Anupam Mittal Sparks Debate on 'Standard' 35% Salary Hikes for Job Changers

Anupam Mittal, the well-known founder of Shaadi.com and a judge on Shark Tank India, has stirred a significant online discussion by challenging the widely accepted practice of job seekers requesting a 35% salary hike when switching jobs. Mittal took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his surprise, asking, "Ye standard kisne banaya?" (Who created this standard?). He later clarified his stance, stating that his objection was not to candidates seeking higher pay but to the notion of an "arbitrary standard." Mittal emphasized that if a role justifies it, candidates should feel free to demand even double their current salary, as ultimately, the market dictates the true value.

Netizens responded with divided opinions. Many users supported Mittal's call for salary negotiations based on merit, skills, and the specific responsibilities of the role. Conversely, a substantial segment of users defended the 35% figure, arguing that it serves as an essential benchmark for employees to achieve meaningful salary jumps, especially in inflationary environments or after periods of stagnant pay. They pointed out that companies often fail to provide significant raises to loyal employees, making job changes the primary way to secure better compensation. Some users even suggested that 35% is now a conservative figure, with current demands often exceeding 50% based on skills.

Impact This debate could influence how companies structure their compensation offers and how employees approach salary negotiations. It may lead to a greater focus on individual merit and market value rather than adherence to predefined percentage increases, potentially affecting hiring costs and employee satisfaction. The discussion highlights a tension between established hiring norms and the evolving dynamics of the labor market. Impact Rating: 4/10

Difficult Terms: * **Arbitrary Standard**: A rule or practice that is based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. * **Entitlement**: The belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment. * **Market Decides**: The principle that prices and compensation are determined by the forces of supply and demand in the economy. * **Inflationary Markets**: Economic conditions where the general price level of goods and services is rising, leading to a fall in the purchasing value of money. * **Stagnant Pay**: A situation where salaries or wages do not increase for a long period. * **Equity**: In a business context, it refers to ownership interest, often in the form of shares or stock. * **Netizens**: Users of the Internet.