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Everyone has very good suggestions but unfortunately Robert is right. Restructuring, downsizing, blah, blah, blah… it all means we’re all working much harder than before without rewards. I have not had a review in 3 years, have taken on multiple other responsibilities of those that were laid off, and no raise in sight. Some evaluations were given recently and we (supervisor’s) were told no one can receive an “exceed” – they didn’t say it but that might warrant a pay raise. It’s crazy but it’s the reality – we’re all taking brutal beatings with the current economy. Hang in there. Be very prepared if you decide to approach asking for a raise. It’ll be awesome if you do get it. But if you don’t, you can’t take it personally. Others in your area should not have shared who has received raises – it creates a hostile environment. Good luck!
Did you ever think that maybe these other folks who got raises actually went in and asked for one?? Everything should be fair across the board but as we all know not everyone is created equal in the workplace. I’d take some of the suggestions given such as go in prepared and highlight what you have done to deserve a raise. If your performance warrants a raise, after you present your case to your manager, you should receive one if other people have received them to. Again, sometimes you need just ask!!
These are great suggestions. I would like to add that should not include anything about who has or has not received pay increases. That is confidential information. If other employee’s have chosen to share the information with you, the information needs to be held in confidence. Additionally, whether or not you receive a pay increase should be based solely on your performance; not on whether someone else received an increase.
Good Luck!
You approach him prepared. Most managers don’t believe that raises are meritted for how long it’s been since you’ve had a raise especially if they are downsizing. They consider what are doing that is beyond the scope of your work or contributions made to increase revenue or reduce cost. You need to prepare a summary of why you think you deserve a raise based on your above and beyond contribution to the company such as taking on special projects that were not part of your normal routine or being part of project that save the company time and money . You have to tell him why you deserve it beyond length of time on the job.
Be proactive; assuming there is a formal review process and/or form to use. About a month before my review is due, I turn in my current job description and a list of things I do outside my job, plus special projects, and challenges which I handled positively during the review period. Take the review form and make comments for each section, attach sample works if need be and submit it to my boss. I tell my executive, that I know my review is coming up so here are materials to help with the process, and schedule a time to discuss. Focus on your performance (hopefully good) and not comparison with others. Sell yourself as a valuable member of the team. If you were able to save the company money or add to its bottom line is some way (however small) include that. E.g., recycling office supplies so as not to waste. Reviews are tough for both sides, and some supervisors will put it off. Make it easy for them, and it may make it easy for you; and make sure you do the prep work during your own time, and not company time.
The only way to get a raise in this environment is to prove your “worth” in the outside market. Get an interview, get an offer and that is what you are “worth”. Aside from that employers across the board, of which I am one, will tell you that business is horrible and we are all lucky to be doing as well as we are, so don’t push it. Unemployment is much higher than the numbers suggest, and nothing seems viable on the horizon. Keep working hard. There are others out there ready to take your job as soon as you fumble the ball.
Hopefully the economy will turn around soon, and then it will be appropriate to ask for a raise even though as you rightly say you deserve one right now. I deserve to have bankers that will allow me to hold receivables especially after I bailed them out. I also deserve to have a government that will get out of way when I want to expand my business. If I can’t have those things, then how can I give you a raise?