The Right Time to Negotiate a Pay Raise!

The right to collective bargaining is a fundamental right and a core value of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), but picking the right time to ask for that raise can determine whether or not you get it. Zambia Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers (ZUFIAW) National Women’s Chairperson, Silvia Chimpampwe advises:

• It is cardinal to ask yourself, honestly, why you want or need a salary increase. Some ask because they feel under-valued. Some people are genuinely under-paid. Are you being fair and realistic? Stepping back and taking a truly objective view is so important. Put yourself in your boss's shoes. How would they see the situation?

• Consider too that you are one of several or many hundreds or thousands of employees. Each one would take more money if offered. The company has had to plan and budget for employee head count and salary along with all other costs and revenues, and it's not easy for a manager or director to change things outside of the normal time to review these budgets.

• Notwithstanding, if you present a strong case the worst you will do is increase your chances of receiving a more favourable review when the next review time comes around. At best, if the company has sufficient flexibility and reason, you may be able to achieve a pay raise before then.
• In the end, if despite your best efforts at presenting a reasonable case objectively, and discussing it professionally, the company will not consider an increase in pay, you will have to make some choices. To stay and try again - or to leave?
• You may decide to look for another job - but don't do it with a bitter heart. Aside from anything else it will show in your discussions with new prospective employers and you will not be offered the job you want. If you decide to move on do so with a glad heart and with the minimum of fuss. 
• Always retain your dignity. Integrity has an immense value, and you never know whose paths from your past you will cross in the future. Falling out with a boss or employer over salary rarely profits anyone.

• Finally, if you are really unhappy about your salary, and you feel underpaid and undervalued, you will do your reputation and future a lot of good by approaching the matter in a professional, well-prepared and objective way. People that can handle their own difficult situations are seen by their employers as people who can handle other difficult situations well too, and your value and potential increases.

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