This is going to be my year! I'm going to do my best, but I'll also make sure my effort doesn't go unnoticed, and I'll finally get a raise. If this thought crosses your mind when you contemplate your job, it's important to realize that wishing for it isn't enough; you must prepare for it effectively. These tips can help your boss and your company objectively assess your contributions, potentially leading to the recognition and rewards you seek.
Sometimes it's not just about a salary increase; it might involve a promotion to a position of greater responsibility or a transition to another area you're truly passionate about. Your long-awaited recognition could also result in greater flexibility, work-life balance, or personal interests being taken into account. Regardless of your specific goal, it's highly recommended that your approach clearly communicates how your work significantly contributes to your boss's objectives, overall company success, and even the enhancement of the company's reputation.
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Alignment with corporate values.
The importance of an organization identifying with corporate values goes beyond being politically correct; it's a business matter. Brands are associated with specific characteristics that enhance their competitiveness, define their interactions with the environment, and create expectations among stakeholders like customers, suppliers, investors, and, of course, employees. Encouraging these values from within by recognizing the small everyday actions and attitudes can add genuine meaning to them.
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Analyze your cost-benefit.
While we may not often enjoy thinking in financial terms, it's essential to be honest. Ultimately, a company's decision to hire any employee involves a cost-benefit analysis. Does the value an employee brings to the organization equal or exceed their salary, associated taxes, benefits, or the cost of maintaining a workspace and tools? Over time, the goal is for the benefit to outweigh the expense.
Quantify how you add value to the company in business terms.
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Find out the average salary for your professional profile.
Salaries vary based on factors such as experience, education, skill level, and even geographic location. Jim Hopkinson, author of "Salary Tutor", defends how important is to understand, through objective criteria, what people in your field of activity are being paid.
Numerous websites, media rankings, and government studies offer guidance on this, but consulting with someone in human resources or personnel selection can also be valuable.
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Try to have systems implemented in your company that allow recognition in a transparent manner.
Working in an environment where you don't know the value of your contributions or receive feedback on your progress is far from ideal.
Regularly evaluating progress and providing
constructive feedback not only offers opportunities for growth and learning but also the potential for ongoing recognition.
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Hit the timing.
In addition to having objective criteria and the analysis of your evaluation with an action plan full of achievements, you must hit the right moment to request your increase.
It would be interesting to know what are the times when budgets are drawn up in your organization, if the company is growing or not, and analyze what are the times of the year when revenues tend to increase (and, therefore, optimism!) . Knowing this information will not only work in your favor, but it will show your bosses that you really care about the business.
Finally, do not forget that we are people. In the same way that you interpret your situation, your interlocutor may also have other concerns. Understanding that and empathizing with your managers will be a good starting point. If you frame your argument not as a problem (which would be added to the list of problems your boss probably has in mind) but as a solution or opportunity for you and the organization, the way it is interpreted is also more likely to be positive.
If a higher salary isn't immediately attainable, keep in mind that various non-monetary benefits, such as improved flexibility, telecommuting options, or periodic goal reviews, can also enhance your professional experience.
Don't stop seeking opportunities for improvement; that's a form of talent development as well.
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If you want to learn, be a part of your professional growth, have your company recognize your strengths and achievements, recommend them to try Hrider, the solution to implement a transparent 360º Evaluation and Feedback process in organizations of any size!