7 Ways to Politely (and Successfully) Ask For a Salary Increase

Are you happy with your salary? The COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent circuit breaker have created challenges in the workplace, as employees have had to take pay cuts or be laid off momentarily as companies tighten their belts.

There is a silver lining, however: the outlook on wages is anticipated to improve as employers expect salary budget increases -- employees' pay is seen to increase by 3.2% this year, and by 3.2% for 2022.

It seems that bright spots await Singapore's workforce -- although you may still feel that you deserve to be compensated more for your work. Yet the idea of asking for a salary increase can be so daunting to most people, that they would choose to avoid the conversation altogether instead. After all, no one likes to deal with the unpleasant feeling of being rejected outright, and the dread of uncertainty can be enough to paralyze most of us into inaction.

Although the fear may be real, there are steps you can take to take a more strategic approach to the conversation, and maximise your chances of success.

Is an annual salary increase compulsory?

The Employment Act does not stipulate that companies are required to increase the wages of their workers. In short, employers are not mandated by law to raise their employees' salary annually -- although it is certainly a perk that can boost workplace morale.

Raises are not guaranteed in the workplace. That said, if you feel that you've earned a salary increase, you owe it to yourself to start a discussion with your boss about it. As they say, "if you don't ask, the answer is always no".

Whether your company is proactive with salary raises or will wait for employees to begin the conversation, talks of a salary raise will involve an appraisal or review of your performance at work.

So how exactly do you make a compelling pitch for a salary increase? Let us show you the ways:

Make yourself indispensable

Have you excelled in your role and contributed significantly to the organisation? Note that it is standard practice to have worked in a company for a full year before requesting a salary raise.

If you are new to the organisation, then it is important to establish your role and identity quickly as an indispensable asset to the company. When you first accepted the offer, it comes with an implicit understanding that the compensation is commensurate to your set of responsibilities. This is the time to lay the groundwork, excel in your role, and go above and beyond what is expected of you.

When the 1-year period has passed, you will be ready and armed with supporting evidence that proves why your pay deserves a bump.

Timing is everything

Naturally, the odds of the situation swinging in your favour will depend on the right timing. If you are aware that the company has been dealing with financial challenges, especially if it is still struggling from the blows of COVID-19, then it may be unlikely for the organisation to reallocate resources for a pay raise anytime soon.

That said, if the organisation is on a clear roadmap to recovery and with a revitalised outlook, then they may be looking for any means necessary to ensure that the right people to help them stay on track will stay. This is your cue to leverage the situation to your advantage.

It would also be strategic for you to time this based on a recent performance where you are able to prove yourself. Requesting an increase soon after you have made an achievement can further put you in an advantageous position.

Highlight your contributions over the past year

Before you get to the point, it's important to make your case by letting your boss realise that you are indispensable to the company.

This takes confidence in your performance and tangible achievements in past projects. Remind your boss of your notable contributions over the past year - we get so caught up in the daily hustle and bustle that we tend to forget what happened six months ago. Keep the tone light and down-to-earth so you don't come across as demanding or pushy.

Here is a sample spiel to open the conversation:

"Thank you for making time to see me today. I wanted to have a quick catch-up with you about my performance. As you're aware, I've been working here for [ ___ number of years] and have been taking on more responsibilities lately, particularly in [insert a few examples where you've made significant contributions]."

Highlight how those achievements have directly benefited the team or company

Here's where you get down to the details and remind your boss how valuable you are to the team and company. Highlight your achievements in a quantitative way: use figures to demonstrate the value of each achievement.

Here are some sample spiels:

"In [project A], I increased production levels by 80% by implementing lean manufacturing processes."

"As a result of using my cold call sales script for our outbound call operators, we've seen a record 30% increase in conversion from leads to paying customers."

"I've been consistently hitting my performance goals every year, even exceeding them last year in the case of [state project details]."

"For the last financial year, I acquired ___ number of new contracts, which contributed ___ amount in additional sales revenue for the company."

The point is to highlight clear figures that demonstrate how valuable you are to the team and company.

Share your plans for your career and your team

By sharing your vision and long-term plans for your team and career within the organisation, you accomplish two things: first, you assure them that you are in this company for the long haul, showing your commitment and dedication to the organisation; second, you convince your employer that by increasing your salary now, they are making an investment with you, which they will reap in the long run.

Framing your pay raise as an investment takes the focus away from being an added overhead expense for the company. Rather, their decision-making will be based on what you can deliver and offer to the organisation years from now.

Phrase the request in a pleasant way

While you want to get to the point as quickly as possible, it's important to segue into it in a casual and pleasant way so as not to come across as demanding or tactless.

Sample spiel:

"I feel that I've learned and grown a lot on the job, and I'm excited about the opportunities the future holds for my continued career progression with the team and company. Nevertheless, I feel that my achievements and contributions justify a salary increase that better reflects my current responsibilities and the value I bring to the organisation. Is this something we can discuss?"

Name your figure

If your boss seems open to the prospect and asks how much you have in mind, go ahead and name your figure. On the other hand, if your boss seems resistant to the idea and asks for time to review your request, give them time to mull it over. Instead, you can ask them for a more specific timeline on when you can expect their decision. Suggest one week if possible - you want to revisit it while the memory of your conversation is still fresh in your boss' mind.

If your employer says that they cannot justify your salary increase at present, feel free to ask them for specific tips on what areas of your performance you should focus on improving, and clear goals you should work towards to make this happen. On the bright side, even if you don't get the increase right away, you have made your boss aware of your feelings on the matter, and you have proven your commitment to improving at work.

Asking for a salary increase is really a matter of negotiation. To increase your chances of success, you need to present compelling facts and figures that justify your salary increase - simply put, you need to put yourself in your boss' shoes. Make it easy for him or her to say yes to your request. And if your best efforts don't work, leave the door open so you can revisit it in the near future.

For more expert career advice on job compensation and boosting workplace morale, visit the Career Resources page.