Employment Law

Many workers not expecting raise or promotion in 2025, survey finds

A photo of Canadian currency on a table. (Photo: PiggyBank / Unsplash)

A recent survey found that many workers aren’t optimistic about career or salary advancements in 2025.

According to LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index, 45 per cent of U.S. employees expect a pay increase in the next six months and only 22 per cent are anticipating a promotion.

“Economic uncertainty and inflation are likely contributing to workers’ current outlooks, and employers’ budgets for pay increases,” LinkedIn News said in a post.

More than 4,300 professionals were surveyed between Sept. 21 and Oct. 18.

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While this survey focused on employees in the U.S., it’s important for non-unionized workers in Canada to understand their rights.

Key takeaways

  • Non-unionized employees in Canada have the right to ask their boss for a raise or a promotion.
  • If you’re punished after asking your employer for a raise or promotion, you might’ve been the victim of a workplace reprisal.
  • Non-unionized employees in Canada can be fired after asking for a raise or a promotion—as long as they are provided full severance pay and the reasons for their dismissal aren’t discriminatory.
  • Severance can be as much as 24 months’ pay—depending on age, length of service, position at the company, and other factors.
  • In addition to salary, severance may cover bonuses, commissions, and other compensation.
  • You have up to two years from the date of your termination to pursue full severance pay—regardless of any employer-imposed deadlines, which aren’t legally enforceable.
  • In Canada, non-unionized workers don’t get a severance package when they resign voluntarily.
  • To learn more about the rights you have when asking for a raise or promotion, use our firm’s Pocket Employment Lawyer.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains what employees shouldn’t do before seeking legal counsel on an episode of the Employment Law Show.


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Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

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