11 Reasons to Ask for a Salary Increase

When money is involved, asking for a salary increase becomes a sensitive topic, requiring proper planning. To successfully request a salary increase, you need to convince your supervisor that you deserve it and choose the right timing. This article highlights the best time to ask for a raise and provides guidance on making this request.

#1: YOUR POSITION EVOLVED

Your work performance is one of the strongest arguments for receiving a pay raise. Going beyond the requirements of your job may involve taking on additional responsibilities, surpassing quotas, and assisting your co-workers. If your position has evolved to include new tasks, you can discuss the possibility of a pay raise with your supervisor. If you are capable of completing these tasks, offer to take responsibility for them voluntarily. This demonstrates your enthusiasm to learn and your commitment to the company’s success.

#2: YOU RECEIVED A PROMOTION

A change in position often comes with an increase in salary, which is particularly significant when transitioning from a rank-and-file role to an executive or managerial position.

#3: YOU GAINED SENIORITY

Did you recently gain seniority in your company? In some companies, particularly in the public sector, as employees gain more seniority, their position grade and rewards tend to increase. This can be expressed through various forms of recognition, such as benefits or bonuses, which acknowledge their years of service and dedication.

#4: YOU WERE REQUIRED TO TRAVEL MORE

Traveling for work, as mandated by your job responsibilities, can serve as a compelling reason for an increase. It not only demands adapting to diverse environments, childcare arrangements, and professional schedules but also entails emotional challenges. Moreover, travel carries inherent risks that can potentially compromise the safety and well-being of workers.

#5: YOU NEED TO ALIGN WITH INFLATION

An employee’s salary is initially determined upon their employment, but it can be subject to change through annual promotions and other factors, such as inflation. It is crucial to argue for the need to align the cost of living with current wages. One significant aspect is ensuring that the salary keeps pace with the evolving minimum wage, which is reassessed annually, often in December, depending on the company. Regular salary adjustments are essential to maintain a fair and equitable compensation structure.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#6: YOUR COMPANY IS GROWING

The company you work for is experiencing growth, and you play a crucial role in that progress. It is entirely acceptable to request a pay increase because of this expansion. However, it is essential to articulate how your contributions have contributed to the collective effort that drove this growth. What did you do differently from others?

#7: YOU BROUGHT IN NEW CLIENTS

In line with the company’s growth, if you have brought in a significant number of clients in recent years, you can make a persuasive case for a raise based on your exceptional networking skills and abilities. As a commendable employee, it is important to assert your value through concrete facts and sales figures.

#8: YOU MANAGE MORE PEOPLE

Have you recently been assigned to a team? It is deserving of a raise due to your new responsibilities. Managing individuals with their unique differences can pose a challenge for any employee. Effective management cannot be improvised; it demands specific qualities, efforts, and concessions.

#9: YOU ARE PAID LESS THAN YOUR CO-WORKERS

With comparable professional characteristics (such as time, position, experience, and diploma), the pay gap between men and women in Singapore was 14.4% in 2020. This indicates that full-time resident women aged 25 to 54 earned $0.856 for every $1.00 earned by their male counterparts.

If you discover that you are being paid less than a co-worker with the same qualifications and job duties, it is important to discuss this matter with the Human Resources department. Seek to understand the reasons behind this disparity and do not hesitate to engage in salary renegotiations.

#10: YOU RECEIVED AN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Since most employers factor in individual performance when making pay decisions, it becomes a crucial variable when being considered for a pay increase or promotion. Demonstrating excellent performance is essential for retaining your current responsibilities and achieving a higher salary. Consistently maintaining a high level of performance is equally important. Even when applying for a new job, this information can hold significance for your prospective employer as it provides a more comprehensive understanding of your abilities.

