You've likely encountered it more than once. A manager comes calling, seeking an exceptional pay increase or bonus for an employee. Not so much because they are bringing exceptional skill or performance to their role, but because they are in an untenable situation, dealing with an overwhelming workload and an unmanageable level of stress. The employee is at the absolute end of their rope and will quit - the story goes - unless we allow the manager to deliver cash immediately!
With all respect to all our brave men and women in uniform, I call this phenomenon and what the manager is seeking to deliver combat pay.
How do you recognize combat pay requests when they come to you? What questions should you be asking and what types of solutions, beyond the quick cash band-aid, should you be exploring?
Check out my latest Compensation Cafe article Is Combat Pay Working for You? for some ideas and suggestions - and feel free to add your own to the mix!
Creative Commons image "Lego Us Europe Soldiers" by Joshua A. Landry
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