Are you thinking of advancing your career? If so, it is beneficial to take on extra responsibilities at work. However, with increased work, comes the need for additional pay. But, how do you ask for a raise based on an increased workload?
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In a perfect world, your boss should notice your extra effort and reward you for it, yet this rarely happens hence the need to ask. Requesting a pay raise could be one uneasy conversation to have. But if it is what you deserve, you have to find a way to do it right.
And while requesting a raise based on increased workload could be your ultimate goal, how you go about it and how prepared you are, will play a big role in whether you succeed or not. With that mind, you’ll need to get your facts and timing right to succeed.
How do you request a salary increase and succeed? If you can adhere to the following steps, no boss in his right mind would say no to you.
Step 1. When should you request your raise based on increased workload?
It is not absurd to desire a pay increase; actually, it makes more sense if you are requesting one based on an increased workload. Nonetheless, timing is everything. Knowing when to ask will determine whether you are successful or not.
What is the ideal moment to request a salary increase? Before choosing to push for a boost in salary, make a point to consider the following realities.
What’s your company’s financial state?
It is not proper to request a salary increase when the organization is in crisis. Being an employee there, you should know the financial state of the company. If not, check for leading signs, for example, layoffs or persistent field trips.
To avoid looking like a self-serving narcissist, request for a salary increase when it’s appropriate. You are more likely to get a raise when the company is financially stable.
How busy is your boss?
Consider the mood of your supervisor to avoid making the discussion even more uncomfortable. If he is experiencing a week full of pressure or has a huge workload, it’s not going to do you any good to add more stress.
Staying observant of your bosses’ mood will make things easier for both of you. The conversation will happen when all parties are ready to have it.
What is the right time to inquire about a raise?
Most companies have that time of the year when they believe it’s relevant to address salary issues. Some organizations may also conduct yearly evaluations or appraisals of their employees.
If your evaluation is fast approaching, you could use that opportunity to ask for a raise. If not, it would be convenient to ask for one at the end of a financial year.
Mark such dates if you are planning to request a raise. This way, you will have the upper hand when preparing for the meeting.
Have you recently achieved a significant milestone?
Having considered your companies financial state and taken your bosses’ mood into account, the next best time to push for an increase is when you have recently attained some success. If you have recently completed a project, then it would be the perfect time to request a pay increase.
Systematically catalog every detail of your success. Use this information when negotiating with your manager. Your boss could have knowledge of your accomplishments, but they might not know how impressive they were. So, make sure to show them that.
Step 2. Study salary trends.
How much should you ask for? There is a way every occupation is valued in the market. And since you have taken on extra responsibilities, you need to know what percentage of a raise you deserve.
Learn what salary range merits your new responsibilities. Do this by studying your city’s salary trends.
This way, you will have the ability and a basis for recognizing what pay merits your efforts. Use the information to help you settle on a figure.
How much of a raise percentage should you ask for?
While on average, your pay should increase by 3%. However, your new-found responsibilities could mean you deserve more than the average percentage. How best can you determine the pay increase you deserve?
- First, relate what you currently earn to your city’s salary trends. The scale where you are ranked in could be the perfect place to start.
- Second, consider your level of education, your work experience, and how long you have served at your current company. Your boss will likely consider all these when discussing your raise.
- Record all your successes and how they have benefited the company. Utilize numbers when quantifying your achievements. This way, you will easily convince your boss.
- Finally, pinpoint what increment you deserve for your increased workload. Do not be afraid to ask for more.
Step 3. Set an appointment.
Pick a date when it is convenient to talk about your compensation raise based on increased workload with your manager. Do not blindside him on the sidewalk or parking lot to try and easily influence him. Schedule a meeting and privately request in person.
In advance of the meeting, make sure he knows you intend to talk about how best you can be rewarded for your new responsibilities. Also, provide him with the relevant documents to support your need for an increase.
In case your performance review is on the horizon, it could be the perfect time to talk about a raise. Ensure your boss is aware of your intentions in advance of the review.
Step 4. Perfect your pitch.
Before the meeting, prepare what you are going to say to convince your manager. Recognize that it is usual to feel uneasy or anxious before the meeting. Therefore, the need to practice.
Practice how you are going to pitch the idea to your boss. Have a friend listen to your speech and tell you what they think of it. This way, you will practice staying on script even when anxious.
Also, make sure to only focus on professional reasons such as an increase in responsibility. Do not make it personal.
Step 5. How to properly request a pay increase.
Address the meeting with the seriousness it deserves. Approach it as you would an essential job presentation or an interview for a promotion. Dress accordingly.
Confidently ask for your raise. Do not feel intimidated in any way. Know that what you are asking for is what you deserve for your increased workload.
Step 6. Prepare in case of questions.
Having given a good account of why you deserve a raise, expect your boss to have questions regarding your proposal. He will likely need extra information to make a decision, hence the questions.
Prepare in advance for any questions you think your boss might ask. Accurately answering could increase your chances of getting a pay raise.
Step 7. End on a positive.
Notwithstanding how the meeting transpired, make sure to end on a positive. Thank your boss for allowing you to air your view. Stay professional throughout the whole process.
In case you succeed, calmly offer your appreciation. If not, do not feel the need to air your frustrations. Keep your cool to the end.
Keeping it professional would make it simpler for you on the off chance that you choose to request a raise again later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is asking for a 20% raise too much?
For this question, see Step 2 above which suggests you should be studying salary trends for your city/state for the job you are performing. If you have studied the typical pay for someone in your field with similar experience and education and your current pay is determined to fall 20% short of that amount then by all means ask for what you are worth.
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What should you not say when asking for a raise?
You really should avoid saying anything that sounds angry or desperate. Telling your boss you need a raise because you can’t afford to pay your bills is definitely weird and reeks of desperation. Also, telling your boss you will quit if they don’t give you a raise may get you a pink slip quicker than you expected.
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Is it rude to ask for a raise?
This is what the higher-ups would have you believe. The times where people “should just be grateful to have a job” are long gone. Workers are more educated and highly-trained than ever in professions across the board and should be paid their worth. If anything, it is more rude to be exploiting employees by blatantly under-paying them.