2020 is here and a new year often ignites new ambition, motivation and objectives. January often sees the UKs workforce analyse their current salaries in order to determine if they deem them fair and appropriate. This can initiate the conversation of a pay rise. Here, we had the pleasure to sit down and speak with HR Manager Ash Donovan at the health and lifestyle brand Gear Hungry and Ash revealed 8 things what not to say when asking for a pay rise. Included is useful info on why how long you have been at the company is irrelevant, keeping personal matters away from the discussion and not apologising.
‘I have been here over a year’
‘An employee leading a salary negotiation with how long they have worked within the company is perhaps the most common mistake to make when requesting a pay rise.’ reveals Donavon. ‘To be a little harsh, for the most part how long you have been employed with the company is irrelevant. How valuable your contribution towards the workplace is one of the biggest deciding factors in determining if a pay rise will be awarded. A colleague can be working within the company for half the number of years that you have however, added more value.
‘Instead of discussing how many days of work you have accumulated, present specific events and reasons with regards to why you believe you are entitled to a pay rise. Give an actionable agenda of further ways in which you plan to contribute towards the workings of the team and ultimately, create even more value’.
‘My rent has gone up’
‘Never relate a pay rise to a personal situation’ tells Donavon. ‘This can create a really awkward atmosphere when many people find talking about money awkward enough. Whether your rent has increased, you need a new car, or you are saving or attending several costly weddings in 2020, personal commitments have nothing to do with your workplace performance. Keep it professional and focus on your work only.’
‘I want a rise of £10,000’
‘Some people are surprised when I say that for the most part, businesses don’t mind its workforce requesting a pay rise’, says Donovan. ‘It shows a level of commitment as they did not choose to interview for other roles and initiate an honest discussion about their future within the workplace instead. However, what employers do mind is employees not only demanding a raise but also being unrealistic in their requests.’
Requesting a pay rise that is tens of thousands of pounds higher than your current salary can come across as arrogant surely. You may genuinely be receiving a salary that does not reflect your experience or expertise however, if it is not likely to be so significantly under par. It is a sure-fire way to irritate the decision maker as they will feel that there is no reason to partake in a conversation if one party has unrealistic expectations. Donovan suggests not divulging how much of a salary increase you desire. This allows the conversation to be open and perhaps most importantly, see that you do not undercut yourself.
‘Give me a raise, or I’ll give you my notice’
‘Ultimatums are never a good idea, unless you plan to carry them through,’ advises Donovan. ‘If you feel that you may be able to win a pay rise via a scare tactic, you are likely to find yourself in a sticky situation. Many can feel that they contribute so much towards a workplace that they their boss will agree to anything to keep them there. This can of course be true however; such tactics do not account for the event that it genuinely may not be financially viable for the company to negotiate a raise. Consequently, you will be forced to seek a new job even if you do not want to’.
‘I have spoken to my colleague and they are on more than me’
According to Donovan, ‘It is inevitable that strong bonds between co workers will be built in a workplace. This can lead colleagues to believe that they know everything about each other, including salaries.
I cannot emphasize enough how important it is not to mention co workers when discussing a personal salary. You may be confident that you know everything your colleague does however, it is unlikely.’
Some people shout about their workplace wins louder than others, some choose to communicate the effectiveness of their contributions directly to management and others step into a new office with a lot more experience than their counterparts. Your salary is prescriptive to you, so ensure that you keep discussions focussed on you.
‘Sorry, but I need a raise. Sorry’
‘Everyone is fully entitled to request a pay rise, especially if they feel it is genuinely deserved. There is no need to apologise. Frequently apologising portrays an air of self-doubt which can see a workplace over contemplate awarding you with a pay rise. Ensure that you are assertive, confident and above all unapologetic’.
‘I can’t believe we lost such a huge client, anyway I need a pay rise’
It is crucial that you analyse the culture of the workplace and accumulate as much insight about the company’s finances as you can. If the atmosphere is a little prickly due to external sources, then it may be wise to postpone initiating any important discussions until it lifts.
Donovan tells us, ‘Before you instigate any kind of salary discussion, ensure that you believe the company has the resources to fulfil your requests in the first place. If they have just experienced substantial financial loss, then it is wise to keep this in mind.’
Recognizing that workplace benefits do not just equate to sterling in your bank account is perhaps my biggest piece of advice we learnt from Donovan during our chat. ‘Extra holiday, great workplace culture and happy co workers can be invaluable. Ensure that you have listed all of the workplace benefits in order to establish what you deem a fair pay rise.’
