You're aiming for a pay increase while working remotely. What tactics can help you secure a raise?

“Success doesn't come from what you do occasionally, but what you do consistently." — Marie Forleo. When aiming for a pay increase while working remotely, focus on these tactics: 1. Track Your Impact: Keep a record of your achievements and how they’ve benefited the company. 2. Increase Visibility: Regularly communicate progress and successes to your manager to ensure your contributions are noticed. 3. Market Research: Research industry pay standards for your role to build a solid case. 4. Request a Review: Set up a formal meeting to discuss your performance and compensation. 5. Skill Enhancement: Invest in learning new skills to demonstrate growth and initiative.

“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” - Bobby Unser Once upon a time, there was a remote worker named Alex who felt they deserved a raise. Alex knew that simply asking wasn’t enough, so they prepared meticulously. They documented their achievements, highlighting how their work had positively impacted the company. Alex also researched industry salary standards to back up their request with data. During the meeting, Alex confidently presented their case, showcasing their value and contributions. The result? A well-deserved pay increase. To secure a raise while working remotely, follow Alex’s lead: 1. Document Your Achievements 2. Research Salary Standards 3. Prepare Your Case

When working remotely, I make it a priority to keep track of my accomplishments. Without daily face-to-face interactions, it’s easy for the wins to go unnoticed, so I document everything—from project completions to positive feedback and performance metrics. This way, I have concrete evidence of my impact. Having this record not only gives me confidence when it’s time to ask for a raise but also shows my supervisor clear, measurable proof of the value I’m bringing to the company. This approach has been crucial in remote environments where visibility is often limited.

Setting up a formal meeting is key when requesting a raise remotely. It shows initiative and ensures the conversation gets the attention it deserves. I always aim to schedule a video call rather than relying on email or chat—it helps build a more personal connection and gives the discussion the weight it needs. Before the meeting, I make sure to prepare an agenda that highlights my achievements, goals, and clear reasoning for the raise. This approach not only shows that I’m organized but also signals that I’m serious about my growth within the company. Taking this step sets the right tone for a productive conversation.

Before negotiating a raise, I always take the time to research industry salary standards for my role and experience. Having this knowledge helps me approach the conversation with confidence and ensures I’m asking for a fair and reasonable amount. It also helps to understand any pay scales or bands within the company so I can set a realistic target. When I bring well-researched information to the table, it shows that I’m not just making a random request—I’ve thought it through and backed it up with data. This preparation demonstrates professionalism and strengthens my case during the negotiation.

When discussing a raise, I make sure the conversation centers on the value I bring to the company. Rather than just asking for more money, I focus on specific examples of how my work has contributed to the business’s success—whether it’s exceeding expectations on a project or acquiring new skills that boost productivity. By highlighting these tangible contributions, it becomes clear that my work isn’t just meeting the standard but is actively helping the company grow. Framing the conversation this way shifts the focus from simply requesting a raise to showing why it’s deserved.

Asking for a raise comes down to outlining a plan to obtain the amount you're after. Understanding what metrics need to be hit. "Boss, I'd like to earn $100,000. Here's what I've done. Here's how my value had impacted the business. Here's the problems I've solved. How can we come up with a plan to achieve this outcome based on new metrics we set to ensure the best primed opportunity to get me to the next level so I can expand my skillset but more importantly, add value to the company."

A quote which someone told me 15 years ago and has stuck with me ever since. “Provide solutions, not problems..” Subconsciously this quote has been the spearhead to my growth and development. Presenting current problems to your senior, which effect the company’s performance, sales, employee morale, productivity and/or bottom line along with various actionable solutions will provide merit to your role and worth within the company. With time and consistency, you’ll receive the pay rise or promotion you’re looking for.

When requesting a raise, I always anticipate potential objections and come prepared with solutions. If budget constraints come up, I’m ready to suggest alternatives like more vacation days or funding for professional development, which still adds value for me without affecting the company’s bottom line. If there are concerns about performance, I offer to create a measurable plan to address them, with clear goals to earn the raise over time. This proactive approach shows that I’m flexible and committed to finding a solution that works for both sides, which helps keep the conversation positive and forward-looking.

After the meeting, I make sure to follow up with a thank-you email to my manager, summarizing the key points we discussed and expressing gratitude for their time. This reinforces the conversation and keeps everything on record. If I don’t hear back within a week or two, I’ll send a polite follow-up to check in. Persistence is key—it shows that I’m serious about the raise and confident in the value I bring to the company. Following up not only keeps the conversation moving but also leaves a positive impression of my professionalism and dedication.