• How to Handle a High Workload — Without Stressing Out!
• Handling Interruptions: A Time Management Tip
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• How to Handle a High Workload — Without Stressing Out! • Handling Interruptions: A Time Management Tip |
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 Have you ever asked for a raise or promotion? Last month, The Washington Post revealed that the often-laid claim of “Women just don’t ask for raises or promotions” — and that’s why we still lag behind in the workplace — may be a myth! What do you think? What has been your experience when seeking a raise or promotion ... and do you feel like you’ve seen bias in the workplace? Share your story. Share Your thoughts! We're sorry, but the comment box for this article has been closed. However, you may view the past discussion amongst your peers to see what they had to say ... |
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 1 1 -1' I work in State government. Unfortunately, you expect to be paid less than the private sector. But the "Good Ole Boy" mentality still exists. I recently went to my manager and asked to be relieved of my management duties due to health reasons steeming from work, the health reasons and the causes were documented by three health care professionals. They removed me from management and I had to take a 5% cut in pay. I am now working for my replacement. My replacement is making more money than I was when in that position and doing about 1/2 of what I was expected to do. Also, when men in the organization step down, they get to keep their pay grade. But I was told I had to take a pay cut and would have to work myself back up the ladder. When I asked why they are requiring less of my replacement and giving them more money, I was told the replacement was "protected" by the higher ups. So I guess it depends on who you know were I work. I presented my case for why I thought I should be given a promotion. My supervisor listened and helped me work on my job description to reflect my current duties. It came back that I was working above my current level but not at the next level. They gave me a raise and set goals for me to reach to get to the next level by this time next year. A little disappointing but at the same time encouraging. I finally got up the nerve to ask for a raise. I made sure I did my homewework on my position as to what was appropriate for this size company, my experience in general, and my length of service at this company. They said NO. No reason given; just no. Everyone else (mostly men) make triple what I make even though I work overtime and often times; I work off the clock. I have always received merit raises and have never had a problem with that, being at a small company. After doing some research for my position I have found I am making less than someone in my position that has been doing it for 5 years, (I have been here for 11yrs the only one in the office). I have also found out that one of the board of directors believes I am at the top of my pay scale. My title doesn't reflect my job duties, neither does my pay, I have showed them and so has another director, but they just don't believe it. I am very frustrated and have given up any hope to be making what I should for my position or getting the title. What should I do, any advice would be grateful. I could use some advice. I went to my boss and asked him to explain the difference between my job and title and his other direct reports. I was told he didn't believe I was being fairly compensated for the work I do. He said he treats me the same as his other direct reports who have higher titles in the company and earn over 10-15k more than I do. He said he is working on a promotion with the head of the company on my behalf. I want to believe him, but he also said he'd "shoot you 'til your dead" if you ever repeat this to anyone. Help! How long should I wait to work through my boss or should I go strait to the top myself? I am preparing my case now to ask for a promotion at my new position. I was hired as a "manager" of a department when the work I do is on par with "directors" of their departments. The work and responsibilites and reporting chain of command are identical and I've not understood why this position was never upgraded to director. What should my approach be to get my organization to see the manager title and pay does which may have fit the job years ago is not equal treatment today? Regardless of the outcome I have always spoken up for myself in this regard. I thought I'd stick to the facts and let them speak for themselves. I had, for the first time in my career, asked for a raise just before Christmas and have yet received a proper response. As a response to the firm receiving annual raises, I was told, the firm lacked profitability, though my specific request was never addressed. When I found out that a co-worker (male) with less experience in this job was making more than me, I went to my supervisor and asked for a raise. What happened? Nothing. I have asked for both promotions and raises. In one instance, I was told that, despite my excellent performance and a salary that was way beneath my male peers, it wasn't "my turn". In another instance the response was even worse. My male supervisor responded that my male peer needed a raise more than me because he had 4 kids at home and his wife didn't work. He went on to explain that my kids were raised and my husband made good money so the answer was "No". I took both of these responses to our EEO manager. The upshot was that nothing happened except that I got neither a raise or a promotion. The most recent story was a year ago when my female supervisor asked why I hadn't been promoted in over 5 years despite taking on many more responsibilities including those of supervisor. She asked me to write up a