Sample Letter for Refusal of Employee Request for Early Raise in Massachusetts Dear [Employee's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing in response to your recent request for an early raise. After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we are unable to grant your request at this time. We understand your desire for a salary increase, but there are several factors that have influenced our decision. Firstly, it is important to note that our company policy outlines a structured performance review and salary adjustment cycle. As you may be aware, evaluations and salary adjustments are typically conducted annually, allowing us to assess the performance and contributions of each employee objectively and consistently. While we acknowledge your hard work and dedication to your responsibilities, we believe it is essential to adhere to the established process to maintain fairness among all employees. Granting an early raise for one individual might create imbalances within the team and cause dissatisfaction among other staff members who are also deserving of potential salary adjustments. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted our industry and forced us to reconsider our financial decisions. Our company, like many others, has faced unforeseen challenges and uncertainties. In order to maintain financial stability and sustainability, difficult decisions have been made, such as freezing salary increases temporarily. We genuinely appreciate your valuable contributions to our organization and recognize that you are an indispensable part of our team. We encourage you to continue excelling in your role and strive for excellence. By demonstrating consistent high performance, you increase your chances of receiving a favorable salary adjustment during the next scheduled review cycle. Although we are unable to meet your current request, we are open to discussions regarding career growth opportunities that align with our policies and timelines. We encourage you to follow up with your supervisor or the HR department to discuss your professional development goals and potential opportunities within the company. We understand that receiving this news can be disappointing. However, we assure you that our decision is in the best interest of maintaining fairness, consistency, and the long-term success of the organization. Thank you for understanding and for your continued dedication to your work. We value your contributions and look forward to your continued success with our company. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Title] [Company Name]