Receiving a salary increase request rejection can be painful. However, understanding the reasons that lead to this can help you respond appropriately to the decision and use it as an opportunity to learn to improve your chances of getting a raise next time – or make a decision to move on to another job.
How to Handle a Salary Increase Request Rejection
There are many reasons why companies may not approve salary increases. Your performance may be one of them, but other reasons include company performance or the timing of the request. Before requesting a salary increase, take the time to learn about the company’s salary policies and research the salaries of people in the same role as you to see what you can expect. Even if you are angry about your request being rejected, make sure to remain professional (and calm) in all your conversations with your manager. Find out why your request was denied and use that information to improve your chances next time or to motivate you to look for a new job.
Reasons You May Not Receive a Salary Increase
Here are some of the most common obstacles that may prevent you from getting a salary increase:
Timing is Off
When you request a pay raise, timing is crucial. Did you ask for a raise in June when the company’s general policy is to make decisions at the end of the year? Perhaps you asked early in your tenure or submitted your request after the company had a bad recall or unfavorable quarterly report or other bad news. These aren’t the only timing issues. While a bad day for your manager shouldn’t affect your raise request, a scheduled meeting on a stressful day may be the reason your request was denied.
Lack of Company Resources
Sometimes, the reason you didn’t get a salary increase may not be related to you at all. It may simply be that the company lacks budget room to give you a raise.
You Need to Improve Your Performance
Are you exceeding expectations, or are you just doing the basic work outlined in your job description? In many jobs, employees need to go beyond the basic requirements to earn a raise. If your work is good but not outstanding, your performance may be the reason you didn’t receive a salary increase.
Your Boss Doesn’t Know About Your Achievements
In your work diary, do you note your accomplishments? You should provide evidence of why you deserve a salary increase at the moment you make your request, but you need to lay the groundwork ahead of time.
You Reasons are Personal
For most companies, salary is a non-emotional equation based on employee performance, geographical considerations, and competition. If you ask for a raise due to factors in your personal life – rent increases, family issues, etc. – rather than professional reasons, your manager may feel sympathetic. But that doesn’t mean you’ve made a valid case for a higher salary.
You’re a Difficult Employee
It can be challenging to work with you if you present a challenge in the workplace, are negative in meetings, or complain frequently. This could be a problem for your manager, making them unwilling to make a case to their superiors that you deserve a salary increase.
Companies Fear a Wave of Requests
Many companies may be hesitant to grant salary increases, as approving one request can lead to multiple others.
Your Salary is Already Market Rate
If you didn’t research typical salaries for your position before requesting a pay increase, your manager may deny the request on the grounds that you are already receiving the amount you deserve.
You Haven’t
Requesting a Raise
While it is possible for a raise to appear in your paycheck before you ask for it, this doesn’t often happen. According to PayScale’s Raise Anatomy Survey, only 30% of employees received a raise before asking for one, and only 37% of employees requested a raise, but 70% of those who asked for a raise received it.
What Not to Do When You Don’t Get a Raise
When you don’t receive the raise you were expecting, don’t rush or panic. Try not to take it personally, take a deep breath, and think about your strategy moving forward.
Don’t resign immediately. Unless you have another job offer securely waiting for you, it’s wise to avoid resigning in anger. (In fact, think carefully before suddenly resigning, even if you have a job offer.) Don’t make it personal. Don’t be personal or insulting in your response. Sometimes managers or companies are under financial pressure. Express your concerns about the decision professionally. Don’t be lazy. Don’t change your daily work habits in the weeks and months following your salary increase request. Your dissatisfaction with the decision does not absolve you of your job responsibilities, and you don’t want to lose your job because of your unhappiness. It’s better to leave on your own terms. Don’t be negative. Not speaking poorly about others, slowing down work, or exhibiting bad behavior won’t make you liked by your colleagues or managers, and it could make it harder for you to get a raise in the future.
What to Do When Your Request Is Denied
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/top-reasons-you-were-passed-over-for-a-raise-2062773
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