promotion justification which I did and sent to her. She sent it on to her male manager and the response was, once again, it still wasn't my turn. Yes, I have asked (with documented success n the position). In my current position I asked almost 4 years ago. I was told that my immediate supervisor approved it,but her boss would not approve it. He would not say no - just that he was thinking about it. After almost 4 years I am told he has approved it (a month ago) but I've yet to see the money show up on my paycheck. I was told that I should not have asked for the increase that it turned my boss off and he likes to decide who ears a raise or not. In a previous job, I asked with (with documented success) and received without problem. I guess it just depends on who the boss is at the time. Especially in the early days (1960s and 1970s), I never got a promotion unless I asked for it. After that, I've worked for organizations that routinely give merit increases. My current organization also encourages (and requires supervisors to ask) employees for their career goals. The supervisor then has to help the employee remove any obstacles that get in the way of achieving a reasonable and attainable goal. Yes, I actually asked for a promotion with my current employer. It took a lot of research on my part to prove that I not only deserved the promotion, but that I was already doing the work of a higher titled. This took over two years, but it paid off in the end. With persistence and facts I not only received the promotion, but a raise of $10,000 was included. Yes I have - I realized as an Administrative Assistant I was not paid what my peers were receiving - enven though my position had 50% more work and responsibility. I did a Powerpoint presentation with animations - showing how my position compared to the other Admins - and my coins to their $'s. Fed Ex'd it to my Mgrs home - so I couldn't chicken out and take it back. I asked for a minimum of 17% increase. A month went by and then another and my Mgr gave no indication she had received my package. Then she called me in and told me they couldn't give me the 17% pay increase as HR had compared salaries - and she waited a moment then said they were giving me a 19% pay increase YAHOO!!! Yes I have asked for promotions and was repeatedly put off "until next time". At the same time my peer group all were a level above me. After 4 years I finally received the promotion. Annual raises came out yesterday. I just found out that a man who is 2 full levels below me is making almost as much as I am. Things are better but still not equal. I have been working 33 years for the same company. I have been turned down for 2 promotions because of a lack of a 4 year degree, while there are a few men in higher positions who also do not have degrees. I am very angry and feel that this is very unfair, however they have been "grandfathered" in. I work for a DOD contractor and while there may be less bias in the military, it is still fully alive and well for those who support their efforts! Yes, I did some research and gathered data and salaries for the classification I should have been in and the duties performed. I went in confident explained I did research and other companies were paying $x.xx for the position that I was doing, that I had been with the company for XX amount of years and felt I deserved proper compensation for my work and dedication to the company. The CEO and owner (my boss) said they would discuss and get back to me. 10 minutes later I was called back into the office and told what an asset I was to the company and good employee and if $x.xx was acceptable. I smiled and thanked them. That day I received a $8k raise. This was in the 90's so that was pretty signaficant for the time. Yes and I was told no and not to expect one ever. Now that is a morale booster wouldn't you say. I asked for a title change and backed it up with how important is was for me and my career with my employer. My boss was surprised and had no idea how important my title was to me. I got my title promotion and a raise to boot. If you don't ask, you'll never know! Women have made great strides in the workplace. However, there is still work to be done regarding equality. When going to upper management to ask for a raise and/or promotion be prepared. Do your homework. Look up industry salaries in your area. Make a list of all the ways you have contributed to the company whether it be winning the large bid to cutting costs, etc. Most of all be confident in yourself and your worth. Yes,I asked for a raise. I was told that I had indeed earned a raise, but during the current economic issues, the raise could not be given I have asked for both in the past. For the promotion, when I had been working at the company for 3 years I made it clear to our Regional Director that I was ready to take on more responsibilities, move up to the next level and I was eager to learn, grow and prove that I would be a great candidate for the next opening for the position I wanted. When it became available, I got the job!!! As for the raise, at the time of my annual evaluation, there were a few times when I felt that my achievements warranted a bigger increase. We all want more money, but we need to be fair. Go in prepared as to why you fell you should get the increase, what you've achieved that benefited the company, bring examples of when you've gone above and beyond and be positive and confident. You may not get what you want always, but being fair and prepared with your presentation often will work for you! Good Luck I've never asked for a raise or promotion, I am confident in my work abilities but my other insecurities prevent me from exuding it, I get tounge tied and wind up feeling rather daft when I try to toot my own horn so to speak. |
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