#11: YOU GAINED ADDITIONAL EDUCATION

In healthcare and academia, pursuing further education and obtaining certifications hold significant importance. The quality of one’s education can directly impact their salary. Graduating from a top program generally has a positive influence on pay. Furthermore, acquiring additional certifications relevant to your current position can contribute added value to the company, providing compelling arguments during salary negotiations.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

In conclusion, there are numerous valid reasons to request a salary increase, including evolved position, promotion, seniority, increased travel, inflation alignment, company growth, client acquisition, team management, pay disparity, excellent performance, and additional education. Best of luck in your negotiation!

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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Do these things if you want a work promotion soon

colleagues looking at a laptop

Peeps who’ve been with the same company for some time now, it’s normal to be thinking of a pay increase or title raise.

Well, who wouldn’t want some extra cash in the bank each month for savings or investments? We could all do with a bit of perk-me-up via a position raise from “executive” to “manager”, right?

But if you’ve been working for a decade or longer, you would know that a career advancement doesn’t come that easily. Do these things if you want a work promotion soon.

#1: Seek feedback from your superior

One of the best ways to get promoted is to ask for one. Set a time to meet with your boss, and bring your case for promotion to the table.

But before you do that, make sure you’re ready to share your achievements over the years, your upgraded skills, and the potential value you can bring to the company should you be given a title raise.

If your boss seems to be sitting on the fence amid the discussion, don’t leave the conversation hanging. Seek specific projects that you can undertake or accomplish to get the promotion, and then follow your superior’s directions to earn yourself a chance in the subsequent months to bring the topic back on the radar.

#2: Observe promoted colleagues
a group of young asians at work

Image Credits: Her World

Look at your coworkers who have been promoted ahead of you. Do they have something in common? Are there some aspects of what the company seeks that has made them better candidates than you do?

Maybe there is a specific certification or credential that your company finds very appealing in an employee. To find out, it’s time to be a social butterfly. Attend social work events where possible and be engaged with your peers in the same industry to get updated on what’s up and coming. 

You may also volunteer to work on team projects headed by those promoted to give yourself a chance to see for yourself the skills your promoted colleagues hold.

#3: Add value to everything you do

The management team will judge you based on whether or not you add value to the company. In other words, it’s the assessment of worth and your indispensability for the company’s growth.

Give them the very best, no matter how small the task may be, and they will likely see you as someone worth keeping. A job well done will never be overlooked as the benefits it brings add up over time.

#4: Search for ways to be noticeable
colleagues-helping-each-other

Image Credits: moneycrashers.com

Being a great employee and an eligible candidate for that promotion may not be enough if nobody notices you and your hard work.

If you want to start being more visible, being helpful is a great way to get noticed at your workplace. Volunteer to be on projects or initiate leading challenging tasks if you think you’re up for the job. Look out for opportunities to display any relevant niche knowledge you have.

At the end of a project cycle, see if you can set an appointment with your direct supervisor to check in on what they think of your contribution. Should they be unsatisfied with your performance, work on their feedback and take it positively instead of being defensive over it.

#5: Lead whenever you can

As you advance, you will require progressively more leadership skills in the company’s hierarchy. Leadership skills can refer to conflict management and an ability to motivate or steer your colleagues in the right direction.

Keeping up with excellent work performance through taking the initiative is a way to get noticed. Both your coworkers and superiors will come to know of the good shepherd that you are. In the long run, the company will trust you with more significant projects, and if done well, a promotion awaits.

#6: Be a positive presence
a female colleague motivating her coworkers

Image Credits: HealthHub

It can be easier to dwell on negativity amid workplace stress and criticisms. But negativity won’t get you anywhere.

Companies want leaders who have a positive outlook and can inspire people, not pessimistic and off-putting ones. Being a positive presence in the office will set you apart from the crowd and distinguish you when that promotion opportunity opens up.

#7: Recognise workplace issues and solve them

Have you ever worked with someone who complains about anything and everything? Such people can be viewed as toxic as they are consistently whining about things.

Instead of making a fuss over a particular business process and grumbling about it non-stop during break times, craft real solutions to improve the situation. Find specific business cases to convince your manager that it’s worth spending some money fixing a particular process. Then do your best to pitch it to them.

