Salary Hike

A record salary hike for civil servants was announced by the Malaysian Prime Minister today. The 7.5 – 35 percent salary increase (about USD$2.5b annually) is expected to benefit more than 1 million civil servants (as well as half a million of pensioners) in Malaysia. The authorities expect that this pay hike will contribute about 0.5 percent to Malaysia’s economic growth this year and another half percent in 2008.

What are the implications on HR in the private sector? Will there be a new effort by the industrial & trade unionists to increase our minimum wage? Inflation vs. COLA? Is it a worthwhile effort to reward their performance? Any link with poductivity? Will it be a shift in hiring trend for young graduates?

Confirmation Process

What would you consider a fair percentage of salary increment for this new hire:

"... is highly dedicated staff who adapted to work culture well. He learned and understood the detailed procedures of the division within a very short period.... He started contributing to the assigned tasks in almost immediately. ... his contributions are highly noted and appreciated. Therefore, I strongly recommend him for a confirmation with an outstanding rating..."

Duh... it is a lousy assessment. Does not even deserve a B-

Sometime good enough is not enough.

No... good enough is never enough.

First Anniversary

I have always set high delivery standards in almost everything that I do.

Why?

Because I think I will only do a mediocre job – with all the efforts and my wishful thinking. To the end, I am an average Joe. I am QUITE certain about this.

Thus, almost in all evaluations and appraisals, I will definitely fall short of my super high expectations. It is guaranteed & the only question is the margin of the gap. But, that is okay with me. After all, I will die sooner compared to my other compatriots. Seriously, I akan mati lebih awal from the average Joe of my batch.

For this efforts & deliverables – it is only a C-

So no bonus for you this year.

Cheers!