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Anonymous

10/19/20 at 8:35PM UTC (Edited)

Career

Dept. Head ignoring my request for a raise

In August 2020 I went to my manager with a request for a raise - $10k - which would put me at the mid-level of my pay grade. I’ve been working in this role for almost 8 years now and at this company for 4. I’ve been asked to take on so many projects outside of my core team and now work to support multiple teams in a more expanded role that receives a comp in line with what i’m asking for. My manager was very supportive and said he’d bring it to our Dept. Head. After bringing it to my Dept. Head, my manager said the Dept. Head was also receptive and agreed that I deserved the new comp, but needed to do more digging on how my grade is paid across the company. My Dept. Head then went to HR and to others on my team to ask their opinions. All agreed that I had room for compensation growth and many gave me a stellar review. I’ve seen the email traffic with these reviews and details on my comp, but my Dept. Head has taken no action on upping my comp. When I ask my manager if things are moving forward, he says the Dept. Head is working on it but isn’t in any hurry to make anything happen because budgets are still being worked out for 2021. In Feb 2021 i’ll be asked to support our Dept. Head directly because his current support is going on maternity leave and i’ll be asked to take on her role for almost 16 weeks. This is something that has been expected of me since his last support quit a few years ago and then again when his new support went on maternity leave a few years later - now it’s happening again. How can I ask my manager and Dept. Head to make a decision or at least give me some kind of answer knowing that they’ll be leaning on me and expecting me to take on more work in Feb 2021? It’s frustrating to continuously take on more work and not be comped for it.

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Kimberly Olmo

260

10/23/20 at 12:41AM UTC

I definitely think you approached it the correct way. I think the balance between being annoying and persistent can be a fine one. I was in a somewhat similar situation where a prior boss thought my title was higher than it was (given the work he knew I was doing) and went to bat for me with HR to have my title raised to match what I was doing. I was very appreciative. It did end up taking honestly a little over a year, however. So I had to ride that delicate balance. I would bring it up before you take on the maternity leave situation, again. That, on top of your already strong case, should push it over the edge. If nothing happens, you know you will probably think about staying if they aren't going to compensate you fairly, if they can, or at least give you a concrete time frame as to when you can reasonably expect to be. You are talking about a long time with this company; it's clear you deserve it. Best of luck!

Anonymous

10/21/20 at 6:21AM UTC

This is likely a tough time to get a raise. If you keep feeling overlooked, it may be time to explore other career opportunities.

Anonymous

10/20/20 at 12:24AM UTC

I think u will get the raise. With covid, alot of companies are suffering with the 6 feet rule. So I imagine companies are taking a huge income fall. Even casinos r struggling. They had to take out half there machines and besides there normal job duties- they now have to wipe down every machine and chair after every use. Best of luck. D

Marisol Caballero

You can lead and still be humble

10/19/20 at 9:57PM UTC

Hello. I do understand your frustration on the delay especially when you have gone above and beyond as needed. You asked for this raise back in August 2020 which in my point of view, is not that long, considering all this is going on with this pandemic. I think they value you and agree with giving you a raise as there has been several discussions back and forth about it. I would give it a bit more time. They probably do not even know what the budget will be since so many organizations are uncertain; a lot of it depends on how this pandemic goes and how it affects their business. I know it's challenging and you have really worked hard to get compensated your fair share. I would not dismiss it but I would give it a few more week. Maybe give them until mid-November and if there is no movement, I would put it back on their radar. Definitely do not let it go past December would be my advice. Best of luck!

Anonymous

10/19/20 at 10:04PM UTC

Thank you for the insight! I’ll plan to bring it up in January 2021 when the bulk of promotions in my company happen. My manager has been pretty silent on it lately but I imagine it’s because the decision is now with team leadership and they do have a lot on their plates with the state of the business now do to COVID. Thanks again for your thoughts - i’ll keep hope alive!

Marisol Caballero

You can lead and still be humble

10/19/20 at 10:06PM UTC

Please keep me posted. I'll be rooting for you!

Alexis Gladstone

1.44k

Helping You Excel as a Leader

10/19/20 at 9:45PM UTC

I understand your frustration. It sounds like you've done the due diligence and laid out your case, which everyone endorses. Unfortunately, in many organizations, making changes like this don't happen in the time frame we hope. Also, when do promotions and salary increases usually take place in your company? Is there a specific month for everyone or is it an employee's anniversary date? When I hear that your Department Head is working the budget, that's what comes to mind. Are you concerned they might back out of their commitment or just want to know the timeline, especially with the upcoming maternity leave coverage? If it's the latter, I would just keep touching base with your manager every month on the topic.

Anonymous

10/19/20 at 10:02PM UTC

Thank you! It’s a good reminder to me that my company does do promotions throughout the year on a cases by case basis, but generally do the bulk of promotions in January/February. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for 2021. I appreciate your insight!