'Beyond Expectations' Performance Appraisal

The true cost of being a high-performer

This is the ultimate corporate joke. You work hard. You get great results. Your review says you exceeded expectations. The reward? A quick "thank you."

Next year, that performance becomes your new low standard. This is the truth of pay stagnation after good reviews. This Kaapi with Ravi cartoon shows this injustice perfectly.

Why Companies Play the Expectation Game

Why do companies praise but not pay? The reason is usually money and bad culture.

Budgetary Limits vs. Fear of Talent Loss: It is cheaper to just raise expectations. Changing pay structure costs money. Companies bet high performers will stay for the praise. This creates a toxic Culture of overwork.

The "Inflation" of Performance: The phrase "exceeds expectations" loses meaning quickly. Managers demand more work for the same pay. They avoid fixing the review system. This is a failure of Leadership.

The Rise of Quiet Quitting: Employees think the system is unfair. They reduce effort. They only meet the minimum requirements. This is a direct result of poor pay decisions and hurts your Career.

What is the worst zero-raise excuse you have heard? Share your story below!