So many people feel shy or awkward about asking for a raise. They may feel that they are not entitled to one, or that they do not deserve it. They may also be afraid of rejection or appearing ungrateful. However, there are several reasons why it is important to ask for those raises aka salary increments.
First, you deserve to receive compensation that is in line with your skills and experience. Second, if you do not ask for a salary increment, you may never receive one. And third, by asking for a raise, you show your employer that you are ambitious and want to contribute more to the company.
If you've been low-balling yourself when it comes to compensation, stick around for tips on how to position yourself for an increment of salary.
What are salary increments?
A salary increment is a salary increase that is typically given to employees on an annual basis. The purpose of salary increments is to ensure that employees maintain a certain level of quality of life, and receive adequate compensation for their work.
Though there is no set rule in terms of how often an employee can request an increment of salary. Most recommend that new employees wait at least six months, while more senior employees can ask around once a year.
When is a good time to ask for a raise?
Finding the right time to ask for a pay raise can be tricky. On the one hand, you don't want to be seen as entitled or presumptuous.
On the other hand, you don't want to wait too long and risk missing out on a promotion. Or worse, having your current salary be the new baseline for future raises. So when is it the right time to ask?
When your employer posted strong quarterly earnings
When your employer posts strong quarterly earnings, it's almost always a good time to ask for a pay raise. If a company is doing well, it should reward its employees for their hard work.
With a well-crafted request, you can show your employer how you've contributed to your company's recent success. As well as your commitment to the company's future performance.
You find out you’re being underpaid
One of the best times to ask for a raise is when you know you’re being underpaid. If you realize that someone more junior than you is making the same amount as you do.
Or, you've taken on more responsibilities and worked overtime in the recent months yet your pay has remained the same. Then it's probably time that you ask for an increment of salary.
You’ve made significant achievements
Another great time to ask for a pay raise is when you've become an invaluable asset to your company. When you can demonstrate that you've contributed to the success of the firm, it becomes harder for management to say no.
So if you're looking to get extra financial compensation for all your hard work, make sure to document your achievements. Prepare to talk with them in detail about your accomplishments.
7 Actionable tips for negotiating a salary increment
If you're feeling nervous and unsure about negotiating a salary increment, here are some tips that can help you better prepare for the big moment.
1. Research salary data for your current position
Make sure to do some research first before you speak with your boss or HR department. Because the more you know, the better equipped you are going into the discussion.
You can find out what others in similar positions are earning by doing an online search of salaries on Glassdoor. This will give you an idea of what range might work for your company.
Also, it's important to note that if you decide to negotiate your starting salary at a company, this might directly affect the percentage of salary increments you can negotiate in the future.
2. Consider bonuses and other options
A bonus is a sum of money that you earn in addition to wages or salary. It can be based on performance (e.g., productivity) or other factors (e.g., seniority). On the other hand, stock options are the right to buy shares in a company at a predetermined price within a certain time period.
Bonuses and stock options aren't a part of salary increments. However, it might still be worthwhile to consider negotiating these benefits since they have a monetary value.
3. Don’t be afraid to counter
Although it is important to be professional when asking for a raise, don't be afraid to counter if the offer is not what you were expecting. Remember that you have a right to negotiate. If the initial offer is too low, be prepared to make a case for why you believe you are worth more.
Stay calm and confident throughout the negotiation process. And remember that it is ultimately better for both parties to reach an agreement than to walk away empty-handed.
4. Aim for the top of the range
When it comes to asking for salary increments, most people aim too low. They often hesitate to ask for what they really want, settling instead for a smaller increase that may not meet their needs.
If you can prove that you deserve it based on your past performance, then don’t be afraid to aim high when requesting a raise. It’s always better to ask and be turned down than not to ask at all.
5. Use a salary increment calculator
It's always a good idea to arm yourself with as much information as possible before you go into any negotiation, and that includes finding out what you're worth in the current market. A salary increment calculator can help you do just that.
By plugging in your current salary and target percentage of increment, a salary increment calculator can give you an idea of how much more money you could be asking for at your current company.
On average, employers give their employees a 3% salary increment each year. Here are a few popular salary increment calculators you can try:
- KnowledgeWalls salary increment calculator
- Good Calculators pay raise calculator
- Omni salary increment calculator
6. Show your performance record
Many companies use tools such as appraisal systems and scorecards that help them evaluate employee performance. It might be worth looking at these before asking for an increase in pay.
Especially if you feel like you're doing well but not being recognized by your employer. By proving to them that you've gone above and beyond to meet the expectations of the company, you'll have an upper hand in the negotiation process.
7. Practice negotiation with family and friends
Negotiation is like any other skill. You need to do some trial and error before you start getting better at it. The more experience you have, the easier it will become for you to stand your ground.
If you're looking for a way to practice your salary negotiation skills without the risk of losing a job offer or position, try negotiating with your family and friends. Have them come up with different scenarios so you can work on your strategy and build up your confidence.
3 Reasons why you should ask for salary increments
By asking for an increment of salary you are not only doing what's best for yourself, but you're also sending a message to your employer that you are dedicated to your career and expect to be compensated fairly for your hard work.
If you're still on the fence on whether or not to ask for a raise, here are three reasons why you should do it.
1. Salary increments improve your job satisfaction level
Asking for a salary increment can ensure that you are compensated fairly for all of the hard work and effort that you put into your job.
Most importantly, an increment of salary can provide you with more financial stability. Which can lead to a more comfortable and satisfying life overall.
2. You’ll become more confident by proving your worth
When asking for a salary increment, you are essentially communicating to your employer that you are a valuable asset and that you are worth more than your current salary.
This can make you feel appreciated and valued by your employer. Additionally, it can help you to feel more confident in your abilities and may encourage you to work harder.
3. It speeds up your career advancement
A salary increment can help you advance faster at your company by proving that you are invested in your career. It can also help you negotiate for better opportunities and benefits down the road.
Boost your salary by asking for salary increments!
Learning how to position yourself for salary increments is so important because it shows you are serious about your work and want to be rewarded for your efforts. Moreover, it puts you in a better bargaining position when it comes time to negotiate a raise.
Every employee should take the time to assess their worth and position themselves accordingly. By following the tips mentioned above, you too can increase your earning potential and pave the way for future salary growth.