How to Secure Your Pay Rise

Did you know around 50% of employees have never asked their boss for a pay rise? Although this may come as some surprise, it’s also understandable. After all, that conversation with your boss – asking for more money – can be an intimidating one.

However, it’s also irrational. No-one ever got fired because they asked for more money. In fact, it can be argued that asking your employer for a higher salary means you’re more likely to stay with the firm long-term.

Let’s face it, we could all use some extra cash. If you’re struggling to get the pay rise you deserve, here are some suggestions to help secure it:

How much are you actually worth?

Let’s start by asking if your salary is actually reasonable. You can get a decent idea of how much you should be worth through a company such as Payscale. If this indicates you’re being underpaid, that gives you a good indicator of what you should be on.

After all, when asking for a pay rise, your employer will ask how much they should be paying you. It’s important you have a concrete figure.

Make your argument

Once you have that figure, the next step is to make your case for that pay rise. After asking “how much”, your employer will probably ask “why”.

Fundamentally, a request for a higher salary isn’t a favour – it’s a contract. You agree to do your job and – in return – you’re compensated for your efforts. Therefore, a pay rise only makes sense if it makes business sense.

Your argument should indicate why your current salary isn’t enough considering what you do and what a reasonable amount will be. You may want to refer to revenue you’ve brought into the business.

Pick the right time

You may deserve the pay rise – but timing is arguably everything. If your company is currently making redundancies, chances are, your request will be unsuccessful.

However, if the firm is flourishing with departments hitting their goals and – more importantly – your boss is in a good mood, your pay rise may stand a higher chance of being accepted.

Don’t give up

Despite your best efforts, your pay rise may be refused. Don’t worry though, it happens. Instead of just accepting it, ask what you’d need to do to get the amount requested. Alternatively, instead of financial compensation, you may be able to secure other benefits. For example, work from home, flexible working, or additional holidays.