Want a pay rise? Prepare well before asking for that pay increment

Industrial Court Judge Nduma Nderi (centre) when he engaged in negotiations in his chambers with Knut, Kuppet and government officials over a pay dispute that prompted the strike teachers’ strike. [PHOTO: FIDELIS KABUNYI]

NAIROBI: Sharon Jambi has worked with a Nairobi-based company for nine years. But she is discontented with earning the same salary year in year out. She says new employees, some with no work experience and whom she had mentored in the job, are paid a similar starting salary as hers.

She is aggrieved that her efforts have not been appreciated. She believes she deserves better in terms of remunerations. “Recently, there was a change of management with some few employees, mostly high ranking, leaving the company. This was after the new management did away with some of the perks, save for yearly bonuses.

“Whereas under the former management we could leave work early, we’re being forced to put in extra working hours and this is not reflected in our monthly pay. Though returns are impressive, the pay is always contentious.”

She says some of the scrapped perks were to do with staff retention. But as each management brings a brand of leadership, some employees felt they were putting too much for little pay and left for elsewhere.

Jambi has limited training which has seen her not advance her career. She wants to know how she can ask for a pay raise while retaining her current job.The least she can ask for is to be transferred to another department that comes with an improved salary.

Job evaluation

She is not alone. Career experts opine that there are many people who feel they are giving much time to the company without their efforts being appreciated. According to human resource experts, employers can offer one a salary increase based on job evaluation. This differs from one company to the other.

A city-based businessman John Kihara says some trends in the market such as inflation and company’s performance can benchmark the percentage increment across the board. “However, doing market research to find how others in a similar career placement are earning is better,” he says, pointing out pay structure between a public and private entity differs. He says one can ask for a pay raise if he or she believes they are entitled to one. “If your present career is competitive in today’s job market and your contributions justify a pay raise, well, be prepared to present your request,” he advises. “Back your request with data listing your contributions, accomplishments and the overall development you’ve helped in the company meeting its objectives.” He tells one to be careful with the tone of the language. “Don’t let the language of brinksmanship as recently witnessed between teachers’ unions and their employer dictate your terms of negotiations,” he warns.

“It is essential to show that you belong to the company with no intention of leaving should your request be turned down.” Jacinta Wagura, a human resources officer advises staff to ask for a pay raise only if the company is doing well.

If you accomplish some milestone in the company, you can be well placed to negotiate for a pay raise. “Knowing the right time is essential. Companies periodically review their performances. Presenting your request ahead of the next slated review, say at least three months earlier, would be advantageous,” she says.

Both Kihara and Jacinta caution that such request may not be granted. Your boss may be hostile to this. You may be asked to wait till the next job evaluation. But if they promise your issue is being looked into at a later date, keep that in mind and follow up the matter. 

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