Do you think it is possible for people to be able to run these calculations on their own rather than using their “gut judgment” to decide if they believe what their employer is telling them?

I ask because I work in finance, so I think I am biased. I know where to get information about my company’s sales figures and revenue projections and I know how to calculate, based on funds available, to determine objectively if there is room in the budget for the pay increase I am asking for.

I am not sure everyone knows where to get this information or what to do with it, but if it seems possible that they could get it and work with the data- they wouldn't have to decide if they believe what their boss is telling them, they would know with a great deal of certainty if there is room in the budget of a raise or not.

Thanks for writing this!