Most still expect pay rise
Employers struggling to keep businesses afloat may raise an eyebrow at news that the majority of employees are expecting pay rises this year and many, if they don’t land them, could walk.
The survey of 800 workers by CareerOne.com.au revealed that 56 per cent of respondents are looking for a salary increase this year - that is if they can face asking their boss.
The Careerone.com.au Salary Centre has a step-by-step guide on pitching for a payrise.
More than a quarter of those surveyed admitted to being afraid of asking their manager for more pay given the current economic climate and that the pay rise process was poorly communicated to them by the company.
Two thirds of the respondents said they needed a pay rise of at least 5 per cent to keep up with expenditure while 40 per cent said they are prepared to quit work if the boss gives them nothing.
Kate Southam editor of CareerOne.com.au said that both employers and employees need to have a more flexible approach to pay negotiations this year if there was to be a win-win outcome.
“While the global financial crisis is putting pressure on businesses nationwide through redundancy programs, employees are working harder to cover the gaps,” Ms Southam said.
“With so much being asked of employees it’s important employers find a way to recognise people even if it isn’t in cold hard cash.
“For some people a small increase is better than no pay rise at all. Or an employee might value a training course more highly than a few extra dollars in their pay packet.
“For the employer training usually comes from a different budget than salaries,” she added.
MS Southam said that the survey showed people are also willing to work shorter weeks if it meant keeping their job
Redundancy was revealed to also be of concern among the survey respondents with 73 per cent saying they would work a shorter week to save their job.
To sound off about your chances of getting a pay rise, click here.
