XOM will never be a nice place to work until we stop "hiring the best" but mandating x% into low ranked/paid positions. Mandating a certain pay distribution is NOT a meritocracy.
There is a serious lack of feedback against the people mandating this unfair demoralizing remuneration system (or more likely it falls on deaf ears). Apparently sympathetic mid level management will never risk their careers to end this (would you?)
The only message these multi-millionaire as-----s will hear is if we vote with our feet. Otherwise, we're just whining. Any employees that can should make smart jumps to other employment.
You can always come back. In fact, there was a recent symposium indicating that's a great way to advance XOM your career. Several successful employees indicated they had to leave in order to be seriously considered for their current roles.
And if they have the gall to mention loyalty tell them, "it's not personal, it's just business."