Asking for a raise

ash_scotland88

ash_scotland88

ash_scotland88

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1 Jul 2007
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At some point this week I think I'm going to go ahead an ask for a raise.

I've worked for this company for 5years and never received during this time the base rate for the guys in my role has never increased.

Going to write down why I think I deserve one and so far come up with these points:

1) I am now the longest serving warehouse employee there and now taken on my roles and responsibilites including training new guys, advising and supervising

2) Compare our £p/h to those of our competitors

3) Inflation rates have increased the hourly rate by over a quid.

4) Local council pays a living wage for the lowest paid employees, above what we earn (but still less than what I'd like)

5) Smaller one, but if I persue my uni qualification (which doesn't really interest me) I'd be earning more.

I'm also tempted to do some % comparison between minimum wage increase and if how much minimum wage has increased and if the difference % was kept the same we'd now be on X. Or is that too complicated and more like the inflation rate?

Think I've got the right idea to construct my points before going in? Anything else I should be looking into?
 
I recently got a raise by pointing out the level of work I do and the expertise required. It turned out to be quite hefty too.
 
I very much live by "If you don't ask, you don't get".

The worst they can do it turn you down, they won't look to terminate employment because you've asked for a raise. They may well be expecting it, given all of the points you're able to put forward as per the above!

Good luck
 
Theophany said:
When do you anticipate collecting your P45? :p
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No doubt very soon :P
Infact I'd say majority of employess would love to receive one.
It's very much a "buy my loyalty" plan as we've had three resignations in three weeks. And are struggling to find suitable new hires to replace them and take on extra temp staff for the fringe.
 
Highly suggest the 'add value' approach. Don't simply come in and say that the competitors pay more because a) it sets a bad mood in the meeting, basically it's a threat and b) you don't work there and therefore have no real understanding of those businesses.

Clear and concise, well thought through observations of your efficiency, competency and loyalty is the way to go here, after this is laid out then either demonstrate actual services you provide which add value or reduce cost to which a new start or person on a similar wage does not provide.

I hope this helps.
 
Do your research and where possible, speak honestly to your line manager about it. Tell them how you have done your duties and examples of times where you've stepped up above and beyond your station for the greater good of the company.

I did something similar. Was being paid poorly for the job I was doing, spoke to my direct manager and he brought me in to speak to my HoD - as manager agrees but can't make the decision. Gave them 3 months (quietly, not a final deadline to them directly - that's just rude) as I know it'll take time for them to 'find something'.

Whilst that was happening, I had done my background work on same level position in my surrounding area (unless you work in London/Down South, avoid comparing pay scale there), all different companies e.t.c. And whilst doing it, I worked on my CV and (very important!) cover letters. Applied to all side stepping position and above.

After 3 months of no action, I went openly to manager and HoD to what I'm doing. They knew I can work and more often than not, stepped up to a senior role (whilst they were trying to fill it) but still no action. 4 weeks later, I got 2 jobs to choose from with better prospect and pay. On handing in my letter, all sorts of offer came out of nowhere. Moving out was better and have not looked back since.

I'm not saying you need to change job but being pro-active and doing something about it, whilst being open and honest can be useful - however in my case, the push, umm and ahhs from them made leaving an easier decision.
 
Serpantine said:
Highly suggest the 'add value' approach. Don't simply come in and say that the competitors pay more because a) it sets a bad mood in the meeting, basically it's a threat and b) you don't work there and therefore have no real understanding of those businesses.

Clear and concise, well thought through observations of your efficiency, competency and loyalty is the way to go here, after this is laid out then either demonstrate actual services you provide which add value or reduce cost to which a new start or person on a similar wage does not provide.

I hope this helps.
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Yeah it does, thanks.
 
If they say no stop all the advising supervising and training and start job hunting . Shouldn't have to take on that extra work and responsibility for free

Wouldn't suprise me if the higher up management doesn't even know that your doing all of this and that your direct manager is gettin all the credit . Happened at our place !
 
"andy" said:
Shouldn't have to take on that extra work and responsibility for free

Wouldn't suprise me if the higher up management doesn't even know that your doing all of this and that your direct manager is gettin all the credit . Happened at our place !
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Yep you should never assume that the people who approve your pay rises have much understanding of what you actually do, what you contribute or any additional responsibilities you may be undertaken.

The default position will be, they know you have job title X and unless you happen to come to their attention for some reason (perhaps on a project slightly out of the ordinary from your usual work) then everyone in that position will be lumped in together. Even if your line manager supports you getting a raise (because they know how much value you are adding), to the decision makers that will just mean getting 5% instead of 3% or whatever. You are just a number on a spreadsheet and they want you to be as small as possible unless there is a compelling reason they are aware of to think otherwise (e.g. line manager says, "this guy has just handed his notice in, it will cost us ££££££ to replace him, I'd like to keep him if we can").

Of course, in some organisations it will work differently, but unless you know different I would work to the above assumptions. Implication being you may need to bring something to the table that will convince not only your line manager but also those above him or her.
 
Just do what you did in your original post - take the extra value add and just go and ask if its possible to discuss. With 3 others gone lately its more likely they will want to try and retain some experienced staff.

If its a flat no then decide if you are happy doing what you do for what you get paid - if not look for another job and leave.
 
I want to ask for a raise.

All i ask is another £1/hr.

We've just had around 40 layoffs, saving around £500,000 a year in wages and other costs, yet they cant afford to pay me an extra £20 a month?

I need to look elsewhere.
 
Name said:
I want to ask for a raise.

All i ask is another £1/hr.

We've just had around 40 layoffs, saving around £500,000 a year in wages and other costs, yet they cant afford to pay me an extra £20 a month?

I need to look elsewhere.
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You work 20 hours a month?

Also, thread carefully when you say they save around £500K on wages but can't afford paying you extra - there's a reason why they needed to layoff - lost in contract, too much overheads and poor resource management is often to blame.

Stating that as a reason will show short sightedness from your part and doesn't bode well with those who have the power over your salary.
 
ash_scotland88 said:
2) Compare our £p/h to those of our competitors
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expect to be told "if you dont like it leave". seen the same argument used in a few places and tbh the supervisors wont have the power to give you a rise, and the manager will just see you as someone who's out lived their usefulness.

you leave and watch them hire a 18 year old for less.
 
haha no i dont work 20 hours a month.

I was looking at £20 increase a month as a start. An extra £1/hr would be ideal but im not getting anything in the foreseeable future. I dont believe what im asking is over the odds, but i have to shutup for now.

Im an hourly paid temp, not on a salary and have been in a reasonably skilled job for the last 15 months - the cleaners earn more than me. The perks of being a temp eh.
 
GAC said:
expect to be told "if you dont like it leave". seen the same argument used in a few places and tbh the supervisors wont have the power to give you a rise, and the manager will just see you as someone who's out lived their usefulness.

you leave and watch them hire a 18 year old for less.
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This is why you have to make your self indispensable to the company, that way you have them by the balls :D

MW
 
Hatter that article is utter ********...

Working on a salary of $0 to begin with cause you want to lead an honest, debt free life? LOL what a pro.

It reminds me of performance related pay.

Unforunately in this market, i wouldnt put my morals before ANY job. Well ok maybe selling my bum...but ANY other job.

Other thoughts: the idea proposed in the artcile is good but really not practical, at least for myself.
 
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