Imagine this scenario: your coworker gets fired, and you are asked to take over her responsibilities, in addition to your own. You agree, hoping to impress your boss and show your value. But then you find out that your coworker was making almost twice as much as you, for doing the same work. How would you feel? Angry? Betrayed? Undervalued?
This is not a hypothetical situation for many workers, who have to deal with the consequences of layoffs, budget cuts, and restructuring. According to a survey , 53% of workers say they have taken on more responsibilities due to a downsized staff, and 37% say they are handling the work of two or more people. But only 34% say they have received a pay raise or a promotion as a result.
If you are in this situation, you may feel like you have no choice but to accept the extra workload and the unfair pay. After all, you don’t want to lose your job, or risk retaliation from your employer. But you also don’t want to burn out, or miss out on the compensation you deserve. So how can you use this knowledge to advocate for yourself, and negotiate a raise that reflects your increased value?
Here are some steps you can take to prepare and execute a successful negotiation:
1. Do your research. Before you approach your boss, you need to gather some evidence to support your case. Find out the market rate for your position, and the position of your former coworker, in your industry and location. You also need to document your achievements and contributions, especially those that go beyond your original job description. Keep track of the projects you have completed, the goals you have met, the feedback you have received, and the impact you have made on the company’s bottom line.
2. Choose the right time. Timing is everything when it comes to asking for a raise. You don’t want to catch your boss off guard, or interrupt them when they are busy or stressed. You also don’t want to wait too long, or miss an opportunity to showcase your value. Ideally, you should schedule a meeting with your boss at least a few weeks before your annual performance review, or after you have completed a major project or achieved a significant milestone. This way, you can highlight your recent accomplishments, and show that you are proactive and confident.
3. Make your case. When you meet with your boss, start by expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to take on more responsibilities, and your enthusiasm for your work. Then, present your research and evidence, and explain why you deserve a raise. Focus on the value you bring to the company, not on your personal needs or feelings. Use specific numbers and examples to quantify your results and impact. For instance, you can say something like, “Since I took over the duties of my former coworker, I have increased sales by 25%, improved customer satisfaction by 15%, and saved the company $10,000 in operating costs. According to my research, the average salary for someone with my level of experience and responsibility is $15,000, which is 40% higher than my current salary. I believe that a raise of 20% would be fair and reasonable, given my contributions and the market rate.”
4. Be prepared for objections. Your boss may not agree with your request, or may not have the authority or the budget to grant it. Be ready to handle any objections or questions they may have, and to negotiate the terms of your raise. For example, if your boss says they can’t afford to pay you more, you can ask for other forms of compensation, such as a bonus, a commission, a stock option, or a flexible schedule. If your boss says they need more time to think about it, you can ask for a specific date to follow up, and send them a summary of your conversation and your request. If your boss says they need more proof of your value, you can ask for feedback on your performance, and set some measurable goals and expectations for the future.
5. Know your worth. The most important thing to remember when negotiating a raise is to know your worth, and to stand up for yourself. Don’t let your fear of rejection, or your loyalty to your employer, stop you from asking for what you deserve. Don’t settle for less than you are worth, or accept a raise that is lower than the market rate. Don’t let your boss take advantage of your hard work, or exploit your situation. You have the right to be paid fairly and equitably, and to be recognized and rewarded for your value. If your employer is not willing or able to meet your expectations, you may want to consider looking for other opportunities, where you can grow and thrive.
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