Every worker knows that asking for a pay rise is easier said than done. Doing overtime, hitting targets, jumping through all the necessary hoops, and receiving praise from all the right places very often still might not be enough. According to a YouGov poll, approximately 40 per cent of working adults have asked for a raise, and 13 per cent of those have been rejected.

The truth is, being turned down for a salary increase goes far beyond just missing out on some extra cash. It can feel personal and shameful. Beyond practical cost of living reasons, seeing more money hit your bank account can serve as validation or recognition for loyalty to the company, boost morale, and goes a long way in indicating your value in the company.

It might even be a positive indication of your relationship with a manager as well as how willing they are to vouch for you. On the flip side, a rejection can leave workers feeling disgruntled, hard done-by, or even calling recruiters to discuss their options.

Shorts

There are many factors that might affect whether or not an employee might leave their annual review disappointed. Some managers might cite practical reasons such as tight company budgets or economic pressure, but the truth could be much more personal and shrouded in mystery.