Take it as an excellent way to show that you’re a self-starter and keen on doing something that can benefit the company and its employees.

#8: Keep up with your work ethics
an asian woman leading a meeting

Image Credits: europeanceo.com

One factor that all of these suggestions have in common is that they require hard work to set yourself apart from your peers. One of the best ways to do so is to show an exceptional work ethic.

Work ethic can be defined as an attitude of determination and dedication towards your job. Maintain your focus at work, be punctual for all work meetings, and make sure you’re keeping up with the deadlines. You can’t be asking for a promotion if you can’t even get your foundations right.

Final thoughts

We’re not going to lie because it will take a lot of effort to get ahead and receive that promotion. Besides the tips mentioned above, you will need to find a way to stay motivated as you work towards that pay raise.

Organise your thoughts by making a plan to achieve that long-awaited promotion. When you have it all written down, it’s easier to check back and evaluate to see if you’re on the right track. Your time will come. Keep at it!

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How To Deal With A Stingy Boss

Frugality is an admirable trait, in most cases. Frugal people are typically prepared to tackle the bumps ahead. They are also able to cut down their environmental wastes. However, giving a reaction is essential if the frugality of your boss pulls down your productivity and lowers your workplace morale.

Keep these things in mind before approaching your boss:

WHEN DISCUSSING ABOUT MONEY

As most of the things in life, timing is everything. Choose the appropriate time and place to approach your boss. For instance, you must not discuss about the loss of a major account after your boss got into a car accident. It is not appropriate to discuss serious matter over a phone call either. Remember to equip yourself with respectfulness when discussing money matters.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Be polite when asking your boss for what you need or want. Be prepared to graciously accept whatever his or her answer is. Do not whine!

WHEN RUMORS CIRCULATE

It goes without saying that the portability of social media influenced how gossips can circulate on a wider scale. With rumor mills running on hyper-drive, people rarely invest their time into validating each one.

Say that there is a rumor about how your supervisor’s errors plummeted the sales of your company. Without adequate research and lack of communication, you can easily make negative assumptions. This is why learning the full story is important.

WHEN ASKING FOR GROWTH

Loyalty is a two-way street. There is a fine line between sacrificing for a company that you love and recognizing that you are taken advantaged of. If you are offering your continued loyalty to an employer for over 5 years then, you deserve to be compensated.

When a cheap boss fails to recognize your value, it can stroke a sizzling fire of discontent.

WHEN YOU FEEL UNDERPAID

If it seems as though your employer is exhausting you in unnecessary proportions then, you may approach him or her for a pay raise (or a better schedule at the very least). You do not need to let your emotions get in the way! You will only sound conceited and demanding. Instead, start the conversation on a positive note. Praise how well the company is doing in the past quarter or the recent months. Afterwards, you may ask how this affects the employees.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The next step is to do your research. Be prepared to show your employer how your salary stacks up in comparison with people with similar jobs. You are more valuable than you think; otherwise, they would have fired you a long time ago!

Sources: & 2

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What Not To Do When Requesting For A Raise

Your heart is racing fast and thoughts continue to run into your head. You are about to ask for a pay raise. The best outcome that you can imagine is getting more than what you requested. However, you will be happy to see a small bump up your monthly salary.

Let us face it! When requesting for a raise, there are only a few ways to get it right and many ways to get it wrong. Here are just some scenarios that pertain to the latter:

A STORM OF ULTIMATUMS

Roger came into the room equipped with his egotistical tone. He said: “If I do not get a 20% raise, I am quitting today.” Like Roger, it is natural to crave for fair compensation. Our employers need to see how valuable we are. But, you do not have to waltz in the room with your ultimatums. You may end up quitting abruptly just to save face!

Treat the act of requesting for a raise as a business negotiation. Psychological strategies and conversation tools can sway the opinion of another through a pleasant exchange.

