Company did well this year? Don't even think about any hefty pay raise ...

From the Mercer Resource Consultings report, 2006 Worldwide Pay Survey:

“Despite the tremendous growth in the US economy, many companies remain cautious in their approach to pay increases. Organisations continue to use variable pay such as bonuses to help retain talented employees, as they struggle to afford higher base pay levels,” said Robin Ferracone, President, Human Capital Business at Mercer.

Struggle? Uh huh.