Hajra Naz
If you’ve been working remotely for some time, you’ve likely seen news about companies enforcing RTO mandates. This might make you worried about rocking the boat. You may fear doing anything that would cause you to be viewed unfavourably by your employer. You don’t want to lose your remote job.
Assessing Your Current Situation
Should you settle and be content to continue working remotely while your pay remains stagnant for years? Is it OK to discuss salary with your boss? If so, how would you bring it up?
The shift and balance of power is in your hands while working remotely. According to Wrike, remote workers can expect up to 25% more on average than their in-office counterparts. This is likely because employers have fewer overhead costs, allowing them to allocate more funds to salaries and giving you a salary advantage if you lean into it.
Industry Evolution and Demand
Industries evolve rapidly, and the tools and talent required to fill gaps are in high demand and moving fast. Average wage ranges rise along with the demand, and skill sets and responsibilities change. Whether you work from home or not, this remains the case—it’s still the same job performed, regardless of location.
Read More: 5 in-demand admin skills for freelancers, according to Upwork
Addressing the Fear of Salary Negotiation
Unfortunately, bringing up the topic of salary negotiations is our least favourite thing to do at work. It makes us uncomfortable—mostly because we’re scared of the worst possible outcome: a flat-out no, or worse, your employer suspects you’re researching the job market and laying you off. Yes, that’s a possibility. But it’s better to try at least than not to try at all.
Steps for Negotiating Your Salary
1. Prepare for Your Meeting
To prepare for a conversation about your compensation, evaluate your performance over the past six months to one year. Gather data on your accomplishments. Include projects you’ve completed and their results. Note any additional responsibilities you’ve taken on since your last review. Create a detailed list of your contributions, remembering to include specific examples and results that highlight your value to the company.
You should also find out what other professionals in similar roles earn in your industry and geographical area. These can also give you an idea of what your coworkers in comparable roles could make because some salary transparency websites disclose information relevant to individual companies.
2. Time It Right
Timing is everything. It’s best to take your time talking about a possible pay raise. It deserves full attention, and to accomplish this effectively, select the right timing. For example, you might align your request with your company’s performance review cycle.
Select a period when business finances are strong for the corporation. This could be after a successful quarter. You can also defer your request until after completing a major project. Positive feedback from senior management is another good time.
Request a one-on-one meeting with your manager. Make it clear you want to discuss your salary. Focus on your remote work performance and the potential for a raise.
3. Communicate Positively
The big day has arrived. It’s time for your salary review meeting. You have conducted all your research. You have data on your new salary expectations. You have documentation on your performance and contributions. Remember to breathe. Communicate confidently. Avoid sounding arrogant, aggressive, or entitled. Be open to negotiation and a possible no. Maintain a pleasant attitude during the talk and begin by thanking you for the position and the opportunity you’ve had so far.
Read More: How to become confident and improve your communication skills?
Consider your plan B if your request is declined.
For example, will you ask for constructive feedback on what you can do to earn a raise in the future? Are you willing to accept a lower rise given to you in smaller increments over time? Or is the employer being unreasonable, and if that is the case, will you look elsewhere for your next remote job that pays you what you deserve?
Conclusion
Your next salary negotiation conversation will go smoothly through adequate preparation and research, carefully selecting the right timing, and communicating confidently while being open to alternatives. You can leave with a successful result.
