How to ask for a pay-rise when you are in HR!
Jennie Beasley
Helping HR Leaders in the food industry to create better boundaries so they can feel less frazzled and have more control over their careers | coach | HR | career coach
HR and pay is a tricky dynamic. For many HR professionals it is difficult, knowing what everyone else is paid and finding that you are towards the bottom of the range on salaries on a leadership team. Many HR professionals feel uncomfortable using this knowledge to ask for an increase for themselves and it can be a difficult area. But if you feel you are underpaid here are some pointers when asking for a pay rise.
Asking for a pay raise can be a daunting task, but it's an essential step for HR professionals to ensure they are fairly compensated for their valuable contributions. Here are some tips to help HR professionals ask for more pay effectively:
1.???? Do Your Research: Before approaching your employer, research industry salary benchmarks and compensation trends for HR professionals with similar experience and qualifications in your region. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and industry-specific salary surveys can provide valuable insights as can job adverts for similar roles. Armed with this data, you can make a compelling case for a salary increase based on market standards.
2.???? Highlight Your Achievements: Prepare a list of your accomplishments, contributions, and added value to the organisation (this will prove very useful if you decide to look for another role as well!) Emphasize how your efforts have positively impacted recruitment, employee retention, performance management, or any other HR-related functions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible, as it adds weight to your arguments.
3.???? Connect Your Contributions to Business Outcomes: Demonstrate how your strategic HR initiatives have directly contributed to the organization's success, growth, and bottom line. Show how your efforts have saved costs, improved efficiency, and positively influenced the company's culture. I saw a nice quote the other day that said “if you think employing an HR professional is expensive, try looking at the cost of not having one!”
4.???? Choose the Right Time: Timing is crucial when asking for a raise. Avoid asking during periods of financial strain or right after a significant negative event. Instead, choose a time when the company is performing well and during performance review cycles or strategic planning sessions.
5.???? Schedule a Meeting: Request a private meeting with your supervisor or HR manager to discuss your compensation. Avoid discussing salary in casual settings or during busy work hours.
6.???? Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your salary increase request in front of a friend or mentor to gain confidence and refine your arguments. Be prepared to address potential counterarguments or questions about your request.
7.???? Remain Professional and Positive: When discussing your pay increase, maintain a positive and professional demeanour. Focus on your contributions and the value you bring to the organisation, rather than comparing yourself negatively to others.
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8.???? Consider the Total Compensation Package: If your employer is unable to offer a significant salary increase, explore other aspects of your total compensation package that may be negotiable, such as additional holiday, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, or performance-based bonuses.
9.???? Be Flexible: Be open to negotiation and willing to discuss alternative solutions. If your employer cannot meet your initial salary increase request, ask for feedback on how you can reach that level in the future and what specific milestones or achievements they would like to see.
10.? Follow Up: If your request is declined, don't be discouraged. You will have sown a seed so that your organisation knows you want more money. This will be in their minds when pay and bonuses are discussed. As we all know, sadly, those who keep quiet and appear happy with what they have can easily be overlooked.
11.? Ask for feedback on what you can do to improve your chances for a raise in the future. Use this feedback to set specific goals and continue to demonstrate your value to the organisation.
Remember, asking for a pay raise is a professional and reasonable request. Approach the conversation with confidence, backed by your achievements and the value you bring to the organisation.
If you need to build your confidence before you get to this stage, book a call. It could be money well spent.
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