Asking for a pay rise in the time of Covid-19

Salary increase in the middle of a pandemic. [Courtesy]

As if asking for a raise is not intimidating enough, we now have to consider the effects of a global pandemic that has transformed our work places. We have more people working from home and an increasing cost of living. So, if you are feeling that you have taken on more responsibilities at work but you are uncomfortable asking for a raise in these times, you are not alone.

While getting additional monetary rewards for your job is not impossible during a pandemic, there are a few things to look into before you ask.

FINANCIAL HEALTH OF THE BUSINESS

We witnessed massive job losses last year as companies tried to cope with the economic hardships. Everyone had to adjust to accommodate the new normal. Some of us feel lucky that we are still under payroll but we had to make do with pay cuts.

By January 2021, some companies seemed to have weathered the storm and were already doing well enough to offer their employees their pre-pandemic salaries back. Unfortunately, others are still struggling.

From the internal conversations in your company, you can probably gauge how well your company is performing. Are there projections of future earnings even as the pandemic situation seems far from over?

Other things that indicate that your company is picking up are hitting revenue goals, increasing workload and hiring new recruits. 

WHAT’S YOUR ADDED VALUE?

Employers will ask you to pinpoint your value addition when it comes to the company achieving its targets.

In what ways have you positively contributed to the growth of the company? How has your job performance been even with the pangs of the pandemic? Are you reliable enough to cover for a coworker when they are indisposed?

You can start tracking your work accomplishments and updating your achievements regularly to assess yourself if you are ready for a raise.

KNOW YOUR WORTH

Do not sell yourself short because you feel your request for a pay rise is ill-timed. Do some research and only attempt a salary negotiation when you are confident of the range you are willing to agree to. Explore salary trends and ask for realistic figures. Have your number ready.  

According to the Harvard Business Review, women ask for raises just as often as men, but men are more likely to be given. This means that women actually need to push harder for what they deserve.

Author Madeleine Kunin says: “A small pay discrepancy between men’s and women’s salaries for the same job may seem inconsequential. But over the years, salary discrimination adds up to significantly smaller pension.”

YOUR LIFESTYLE

Can your current financial situation sustain your lifestyle? Can you comfortably take care of your household with your current pay? How long can you hold on?

How did the pandemic affect your combined sources of income at home?

You might have a booming side hustle, but your spouse was laid off and is yet to get back on their feet, making you the sole bread winner.

While sharing personal information for a raise is not advisable, it gives you the inner push to want a heavier pocket from your employer.

To grow in your career you need to learn to advocate for yourself and ask for what you deserve.

View a salary raise as compensation for meeting and exceeding expectations and taking more responsibilities, which ultimately grow the company’s revenue.

CONSIDER OBJECTIONS

Learn to negotiate for yourself; even if your request is denied, do not be discouraged. Do not make the negotiation seem like a confrontation.

“The most difficult thing in any negotiation, almost, is making sure that you strip it of the emotion and deal with the facts,” said Howard Baker, US politician and negotiator.

Commit to the process of achievement recognition. It may not be a one day conversation. That way, the management will know that you are committed to your career growth.

If you feel intimidated, ask the opinion of a trusted, more experienced colleague about the most favourable approach. They can also put in a good word for you and advocate for your increment. Eventually, you will get what you desired.

If not, target the next better time to raise the issue up with management.

Pivot other areas of negotiation such as additional leave days, conference attendance, flexible work hours or working from home when monetary benefits prove difficult to achieve during this time. Perks are a morale booster at the workplace.