Choose the Right Moment
Timing is everything. Choose a moment when your employer is likely to be receptive to a conversation about compensation. A performance review—when your progress and future with the company are already being discussed—is an ideal opportunity. Other suitable moments include after successfully completing a major project or when you have recently taken on additional responsibilities.
Do Your Homework
Preparation is key. Start by researching relevant benchmarks—such as the minimum wage, collective labor agreements in your sector, and average salaries for comparable roles. This will help you understand how your current compensation aligns with industry standards.
Next, gather concrete evidence of your performance. Highlight your achievements, contributions to company goals, and the specific projects you have played a key role in. The more clearly you demonstrate your added value, the stronger your case for a raise becomes.
Anticipate potential objections your employer might raise, so you can respond appropriately.
- “No budget available” → Ask when there will be room for it
- “You are already at the top of the scale” → Explore growth opportunities
- “Let’s revisit this in six months” → Schedule a specific follow-up date
The Three-Step Pitch
Meeting planned and preparation done? Then it is time to structure your pitch clearly and logically. Start with the facts: share data that shows you consistently meet or exceed expectations, hit targets, or outperform peers. Next, link these achievements to the value you bring to the company. Finally, shift the focus to the future—what will you continue to deliver, or do even better, if your compensation reflects your contributions?
How Much Can You Ask For?
The raise you request should reflect your specific situation. If your performance has been strong or your responsibilities have increased, a raise of 5 to 10 percent is generally considered reasonable. It is wise to aim slightly higher than your ideal amount, as negotiations are common and your employer may come back with a lower counteroffer.
It Is Not Just About Money
Do not focus solely on salary. Extra vacation days, a training budget, or a remote work allowance can also add value to your work-life balance and finances. A bonus system might be worth discussing as well. By putting multiple options on the table, you give your manager more flexibility—and increase your chances of getting something approved.
Raise Request Checklist
To recap, make sure you have covered these bases:
✅ Picked the right moment
✅ Checked your collective labor agreement
✅ Noted your achievements
✅ Prepared your pitch
✅ Thought of a Plan B
Do not forget to follow up the meeting with a summary email, including any agreed goals or evaluation points. That makes it easier to revisit the conversation if promises are “forgotten.”
Get a Grip on Your Finances
For most people, salary shapes their lifestyle and influences everyday decisions—what comes in determines what can be spent. The Grassfeld app helps you gain clear insight into your personal finances and stay in control.
Connect your bank account and most transactions are automatically categorized. This lets you view key stats anytime and analyze your finances. How much do you earn? Where does your money go? Where could you cut back?
Grassfeld also provides monthly reports, helps you set savings goals, and allows you to create budgets—so you are less likely to overspend. Download the app now in your app store and take control of your finances.
