Salary Increment Hacks: Got less hike in appraisal and feeling angry? If you are going to resign, first know 3 counter hacks that may be useful to you.
Appraisal Hike Tips: Opened the mail inbox and found an appraisal letter from HR. Heart beat increased, ‘Come on, we will get a good hike this time.’ When I opened the letter, I was stunned to see the number. The whole year’s hard work, the extra work done on weekends, staying awake all night to meet the boss’s deadline, all of these were rewarded with just this much percentage? If something similar has happened to you too, then it is justified to get angry, but instead of resigning in anger, try 3 such counter hacks, which can help you get out of this situation.
Hack No. 1: Talk in data, not emotion
Entering the manager’s cabin in anger and arguing can be the biggest mistake. Instead, wait for a week, calm your mind and then prepare complete data for your work. Which projects did you complete during the year and what was their impact? If possible, list them with numbers. Where did you take up extra responsibilities which were not in your job role? What benefit did the team or company get because of you? When you go to talk to your manager, instead of asking ‘Why did I get fewer raises?’, ask ‘What is your opinion on how my performance was throughout the year?’ Start with. This conversation will not look defensive but professional and the manager will also respond openly.
Hack No. 2: Know Your Value in the Market
Many people stay in the same company for years and do not know what is the value of their skills in the outside market. This is the reason why even when they get less hike, they adjust quietly. In such a situation, according to your position and experience, check the salary benchmark on websites like LinkedIn, Naukri. Talk to 2-3 people in your field informally and get an idea of what the salary range is in other companies. If you find out that the market rate is much higher than your current salary, then this information will become your biggest weapon in negotiations. Remember, this information is not just for resignation. This gives you confidence that you are standing on the right ground in the conversation.
Hack No. 3: Look at the complete package, not just the salary
Sometimes the basic hike seems low, but the company is willing to adjust on other things. While talking to the manager, instead of just saying ‘increase the percentage’, present some other options as well. Such as increasing the days of work from home, talking about getting early consideration in the next promotion cycle, getting the company to pay for a course or certification for skill development and asking for some new responsibility or a big project, which will create a strong ground for the next hike. Many times the company is not able to give immediate increase in money, but is ready to adjust in other things. This approach helps you achieve something immediately and also paves the way for further progress.
Avoid these mistakes while talking about appraisal
- Don’t talk about other colleagues’ salaries, it looks unprofessional.
- Do not talk angrily or emotionally, express your views in a calm tone.
- Don’t directly threaten to resign unless you’re really ready to leave.
- Before the meeting, prepare your point by writing it in small points.
What do experts say
According to career experts, ‘Getting a hike is definitely a matter of tension, but it is not the last stage of your career. If the matter is discussed in the right way, at the right time, with data, sometimes the outcome may change and even if the matter does not work out, at least you will know clearly what decision to take next, whether it is to give a chance to the same company or to explore new options. Anger is natural, but by converting that anger into a strategy, you can take your career forward.
Disclaimer: The information given in this article is based on general advice. The policy and situation of every company is different, so before taking any major career decision, proceed thoughtfully according to your situation. Do take advice from some career experts.