Do You Deserve a Pay Rise? How to Get it!

Are you worth more money? You might think so, but are you really worth more or do you just have an inflated opinion of yourself? Of course, the most important question is, does your boss think you’re worth a little more?

Are You Really Worth More?

Assessing what your skills are worth at a basic level is a relatively simple matter if your occupation and duties are well defined. Even if the pay rates for your occupation are not defined by law or suggested a professional association, do just a little research and you’ll quickly find out what people with similar skill levels in similar positions are being paid.

Of course, it’s not always that simple. It’s often a matter of what you are worth to the company you work for – and that will come down to you as an individual. Consider the following:

• How long have you been in your position and how good are you at your job, by comparison to others?
• Do you have an exemplary record of attendance and punctuality at work? In other words, are you known as a reliable and responsible worker?
• Have you demonstrated a willingness to put in the extra hours when the job calls for it?
• Are you often called upon to take charge of a situation or supervise a project because the boss knows they can rely on you to ensure things get done properly?
• When you take your holidays, is it difficult for your employer to find a replacement who is as competent as you?
• If you told your boss tomorrow that you were leaving, would he or she panic – knowing that finding a suitable replacement would be difficult?

If you answered in the positive for several of those questions, the chances are that you’re worth more money to your boss.

How to Get More

Getting a wage or salary increase is often as simple as just asking – but there’s a right way and a wrong way to do that.

The wrong way – catching them in a spare moment and verbally hitting them up for a raise. Doing it this way will put him or her on the spot and make them feel uncomfortable. Without time to consider your value, they may simply say the company cannot afford it – and then your opportunity is gone and both you and your boss will feel awful.

The right way – put it in writing. Start by saying how much you enjoy your position and making it clear that you wish to remain working for the company but would appreciate it if your wage or salary could be reviewed – mention how long it has been since the last review. List the reasons why you are of value to the company (without putting the company or your boss down). Put a figure on it – and one that is just a little higher than the amount you want, so they can negotiate down if they’re so inclined.

Putting your request in writing will give them time to consider the situation well – and come to the conclusion that as replacing you with someone equally as competent would be difficult, you do in fact, deserve that raise.

If you work for a small business, the financial situation of the business is likely to be a major factor. It might be the case that the business you work for simply cannot afford to pay your more. If that’s the case however, a clever boss will let you know how much they value you, and possibly offer you at least some small additional benefit.

What if Your Boss is an Idiot?

Let’s face it – there are some employers who have no appreciation of good workers at all. They’re often a little incompetent themselves and it’s evident to those around them that their success is entirely due to the employees that keep things ticking over. If this sounds like your situation, your boss might well say no to your request. You might realise that they’d be in deep trouble if you left, but your boss probably isn’t capable of seeing it.

If you’ve decided you’re worth more, ask for it! Best case scenario, you’ll go home with a pay rise and a smile on your face. Worst case scenario, you’ll finally reach the conclusion that it’s time to move on.