Before we get started, it’s important to set your expectations. This article is intended to get you thinking about the best way to approach a conversation about pay with your employer. I’m not guaranteeing you a pay rise if you follow this advice but I hope it will guide you through the process of asking the question and what to do next.

KNOW YOUR POSITION

We all wish we had more money but, as sad as it is, that isn’t a compelling enough reason to ask your employer for a pay rise. But, there are many circumstances when it’s absolutely the right thing to do to bring up the topic of money. For example, if you are paid significantly less than other colleagues doing the same job, if you’ve recently taken on more responsibility or if you’re paid significantly less than the market average for your role.

Sites like GlassDoor can give you an indication of the average salary for your role but it’s important to remember that lots of different factors affect salary averages such as location, (city locations tend to pay more) the sector you are in such as financial services, retail etc and if any specific experience or qualifications are required.

Depending on the type of organisation you work for there may also be a strict process that must be followed when awarding pay increases. For example, in large organisations, pay increases are only awarded once per year, usually at the end or beginning of the business’ financial year. Out of cycle pay rises might require more levels of approval and take longer compared to a small business who might have more flexibility.

However, don’t let any of these things stop you from engaging in the conversation. By simply opening up a dialogue about pay you are showing your employer that you wish to stay with them and that you see yourself as making a valuable contribution which you should be fairly rewarded for.

THE PREP

It’s perfectly natural to be nervous having a conversation about money. In a study of social norms it was reported that in Britain we find it easier to talk openly about our mental health than we do about money. The topic still makes many of us uncomfortable but the conversations are necessary if you are to be paid what you deserve.

If you’re nervous about the conversation then it can be a good idea to practise how you want to open it up. Your boss is human too and it’s likely they will know exactly how you feel so if you’re feeling apprehensive then tell them. It’ll help them to understand where you’re coming from but also that this is clearly an important issue for you and they should give it the attention it deserves.

I would advise against speaking to other colleagues about it unless you absolutely trust them. Not because we shouldn't be having conversations about money with colleagues but more that they can often project their own insecurities onto your situation which can make you feel worse. Find someone you really trust who will be able to give you the impartial support you need.

THE CONVERSATION

Run far away from anyone who tells you they have waltzed into a meeting with their manager, banged their palms down on the table and issued an ultimatum. 9.9 times out of 10 your employer will simply hold the door open for you on your way out.

No-one responds well to threats and there is a huge difference between confidence and arrogance. Please never say you have been offered more elsewhere unless you actually have and you would be happy to leave your current position to take it.

Be confident in your abilities and the value of your contribution and let the pride you have for it come across in the conversation. But also be respectful of the professional context of the conversation. You don’t want to burn any bridges here and you don’t have to shout to be heard. You’ll know from your research what your position is and all you need to do is tell your manager your thoughts and let them respond.

THE RESPONSE

You’ve done it. You’ve had the conversation and it will likely have gone one of three ways:

The first, if you’re extremely lucky, is that they have agreed to give you what you’ve asked for. In which case I’d recommend waiting until you’re at least out of the building (or you’ve definitely hung up the Zoom call) before calling everyone you know to tell them that you are now the Wizard of Negotiations.
The second, far more likely scenario, is that your boss needs to take it away and have a discussion with someone else about it. This is normal and don’t be disheartened. People often wrongly assume that their manager has the power to make these decisions when in reality they have no power at all and it’s ultimately a Human Resources call.
Or thirdly, it was a flat out “no” and it’s left you feeling like it is no longer an open conversation you can have with your manager. In this scenario, as above, it may be that your manager simply doesn’t have the final say here or that they themselves don’t feel confident having this conversation on your behalf.

SO, WHAT TO DO NEXT?

If your manager needs to take the request away elsewhere make sure that you hold them to account on their progress. Agree when you will talk about it again and book in further time with them. This will stop you from panicking each time they ask for a catch up or you get an email from them and you can both be properly prepared for the conversation. These things can take time so be patient but firm in your expectation for open communication on the issue.

If your boss has been dismissive of your request then you do still have options but I would ask you to evaluate the situation very carefully at this point. If you feel you haven’t been listened to then you can either ask for some time with their manager and talk through your concerns or you can speak to a member of Human Resources to get a clearer picture of your options. In either case it is advisable to let your manager know what you intend to do so as to avoid any awkward conversations later on.

You should NEVER be made to feel bad for asking for a pay rise providing you have done it in a respectful and professional way so if this is the case then I would ask you to consider if it is a company you can see yourself working with long term.

Good luck ladies, you can do this!

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Written by Ali Critchley

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