How To Ask For A Financial Raise During The Ongoing Economic Recession?
Question From the Job Seeker:
I am working with a moderate-sized organization as a Production-line Supervisor. I was hired exactly one year ago at a salary scale quite low for my position, but was promised that my pay would be reviewed on the basis of my performance after six months. Then the economic recession started, and no more was said about increments and pay appraisals. Moreover, my organization had several layoffs. Hence, now I am doing the work that three people used to do earlier.
I’m seriously thinking of asking for a raise in my current salary. The main reason for bringing up this matter with my boss is that my performance has been terrific throughout the past year. I’ve introduced new efficiencies, costs cutting strategies, increased productivity etc. I need your advice on how to approach the management in this matter?
Hameed Shahbaz
Answer From ROZEE:
Dear Hameed,
No doubt, much courage is required to ask for a raise in this kind of economic climate, but the fact that your job performance has been, as you put it, “terrific” is crucial to your argument. Here are some ways to maximize your chances of getting a raise:
• Document your achievements over the past year. Don’t assume that your boss already knows about the efficiencies you have introduced and the extent to which you have boosted the productivity. Prepare your case and back it up with hard facts and figures about your performance.
• Stay open to the idea of other forms of compensations. Many employers try to keep base salaries flat, but a performance bonus may still be presented.
• Make sure your boss knows that you understand that the budgets are tight, and that you want to help your employer meet his company’s goals in this stiff financial condition.
• Adopt a moderate attitude while asking for a raise. It should not be so harsh that it may turn you up in losing your job. It should not also be so meek and meager that you readily get refused and hurt your self esteem.
• You would not be able to get what you want unless you ask for it. The worst that can happen is that you may get a refusal to your request. So do not hesitate to speak up, because the chances of acceptance and refusal of your request are equally even.
You should realize that once the economy boosts up again, companies would need talented professionals more than ever. In such circumstances, the ball will be in your court and you can make best use of the situation in your favor. So, try to stay rooted to your current employer and maintain your best performance throughout.
All the best!
ROZEE Team
