> I want to offer them (at least) a modest raise to come here. I want them to be happy and excited. I also want to not waste a ton of time negotiating salary if they want 50K more then I have available in my budget
If this were the case, you should ask what salary the desire, rather than what their current salary is.
Also, assuming that you're not the owner or otherwise the sole decision maker, others in the company do not share you're enlightened view. For various reasons, they seek to pay as little as possible to employ an acceptable minimum standard of employee.
If this were the case, you should ask what salary the desire, rather than what their current salary is.
Also, assuming that you're not the owner or otherwise the sole decision maker, others in the company do not share you're enlightened view. For various reasons, they seek to pay as little as possible to employ an acceptable minimum standard of employee.