sound like you, but keep the tone.

Still in the guide for this situation

6 steps to take, in order
3 more word-for-word scripts
3 mistakes to avoid
3 signs it's time to escalate or leave

Plus the 24 other situations and the bonus chapter.

PDF guide · 92 pages

Corp life: I've already suffered so you don't have to

All 25 situations, each with what's really going on, the steps, the exact words, what not to do and when to leave
A “walk in curious” primer and a bonus chapter on the mindset that makes all of it easier
Emailed the moment you pay, downloadable again any time

$20 Buy the guide

Secure checkout by Creem, VAT included. 14-day refund, no questions asked.

Questions

How do I get the guide after I pay?

Your email receipt arrives right after checkout with a secure download link. You can download the guide again any time from the customer portal linked in that email.

Can I get a refund?

Yes. If the guide isn't for you, email support@corpcope.org within 14 days of purchase and we will refund you in full. No questions asked. See the refund policy.

Is this legal or HR advice?

No. It is general career guidance based on experience. For decisions with legal or financial consequences, such as a contract, a dismissal or a discrimination complaint, talk to a qualified professional where you live.