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Reasons For Not Getting A Raise
# Working Wisdom

Reasons For Not Getting A Raise

Azlen Othman
by Azlen Othman
Nov 23, 2022 at 02:52 PM

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#1 Your boss is unaware of your accomplishments

Do you brag about your accomplishments daily at work? You should provide evidence for why you deserve a raise when you submit your request, but you should also prepare the foundation ahead of time.

While self-promotion is important, be wary of overpromotion and stealing the focus from deserving coworkers who could collaborate against your request.

Highlight your accomplishments in one-on-one meetings with your leader and via email. You don't want to be too moderate or boastful, so don't overdo it.

 

#2 You inquire about personal reasons

Salary is a cold calculation for most businesses based on the appraisal system, geographic considerations, and competitive pressure. Your manager might be sympathetic if you asked for a raise citing personal reasons—increased rent, family-related concerns, etc.—rather than professional ones. However, that doesn't mean you've made a convincing case for a raise.

Requesting a raise because you heard other employees received one will not help your case.

Focus your request for a raise on the value you bring to the company. Rather than list your costs and needs, highlight how you've saved money or increased the company's revenue.

 

#3 You're a Difficult Worker

This may sound harsh, but if you're difficult to work with, a buzz kill in meetings, or a regular complainer, you may be a source of concern for your manager, making them reluctant to make the case to higher-ups that you need a promotion.

Examine your attitude. How do you display yourself in meetings and daily at work? Consider whether your criticisms and complaints are outshining your good work.

 

# 4 Employers are concerned about an increase in requests from others

Many businesses are hesitant to grant raises because granting one request may lead to others.

This tends to put you in a difficult situation. You can state that you will be discreet about your raise while also emphasising that it should be analysed on its validity. If you get this response, it could indicate that it's time to start looking for work.

 

#5 Your salary is already competitive

If you didn't explore the average pay range for your role before demanding a raise, your manager might deny your request, claiming that you're getting what you're worth.

Perform salary research on sites like Glassdoor, PayScale, or Salary.com, and look at the data on average pay raises to get a sense of what to expect.

 

#6 You Didn't Request a Raise

While it is conceivable that a raise will emerge in your paycheck before you demand it, this is not always the case. According to PayScale's Raise Anatomy Survey, only 30% of employees got a promotion before asking for it, 37% of employees have asked for a promotion, but 70% of those who requested for a pay increase received it. 

Ask for a raise if you believe you are deserving of one. Learn to ask for a pay raise and make an appointment with your boss.

 

What You Shouldn't Do If You Don't Get a Raise

Don't get too worked up if you don't get the raise you expected. Try not to take it personally; take some deep breaths, and consider your next steps.

  • Don't Give Up Right Away. Unless you have some other secure job offer, you should probably avoid quitting in a fit of rage. (In fact, even if you have an offer, think twice before resigning abruptly.)

  • Make Nothing Personal. Don't make your response personal or insulting. Financial constraints sometimes constrain managers and businesses. Express your concern regarding the decision in a professional manner.

  • Don't be a slacker. Do not alter your regular work habits in the days and weeks following the rejection of your raise request. Being disappointed by the decision does not absolve you of your job responsibilities, and you do not want to lose your role because you are unhappy. It is preferable to depart based on your own terms.

  • Don't be a downer. Spreading gossip with coworkers, losing momentum at work, or displaying a negative attitude will not add tremendous value to coworkers or managers. Such behaviour may make it even more difficult for you to get a raise in the future.

Consider your request. Even with thorough preparation, asking for a raise is difficult. It's possible that you could have phrased your request more effectively or timed it better. Take into account how you made the request, and remember that some of the most frequent reasons major corporations decline to raise demands may have nothing to do with your performance.

Make use of the feedback. Use the information you did receive from your leader or human resources department as to why your raise request was denied as a guide for your next steps. If you didn't receive useful feedback, set a second meeting for the feedback.

 


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