Yes perhaps they ask because they could use more funds to make ends meet.

And yes, perhaps they ask because they've learned a new skill and are contributing now more than ever.

And yes, perhaps they ask because someone left (or was let go) and they're doing the job of two.

But more often than not, they're asking because they want you to make it worth it.

Worth it?

• Worth it to put up with the insane inefficiencies and lack of communication.
• Worth it to put up with the rude comment said by a supervisor.
• Worth it to put up with the crazy co-worker who everyone knows should have been fired a loooong time ago.
• Worth it to put up with irate customers to whom company promises have been broken.
• Worth it to put up with missing their daughter's soccer game.
• Worth it to not be a part of something meaningful.
• Worth it to put up with feeling dispensable.

And at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter how much you pay - it won't be worth it. It won't be enough. And it will become obvious as you watch one of your most valuable employees walk out the door even after you gave them the raise they asked for.

Be a workplace that's worth working for. That's worth a life's work.