A PERSONAL TURMOIL

Your personal problems including the monetary ones are your problems alone. You took the coveted job and accepted the employer’s offer. I know that emotions can run through the roof when you feel like you are getting duped. However, it is not professional to blame your boss or unload your emotional turmoil onto him or her.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Calm down and clear your inner conflicts before you discuss about your pay.

A COMPLAIN MENTALITY

In a 2015 interview, local comedian Hossan Leong highlighted that we live in a society driven by the “complain mentality”. He proved this by saying: “One complaint and everyone is up-in-arms. There is a knee-jerk reaction.” Do not let this mentality affect your actions when asking for a raise!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Your argument should not be based on what your co-workers have that you do not. Instead, it should be based on your accomplishment and performance. Find out the average salary ranges for your position by visiting informative websites such as Payscale.com and by asking credible resources.

Sources: 1 & 2

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When to Ask Your Boss for your First Raise

Business Man Pondering

Asking for a raise is like breaking up. There really isn’t a “best time” for it, and a lot of awkwardness will be involved. Unfortunately, our success in life corresponds to the number of awkward conversations we’re willing to have. So if you want to climb out of that low income rut, you’re going to have to bite the bullet and ask–but do it the right way:

The Three Rules of Asking for Money from Your Boss

The first thing you have to do is make sure you don’t break any of these. If you do, the chances of failure are not only exponentially higher, but the consequences will also be steep. Even if you do win your raise while breaking these rules, you will incur the resentment of your employer and could pay for it throughout your career.

  • Always signal your intentions. Always give your boss forewarning. Drop a polite note saying you would like to set a time to discuss how you’re being compensated. If you corner your boss at the water cooler and ask for a raise, 99% of the time the answer will be “no”, or a polite brush-off.
  • Prepare justifications based on results, not on how hard you worked. You will need to make a list of achievements before negotiating. “Achievements” are not the number of hours you worked, or the personal time you’ve given up (we hate to tell you this, but most employers don’t care). Achievements are how much money you’ve made for the company, how you improved a product or service.
  • Always have help. Find a team or department leader whose schedule would be badly affected by your departure, and tell them about it first. If someone relies on you for budget reports, for example, tell them your plans to leave if you can’t get a raise. And then ask them to back your credentials when you negotiate with your boss. Here’s a secret: whether you get a raise is often dependent on how hard team leaders fight for you, not just how hard you fight for yourself.

Timing the Moment

Obviously, the best times should be just after a good performance review, or after a successful project. But things are seldom so convenient, so look for the following times instead:

  1. Wait About Three Working Days after Informing Your Boss of Your Intentions

As mentioned above, never corner your boss and discuss your raise on the spot. Send a short e-mail or, even better, meet her face to face and ask if you can talk about your compensation “later this week”.

Three days is a good interval, which will also give you time to prepare what you need. It will also give your boss time to reflect on your contributions.

  1. Ask about Two Weeks after a Big Win

Use the “halo effect”. When your department or you have performed well, you are in a good position to negotiate a raise. However, don’t do it immediately, as it will be too obvious that you are trying to capitalise on it.

  1. You’ve Just Heard the Report on Your Employer’s Financial Health

If you just heard a rah-rah report about your company doing better, try to time your request close to date you heard it. You can also obtain this information from a prospectus or annual report.

It is better if you make the request after it has been announced however, since it’s harder for your employer to use lack of money as an excuse.

  1. You’ve Checked and Compared Your Earnings

Use sites like Payscale to check your earnings compared to your peers. You might even want to go so far as interview for positions in other companies, to see how much they are willing to offer. In general, you are right to ask for a raise if you are on the low end of the pay scale (bottom 50%). If you are already on the high end of the scale, you had better have some kind of massive achievement of late to justify the request.

If the timing is right and you’ve prepared the right details, then go ahead and make your move.

Just remember though, if you do get a raise, don’t go crazy with it.  Your first priority should be to pay down any credit card debts that you have. Your credit card should be saving you money, not costing you money. If that’s not the case, drop by SingSaver.com.sg to compare and find the best credit card for your needs.

(This article is brought to you by Singsaver.com.sg)

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