With average wages finally outpacing price rises, many workers are still feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis. Last year saw waves of strikes, particularly in the public sector, as employees protested over pay, jobs, and conditions. However, even in the private sector, negotiating a pay rise is not guaranteed. Experts offer five tips to improve your chances.
First, schedule a meeting in advance. Jill Cotton, career trends expert at Glassdoor, advises against springing the topic on your manager. 'Be upfront and say that you want to book in a conversation that is specifically about pay,' she says. Timing also matters: Rowsonara Begum, who co-runs Saffron Indian takeaway in Salisbury, suggests picking a moment when the business is doing well.
Second, come prepared with evidence of your achievements. Shan Saba, a director at recruitment firm Brightwork, recommends listing what you've accomplished, including support for your team or line managers. Workplace psychologist Stephanie Davies adds that this evidence helps your manager rationalise the raise: 'The brain needs a “why” – why should I pay you this amount?'
Third, be clear about your future aspirations. Mr Saba advises having a plan for the coming year, especially if you aim to move up within the organisation. Fourth, know your worth and be confident. Ms Begum notes that staff in Salisbury have negotiating power due to staff shortages. Jill Cotton acknowledges a stigma around discussing pay but stresses it's 'an important part of work'. For women and minority backgrounds, Stephanie Davies recommends seeking a mentor to guide conversations.
Finally, have a specific figure in mind. James Reed, chair of recruitment firm Reed, suggests researching comparable jobs online to see salary ranges. He cautions against unrealistic expectations: 'We would all love to be paid millions... but we are being paid to fulfil a role with the skillset we have.' If these steps don't lead to a raise, experts advise not to be disheartened.
