ASK HR: My employer gives a mere Sh1,000 pay increment per year

I have been in my first job for three years now, and for these three years, my total pay increment comes to Sh 3, 000.. PHOTO| FILE| NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Ask yourself the following questions: How have you performed relative to your goals over the period? And how well has your organisation done in the past three years?
  • Does the quantum and proportion of your salary increment reflect the fate of the majority of your colleagues or is yours an isolated case?

Q. I have been in my first job for three years now, and for these three years, my total pay increment comes to Sh3, 000, meaning that I get just Sh1,000 pay rise every year. I feel I should be earning much more, given that I contribute to the company’s bottom line. That said, at what point in my career should I start to consider the pay that I get above all the other benefits?

 

The increments you have received over the past three years appear to fall short of your expectations. A few issues are worth considering: How satisfied were you with your pay when you started working? What expectations were set at the time concerning your salary progression? What is the proportion of your increment relative to your pay? And what does the salary review policy in your organisation envisage?

Salaries are usually reviewed based on the performance of an individual and that of the organisation. Pay may also be reviewed under, among other circumstances, significant increase in the scope of a job or the addition of exceptional value that may deserve an upward adjustment. In any case, organisations do well to ensure that pay is both equitable and consistent with employee contribution.

Ask yourself the following questions: How have you performed relative to your goals over the period? And how well has your organisation done in the past three years?

Does the quantum and proportion of your salary increment reflect the fate of the majority of your colleagues or is yours an isolated case?

Pay is indeed essential and cannot be relegated to a trifle in employment. It helps employees meet many of their needs, yet to hoist its importance above all other considerations would be overloading its value. It cannot supplant important non-financial aspects of a job such as a conducive working environment, opportunities for career growth, appreciation, and the fortune of a supportive supervisor.

Consider presenting a case to your supervisor seeking the adjustment of your pay, clearly citing your contributions and how they impact the organisation.

The conversation will likely better acquaint you with the performance expectations of your organisation as well as provide cues on areas that you need to focus on to draw closer to your salary expectations.