Nearly 800 Companies May Be Offering Raises This Year

DENVER (CBS4) - A new survey of nearly 800 companies may offer a bit of hope for workers wanting a raise.

In the survey of 773 companies in the U.S. the majority say they'll be handing out more raises -- and bigger raises.

Those who receive high performance ratings can expect to get a 4.5 percent increase. Those with average ratings can look forward to an additional 2.5 percent increase in their paychecks. And workers with below average performance will have to make do with an increase of just 1.4 percent.

Employees in downtown Denver were mixed in their expectations.

"I'm hoping I'll get a raise this year," one person said.

"I think I would be deserving after a year," another person said.

The survey also suggests that since corporate profits have been strong bonuses may be handed out this year.

Still, with job fairs flooded with unemployed workers, some who have jobs say they're reluctant to go in and ask for a raise right now.

"I probably wouldn't ask this year," a woman said. "(I'm) just grateful to have a job."

Even if employees get a raise, it's won't buy them much. The cost of living has increased 3.6 percent in the last 12 months

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