What To NOT Do When Employees Ask For A Raise
Requests for salary increases is something every company, manager and HR professional will inevitably have to face. It is crucial to maintain professionalism but at the same time take an empathetic approach in handling the request.
Here are some things that should NOT be done in dealing with this situation:
Ignore the Request: The worst thing you can do is dismiss the request outright without giving it due consideration. This can make employees feel undervalued and may affect their motivation and productivity. Taking the time and effort to understand the reasons behind their request could also yield insight to other issues, which may be solved without having to give an increment (for example: an employee that feels overworked - simply adjust their workload).
React Negatively: It's important to maintain a neutral or positive response, even if the request comes at an inconvenient time. Responding with anger or frustration can damage your relationship with the employee. You should strive to create an environment where staff feel it is “safe” to raise and discuss matters.
Delay the Response: If you need time to consider the request, communicate that to the employee instead of leaving them in suspense. A timely response is essential to maintain the employee's trust and morale.
Make False Promises: Do not promise an increase if you're unsure whether you can follow through. It's better to be honest about the current circumstances and prospects for future salary adjustments. Do not make commitments that you cannot or do not intend to keep just to assuage the person and situation.
Provide Unspecific Feedback: If you deny the request, provide clear reasons why. Vague feedback doesn't help the employee understand what they need to improve on to justify a raise.
Compare with Other Employees: Avoid using the salaries of other employees as a basis for denying or granting a raise. Focus on the individual's performance, responsibilities, and market rates for their role.
Fail to Discuss Future Opportunities: If you can't accommodate the request at this time, discuss potential future opportunities for salary increases or career growth. This can keep the employee motivated and engaged.
Neglect Market Trends: Rejecting a request for a raise without being aware of the current market compensation rates for the role can lead to a significant risk of losing the employee to competitors, as well as damage your reputation as an employer.
Remember, every salary increase request is an opportunity for constructive dialogue about performance and expectations. Even if a raise isn't feasible, handling the situation with empathy and open communication can help maintain a strong employer-employee relationship.