Depending on the type of activity and work organization, there are different systems for granting raises. The company may have established specific processes or approach the subject more flexibly. If our competences have increased, we have been given more responsibilities, or the situation on the market has changed, we want our salary to increase.

Many employees are put off by the mere negotiation of a raise. In a company with a raise system, for example related to the development path, it is a little easier. A direct conversation with the boss may seem difficult, but proper preparation can save us stress.

Let’s start from the beginning. Before we make an appointment with an employer to negotiate a raise, we need to consider why we deserve it. First of all, let’s write down the reasons why we expect a higher salary. It is worth focusing on what we bring to the company and how we contribute to its success. The best argument will be specifics, for example:

• scope of duties and indication whether the list has increased,
• successes, including difficult problems that we managed to solve,
• indication of our strengths and assets,
• completed training and duties in which we use the acquired knowledge.

Even if we have been working in the company for several years, seniority alone cannot change much. We must clearly indicate why our work is significant for the company’s development.

It may seem like there is never a good time to ask for a raise. If we prepare properly, the conversation itself will not be that difficult for us. When choosing the time to talk about a raise, it is also worth focusing on specifics. Let’s clearly communicate the purpose of the meeting. The supervisor also needs time to prepare. For both the employee and the employer, talking about money is not the easiest thing to do.

In many companies, it happens that the boss constantly puts off talking about a raise. Ask for a specific date and stick to it. Let’s choose a date that does not interfere with important events, the weekend, or in the afternoon when everyone is rushing home. It is best to opt for an interview in the middle of the day and in the middle of the week.

Let us remember that our increase is not only a one-off cost for the employer, but also more expenses for the next months or years. It is not worth talking about a raise if we plan a longer absence, e.g. parental leave. If we know that the company’s condition has deteriorated recently, let’s also wait for a better moment. We will be able to negotiate a raise if we show the employer that we are interested in the company’s situation.

One of the most important rules when discussing a raise is to remain calm. Nerves, stress and even excitement that accompanies us must not obscure our clear goal. There is no golden way to negotiate a raise, but we can give you a few suggestions that will definitely help.

• Calm – let’s not be deceived, but also don’t react aggressively. Let’s not nod humbly when we hear a refusal, but also don’t slam the door. Proper preparation will allow us to level the nerves.
• Preparation of arguments – you should approach the topic calmly and, above all, factually. Under stress, it happens that we give wrong arguments. It is therefore worth writing down all the premises in advance and prepare for the talk about a raise.
• Adjusting the way of talking to the superior – in most cases we know what character our boss has. So you can prepare the way of narration to who you are talking to, since we know whether he reacts aggressively or too disrespectfully.
• Caution – it is not worth negotiating a raise at any cost. If the employer refuses a raise, this is not the time to be insulted or leave the company. Often the boss can offer us other benefits that may satisfy us. It is also worth determining whether we can return to negotiating a raise at another time, or if we change something.
• The specific amount of the increase – it is very important to be clear about your requirements. If we want to negotiate a raise, we need to know what we expect and what is realistic in the company. It is worth preparing the percentage increase, the net and gross amount, of course rationally. You can refer to the comparison with the situation in other companies, possible competition, and most importantly, specifically support the amount of the increase with your skills. This is where the scope of responsibilities and an indication of whether we do something more will come in handy.

In conclusion, it is always very important to prepare for the interview. All the arguments we use to negotiate a raise must be based on our work and merit. It is not worth referring to the earnings of colleagues from the department, especially if they were hired at a different time than us. The situation on the market is constantly changing, as well as the range or the company’s capabilities. The raise is based on performance, not other employees’ compensation.

When negotiating a raise, aggression or threats of leaving will not work either. Such blackmail is more likely to lead to a layoff than a raise. It is also not worth using arguments from private life. They should be clearly separated, because in this case the employer will not be interested in our life situation. We get a raise for performing above-average duties. In the event of financial problems, we can ask about the types of assistance.

Source:https://e-pracowniks.pl/2023/02/22/jak-negoc-podwyzke-z-pracoda/

Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.