11 Reasons to Ask for a Salary Increase

When money is involved, asking for a salary increase becomes a sensitive topic, requiring proper planning. To successfully request a salary increase, you need to convince your supervisor that you deserve it and choose the right timing. This article highlights the best time to ask for a raise and provides guidance on making this request.

#1: YOUR POSITION EVOLVED

Your work performance is one of the strongest arguments for receiving a pay raise. Going beyond the requirements of your job may involve taking on additional responsibilities, surpassing quotas, and assisting your co-workers. If your position has evolved to include new tasks, you can discuss the possibility of a pay raise with your supervisor. If you are capable of completing these tasks, offer to take responsibility for them voluntarily. This demonstrates your enthusiasm to learn and your commitment to the company’s success.

#2: YOU RECEIVED A PROMOTION

A change in position often comes with an increase in salary, which is particularly significant when transitioning from a rank-and-file role to an executive or managerial position.

#3: YOU GAINED SENIORITY

Did you recently gain seniority in your company? In some companies, particularly in the public sector, as employees gain more seniority, their position grade and rewards tend to increase. This can be expressed through various forms of recognition, such as benefits or bonuses, which acknowledge their years of service and dedication.

#4: YOU WERE REQUIRED TO TRAVEL MORE

Traveling for work, as mandated by your job responsibilities, can serve as a compelling reason for an increase. It not only demands adapting to diverse environments, childcare arrangements, and professional schedules but also entails emotional challenges. Moreover, travel carries inherent risks that can potentially compromise the safety and well-being of workers.

#5: YOU NEED TO ALIGN WITH INFLATION

An employee’s salary is initially determined upon their employment, but it can be subject to change through annual promotions and other factors, such as inflation. It is crucial to argue for the need to align the cost of living with current wages. One significant aspect is ensuring that the salary keeps pace with the evolving minimum wage, which is reassessed annually, often in December, depending on the company. Regular salary adjustments are essential to maintain a fair and equitable compensation structure.

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#6: YOUR COMPANY IS GROWING

The company you work for is experiencing growth, and you play a crucial role in that progress. It is entirely acceptable to request a pay increase because of this expansion. However, it is essential to articulate how your contributions have contributed to the collective effort that drove this growth. What did you do differently from others?

#7: YOU BROUGHT IN NEW CLIENTS

In line with the company’s growth, if you have brought in a significant number of clients in recent years, you can make a persuasive case for a raise based on your exceptional networking skills and abilities. As a commendable employee, it is important to assert your value through concrete facts and sales figures.

#8: YOU MANAGE MORE PEOPLE

Have you recently been assigned to a team? It is deserving of a raise due to your new responsibilities. Managing individuals with their unique differences can pose a challenge for any employee. Effective management cannot be improvised; it demands specific qualities, efforts, and concessions.

#9: YOU ARE PAID LESS THAN YOUR CO-WORKERS

With comparable professional characteristics (such as time, position, experience, and diploma), the pay gap between men and women in Singapore was 14.4% in 2020. This indicates that full-time resident women aged 25 to 54 earned $0.856 for every $1.00 earned by their male counterparts.

If you discover that you are being paid less than a co-worker with the same qualifications and job duties, it is important to discuss this matter with the Human Resources department. Seek to understand the reasons behind this disparity and do not hesitate to engage in salary renegotiations.

#10: YOU RECEIVED AN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Since most employers factor in individual performance when making pay decisions, it becomes a crucial variable when being considered for a pay increase or promotion. Demonstrating excellent performance is essential for retaining your current responsibilities and achieving a higher salary. Consistently maintaining a high level of performance is equally important. Even when applying for a new job, this information can hold significance for your prospective employer as it provides a more comprehensive understanding of your abilities.

#11: YOU GAINED ADDITIONAL EDUCATION

In healthcare and academia, pursuing further education and obtaining certifications hold significant importance. The quality of one’s education can directly impact their salary. Graduating from a top program generally has a positive influence on pay. Furthermore, acquiring additional certifications relevant to your current position can contribute added value to the company, providing compelling arguments during salary negotiations.

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In conclusion, there are numerous valid reasons to request a salary increase, including evolved position, promotion, seniority, increased travel, inflation alignment, company growth, client acquisition, team management, pay disparity, excellent performance, and additional education. Best of luck in your negotiation!

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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How to Negotiate a Salary Increase in Singapore

Negotiating a salary increase can help you maximize your earnings in the Lion City. Although Singapore’s salaries are among the highest in the region, the cost of living is also high. If you are considering a salary negotiation, here are some ways to increase your confidence and make the task less nerve-wracking.

