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I work as a consultant, and conduct an organizational climate measurement for a client company. What I found is that the workers are not satisfied with their wages (which is understandable since most of them receive the minimum wage).

The problem is that the CEO is not willing to make salary improvements.

So what would be the best way to approach this problem from a human resources perspective?

The most logical thing would be to work on issues related to emotional salary, but I would like to hear other opinions.

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    "How can I pay at the grocery store without using any form of money?"
    – ig-dev
    Nov 26, 2019 at 3:51
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    "So what would be the best way to approach this problem from a human resources perspective?" Hire 14 year-olds and replace them with new 14 year-olds every year. Automate. Outsource the work to your own customers.
    – Stephan Branczyk
    Nov 26, 2019 at 4:41
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    Has any minimum wage employee ever been "satisfied" with their wages?
    – Mars
    Nov 26, 2019 at 5:57
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    I'm sure these downvotes are simply because you're on the side of the employer here (the general attitude on TWP is that all employers and managers are evil :p), but this question also doesn't state what your desired outcome is. ①Include your desired outcome. ②At least pretend not to be on the CEO's side in this question
    – Mars
    Nov 26, 2019 at 5:59
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    @Studoku It's worth remembering that downvotes are meant for badly structured questions. Just because OP is a bootlicker doesn't mean that the question doesn't deserve an answer... it just deserves a good "Deal with the consequences of poor worker motivation and high turnover" answer.
    – Monica Apologists Get Out
    Nov 26, 2019 at 13:40

4 Answers 4

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What I found is that the workers are not satisfied with their wages

Is this ever not found in a company? Who does not think they should get a raise?

So what would be the best way to approach this problem from a human resources perspective? The most logical thing would be to work on issues related to emotional salary, but I would like to hear other opinions.

Emotional salary works when the trade off is being happier at work instead of buying a new boat. The challenge with minimum wage is that for many, it is a survival wage, so having a nice Christmas card isn't a motivator.

You do not state your industry, but figure out what types of people end up working at the particular company. Are they young single uneducated men? Single moms with children? Seniors looking for something to do? Felons stuck in the job? Students at the local university?

There are lots of low-cost perks which could be offered. Moms could be given more flexibility. Seniors could be offered chairs if they are at the cash register. Felons could be offered easy access to a reference or flexibility to see their parole officers (this is an actual problem for many of them who work regular hours as often they must check in during regular hours). Students could be given scholarship lists.

Figure out why your workers work there and find a perk which benefits them.

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  • It might be also an option to just ask your employees what they want. The top answer will of course be a better salary, but ask for a top 3 of answers. If you get "salary, salary, and did I already mention salary" in response, you might want to investigate why your employees are even working for you. If not, look at the #2 and #3 answers.
    – MSalters
    Nov 28, 2019 at 15:41
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  • Hire 14 year-olds and replace them with new 14 year-olds every year. (examples: McDonalds, Girl Scouts)

  • Automate.

  • Tell them they're contractors now, but that they'll make serious cash recruiting others. (examples: Avon, Tupperware, Uber)

  • Outsource the work, or part of the work, to your own customers (examples: Ikea, Waze, Hot Pot City, StackOverflow)

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    Brilliant answer - but you forgot two points: 5.) Move your main-office to a developing country where the minimum wage is the lowest world-wide and there are no unions or employment laws so you can squeeze 80h/week out of your underaged workers. 6.) Pay them in food coupons that they can trade in only at your own overpriced store.. ;)
    – iLuvLogix
    Nov 26, 2019 at 13:43
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    @iLuvLogix Or maybe I didn't forget anything but I just didn't want to be too helpful, because there is always a tiny chance that one of my draconian suggestions gets implemented.
    – Stephan Branczyk
    Nov 26, 2019 at 15:42
  • Hello, My name is Tennessee Ford and I think I have your company anthem :)
    – SZCZERZO KŁY
    Nov 26, 2019 at 19:31
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    Hiring potential migrants from overseas using an employment-based visa, then oppressing them is also a favorite
    – ig-dev
    Nov 27, 2019 at 6:31
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This is clearly an issue with the wages. Minimum wages means CEO is trying to get away with as little wages s/he can give.

This is not your problem to handle. Report the feedback from employees to the CEO, without throwing any of them under the bus. Its the CEO's decision to make. It's affecting morale and soon people will start to leave and you will be left with mediocre staff that are stuck because they cannot get a better job.

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-One possibility is to outsource the departement to a country with lower minimum wages.

  • also, if legal, one can allow the workers to do more paid work, so they can get a living wage by working more hours

  • tax free benefits (if legal) like a transportation subscription might be win-win

  • subsidised food in the canteen

Also the notion that increase is impossible has to be tested. Does the competition pay more?

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