Why do some employers penalize success?

Every company seems to claim that they want the best, highest-performing employees, but when they actually get their hiring decisions right, they don’t seem to be interested in treating them in a way that is going to encourage them to achieve. They do not want to learn the lesson that the carrot is always going to be more enticing than the stick.

Maybe it is true that business is complicated, and just because a worker desires a certain level of recognition doesn’t mean that they are going to get it. Still, companies cannot get away from the fact that the main reason that most people are working for them is money. Incentivising employees with a little added compensation now and then is much more of a motivator than a pat on the head or, even worse, being ignored or criticized for doing something right.

One thing is for certain, and that is the fact that underappreciated employees are more likely to find another employer who seems to value their skillset more if they get snubbed the wrong way. Even in this job market, the talented and savvy applicants are capable of being snapped up fast.