Addressing complaint about pay
Gather the facts as well as market data. Consult with those who are in charge of the salary budget. Arrange to meet with the employee, listen her side of the story. Remind her that there are justifiable reasons for discrepancies in pay, such as tenure, responsibilities, knowledge and experience. Explain how the business arrived at her current wage. Promise to follow-up without indicating pay rise. Remember that the employee may really face an unfair wage discrepancy. Create a proposal based on the information gathered to the decision makers. Hold a follow-up meeting with her, outline the decision and point out why. Check-in regularly with the employee thereafter. Acknowledge that salary is an highly emotive topic, do whatever you do with discretion.