#1: BE PREPARED

Before entering any negotiation, it is crucial to do your research. Preparation can help you reduce your nerves. Research the industry’s average salary for your designation, the company’s financial performance, and any related economic factors.

You can use Salary Comparison tools online, which are designed to give you a comprehensive overview of key roles and their respective salaries. For instance, you can check out MOM’s Salary Comparison feature to compare your salary across organizations of various industries, establishment sizes, and employee types. This free feature comes with colorful graphs, which makes the information easy to understand.

#2: DESCRIBE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

When negotiating a salary increase, display your accomplishments to underscore the value you bring to the company. Highlight any projects you have led or have been involved with as well as the recognitions or awards you have received.

Do not forget to focus on the numbers! You can try to deny it as much as you want, but businesses revolve around making profits and growing numbers. Use statistics as direct proof of your contributions to the company. For example, in the past two months, I have brought in three new clients, which resulted in an 80% total increase in the company’s sales.

#3: IGNORE YOUR PREVIOUS SALARY

Ignore your previous salary. While it is always better to earn more than in your previous job, using your last drawn salary as a benchmark is by no means a good gauge. You have gained so much experience, skills, and knowledge since then. Instead, look at your objective value to the company.

#4: IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

When talking about value, your added skills and abilities can help the company to flourish. Turn the tables into your favor by having appropriate education, expertise, and experience. Start by focusing on investing in seminars, workshops, and courses.

Best of all? Most of these resources are available at no cost. In the comfort of your own home, you can acquire Google and Microsoft certificates online. There are other online platforms that offer free courses such as Centre for Excellence and Coursera.

#5: BE SPECIFIC

When stating your intent for an increase, you need to be specific and provide a realistic range. This will give the company some flexibility in meeting your expectations while also opening the floor for negotiation.

#6: CONSIDER OTHER BENEFITS

As an HR Consultant, I often give a brief background about the company and emphasize its company benefits to draw candidates closer to the organization. If your company is unable to meet your desired salary increase now, you can consider negotiating other benefits such as flexible working hours, childcare allowance, improved health plans, training opportunities, or additional vacation leaves. Can you imagine having your company shoulder half of your childcare fees or overseas workshop costs? These benefits add to your overall compensation package.

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BOTTOMLINE

In conclusion, negotiating a salary increase can be challenging. However, with sufficient preparation and the right approach, it can also be a rewarding experience. Remember to do your research, highlight your accomplishments, be specific, invest in knowledge expansion, and consider other benefits. With these tips, you can successfully negotiate a salary increase and maximize your earnings in Singapore.

Sources: 1 & 2

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MOE Teachers and Allied Educators to Get up to 10% Salary Increase from October 1

Over 37,000 Ministry of Education (MOE) teachers, allied educators, and kindergarten teachers will get a 5 to 10 percent increase in their monthly salary from October 1, according to MOE. In a press release last August 16, MOE said that 35,000 education officers, 1,600 allied educators, and 800 preschool teachers in MOE-run kindergartens will receive the pay bumps.

The salaries for teachers and allied educators were previously reviewed in 2015, while the scheme for preschool teachers in MOE-run kindergartens was last introduced in 2019. MOE’s current move will ensure that the educators’ overall salary packages remain competitive, so that it can continue to attract and retain good educators.

Aside from this, the 30-year retention plan for teachers will also be enhanced. Moreover, teachers who do not hold key personnel appointments could also be eligible for a higher salary ceiling from next year, with the introduction of a general education officer (GEO) 5A substantive grade.

ENHANCED RETENTION PLAN

MOE’s 30-year retention plan for education officers, also known as the CONNECT Plan, will also be enhanced by about 20% from next year. Currently, a flat rate quantum between $3,200 and $8,320 is set aside for officers each year. The amount depends on their length of service. Payouts comprising a portion of the money accumulated are given every 3 to 5 years of their career.

From 2023, MOE said that the annual deposit quantum and payout ratio will be increased to better support the education officers in the earlier years of their career.

NEW SALARY GRADE

To better recognize the contributions of well-performing teachers who do not hold key personnel appointments (e.g., subject head or senior teacher), MOE will also establish a new general education officer (GEO) 5A substantive grade from 2023.

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MOE highlights that “teachers are the core of our education system”, which is why the Ministry will continue to provide opportunities for educators to learn and develop themselves throughout their careers.

“This includes providing in-service courses to help teachers deepen their content mastery and pedagogy, as well as exposing teachers to diverse experiences outside the classroom through external work attachments,” said the Ministry.

Sources: 1 & 2

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