Should I Request a Raise During a Pandemic?
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP
President & CEO, SHRM, F500 Board Director
This article originally appeared in USA Today's Ask HR on December 8, 2020.
Question: Thankfully, I have kept my job during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I've picked up a lot of new responsibilities and have been working overtime trying to get everything done in a timely manner. Is it appropriate to ask for a raise, and how do I go about it? I want to be sensitive during these strange times. – Anonymous
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.: Your intuition is right. It’s important to be self-aware and sensitive to your company’s current position and business needs. While I applaud your ethic and accomplishments, quite frankly, it might not be the right time to ask for a raise.
In fact, I wouldn’t.
You’ve heard this before, but I’ll say it again: This isn’t a normal time at all. Many organizations are struggling financially and have had to make, or are considering, layoffs, furloughs, and budget cuts as a result of the pandemic.
Even if you think you deserve a raise or promotion, your company simply might not have the capability to make it happen right now. Remember, just because it’s not a possibility now, doesn’t mean it can’t happen down the road once business stabilizes.
If you opt to request a raise now or when a better time comes, you’ll need to be tactful, open-minded, and above all, prepared. In my opinion, asking for a raise is easy. The hard part is preparing to persuade your boss that a raise for you would be good for the organization, too.
Director of Human Resources
4 年It is important to understand whether one's request for a raise during a pandemic is due to a temporary increase in responsibilities or for changes that will permanently expand the scope of the role. These are extraordinary times in the workforce, and we need to be thoughtful when reflecting on such requests. If the raise is to be applied to one's base pay, that will have ripple effects on the operating budget, internal equity, and other benefits. If this is a one-time bonus for a temporary increase in responsibilities, will similarly situated employees also be granted an increase? Are the added responsibilities the result of a RIF or hiring freeze, and therefore, partially offset by those salary and FTE savings? What is the potential ROI as it relates to talent retention, workforce planning, and company morale? These are all questions that should be considered as part of the broader discussion. Most workers are being asked to assume more responsibility, and in some cases, with fewer resources. However, the pandemic has provided benefits to some that may financially offset temporary shifts in responsibility (e.g., flex time, WFH arrangements, less business travel, reduced childcare and transportation expenses, etc.) . Let us not forget that during this pandemic, many businesses are struggling to simply stay afloat. It's a game of survival. Top performers will continue to shine and be rewarded post-pandemic (either financially or through job retention). With unemployment claims rising and the economy in limbo, everyone else should be cautious when considering asking for a raise during a global pandemic.
HR Leadership??Certified Executive Coach ??People-Lifter
4 年Actually absolutely ask for a raise and make sure you are receiving the equity for your sweat/tears during the pandemic. Most companies have leaner teams but same or more work and working remote has proven to be more hours with little boundaries. If you don't ask for equity (raise/bonus/comp) during a time you've stretched beyond typical years/challenges - why would it warrant a raise at a later time and date for "average work/normal conditions"?! Companies invest in top talent to retain and drive revenue - people, not things, make a company - know your value and ask for it. And for what it's worth, it is cyclical - the market will change/improve and top talent will leave when opportunities are presented.
Security @ Temple University and Thomas Jefferson University
4 年They should be glad to show how much they appreciate your dedication to their company and to your job.
Security @ Temple University and Thomas Jefferson University
4 年Yes