But don’t let that information discourage you. Let it empower you to strengthen your resolve to change those statistics.
“Asking for a raise is tough on any employee, especially women in the workplace,” says Neale Godfrey, president and chairman at Green$treet Commons, Inc. “That said, women have made incredible strides and a women’s voice in corporate America is louder than ever.”
Let’s take our volume and fearlessness to a new level, ladies. There are tools like the salary negotiator inside the nav.it money app. As the new year and review season roll around, it’s vital to build an iron-clad case that proves you merit this bump in pay. Here’s your roadmap to asking for — and getting — the raise you deserve.
Know your worth
While it’s tempting to request a pay hike that would take your lifestyle to a whole new level of fabulous, it’s important to be realistic. When it comes to making an ask that will be considered, you need to understand where your salary falls in relation to others with your title in the same industry.
Calli recommends considering the following while building your case:
- What are the key performance indicators that are monitored in your company or your division? “If you can tie your work to positive benefits for the organization, then you are putting down a strong foundation to justify an increase,” he says.
- What happened during the past year or so that was unusual and required unusual effort on your part? “Reminding the boss of how you stepped up during particularly trying times is an important part of your argument,” Calli points out. Think of things like going above and beyond while short-staffed, rolling out a new system, and meeting new client demands.
- Did you save the company money? If so, bring out the receipts. Data is your friend.
- Did you take on any new responsibilities? Flip through your calendar and look at everything that was scheduled this year to jog your memory, Calli suggests. Did you prove your worth by managing a bigger team? Go above and beyond to take on tasks you weren’t hired to do? Train a large number of staff or teach your colleagues something important? Take on extra travel that usually isn’t required?
- Did you earn a certification that makes you more valuable (not to mention more marketable!)?
It’s completely understandable to feel nervous about making the request— all the more reason to workshop it.“Role play the conversation,” suggests Godfrey. “It might be awkward to rehearse your negotiation, but preparation is key. Find a friend or family member and record the discussion.”
Time it just right
Be mindful of when might be an opportune moment. Choose the right time for “the conversation,” Godfrey advises.
Perhaps there’s something other than cold hard cash that would make you feel more appreciated. “What is valuable to you besides only money?” Calli asks. “Maybe an extra week of vacation as a bonus? What if they pay for your parking for the year? To the company, paying for parking is a very different thing than more payroll dollars. So be creative and have a plan B of what you’ll ask for if the salary-increase request is turned down.”
Remember the old saying, “You don’t ask, you don’t get?” Well, you’ve got this. And you’ve earned it!
We’re changing the narrative around money with free tools like the salary negotiator inside the nav.it money app. Send us an email and let us know what you think. And remember you can download it at Google Play and the Apple Store.