I'm fairly jaded. My current company has virtually zero loyalty to employees.
I've watched many people get walked out at random times, usually with the company shooting itself in the foot as a result.
Even if someone is under-performing, the concept of the right timing is completely foreign here.
I stick around because its relatively convenient, low stress, the work is semi interesting, and I get (overall) decent pay with little to no OT. I have ZERO loyalty in return though. I would be very much at peace if my last day was today.
I've never really seen high raises from within, in the industries I've worked (automotive, electronics, aerospace). I've certainly experienced plenty of lip service, but pretty poor follow thru.
I'm supposedly a 'top performer' but I haven't been promoted in 6 years. Hmm. What did my top performer raise get me this year? 3.5%. Hoo doggies! Average folks got 2% Below average, 0%.
Meanwhile if you are at the right location, and/or the right age and sex, upper management can't trip over themselves quickly enough to promote or create a whole new special position for you. Usually inside of 1- 2 years.
Its scary how vapid some of the folks I've seen that have been promoted. Seriously scary. Deer in the headlights type of performance. They can't answer hard questions. They don't understand anything remotely technical, even if dumbed down. It sure isn't a knack for people management skills either. I don't know what it is unless there's quota stuff going on. Its really bizarro world.
I'm in a complete dead-end, but I'm at or around the cusp of FI, so I put up with the silliness....and minimize my stress and any extra 'free' effort. Eff companies.