You’re wondering if you should say thank you after receiving a pay increase.
Perhaps the increase was more than you hoped for and you’re super excited about this fantastic surprise!
Maybe you aren’t so happy with the pay increase. I mean, it’s better than nothing but not exactly what you were expecting. Don’t they appreciate you? Do they even know the blood, sweat, and tears you’ve given them? The sacrifices you have made?
Or maybe you knew this increase was coming because you asked for this exact amount months ago and it’s finally hitting your bank account. Your employer did what they said they were going to do. That was the deal so why should you say anything once they’ve fulfilled their side of the arrangement?
Regardless of the reason, you’re curious if you should say anything.
I think that receiving a pay increase is an opportunity to speak up about how you’re feeling about your current pay. You can also utilize this time to show appreciation. It’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be wasted.
It’s like someone reaching out to shake your hand. I believe you should definitely reach out and shake it back.
If it was your hand extended, would you be a little bit disappointed if your hand was left hanging?
So let me dive into why you should say something after receiving a pay increase and give you some ideas based on a variety of scenarios.
If You Received An Unexpectedly Large Amount
Congratulations!! I will say that this doesn’t happen often to many people.
Large salary increases typically occur when someone leaves one job for another.
Usually, I hear of larger than expected bonus amounts. It is a really big deal to receive a larger than expected pay increase!
You want this to happen again, right? Of course you do! We want it to happen every day if it were possible.
So send your boss an email and let them know that you very much appreciate the pay increase and you plan to continue providing outstanding returns on their investment in you.
If you’re not sure about saying something, know that I would. I think it’s a great opportunity to let your employer know how much something like this means to you so they don’t hesitate in the future if they consider bumping up your pay significantly again.
Let them know that you’re motivated to continue giving your best. You’re going to push harder not only for the company, but also for yourself.
If You Received An Expected Increase
Maybe you’ve been hounding your boss for a few months (or years) for this exact increase and they’ve finally come through and given it to you.
You knew it was coming. You also knew the exact amount that it would be so is there really any reason to say anything?
Yes, I would definitely say something. There are multiple benefits and reasons why.
First, your boss may have had to pull some strings to get you the amount you’ve asked for. Show them that you appreciate all the work they put in.
You want to create a relationship where you aren’t always asking for something, but you’re also showing appreciation for when something is received.
You want them to know that the next time you’re given what you ask for, you won’t sit back with your feet up and act entitled. You’ll reach out each and every time and let them know how much you appreciate the investment that they are making in you.
If You Received Less Than Ideal
So you received less than you know you’re worth.
Your gut reaction may be to say “screw these guys” and agree to say nothing so they’ll know you aren’t happy about what you received. Yes, it was something and something is better than nothing. But whoever got anywhere saying that?
What you need now is a game plan.
Are you worried about being fired if you say something negative? Erase those thoughts from your mind. Is there a really, really small chance you could be fired for being ungrateful? Well, there’s a small chance of a lot of things could happen.
Use this opportunity to your advantage. My suggestion would be to send an email such as:
Dear Mr. Manager Guy,
I’d like to say thank you for the pay increase that I received last week. I realize that careful thought was given into the amount I received and I certainly do not want to seem ungrateful for any increase – it is much appreciated.
However, I would like to sit down with you next week to re-evaluate the responsibilities I have and my contributions to this organization. I feel that once I have presented some data, you will agree that another increase is deserving.
I appreciate you taking the time to hear about the value I add to the organization.
Thank you again.
Jen
This is simply an example of what you could say. What I want to make sure you include in your email is the ask to open the door for a meeting so that you start the pay increase ball rolling.
Do you need a bit more confidence? Know that according to Zippia, “When asking for a raise, 82% of men will receive it compared to 74% of women.”
Getting That Next Pay Increase
Being proactive is key. Businesses are in business to make money.
Flip that coin – You are in business to make money.
Research what other companies are paying people for the same role that you have at your current company.
Keep a journal of all the savings you’ve provided for the company. What extra tasks have you taken on?
It’s important to know these things so you can present them every single time you ask for a pay increase.
Do you not regularly ask for a pay increase? It’s time to start. A regular cost of living increase is not a pay increase. A cost of living increase is so you don’t start earning less than you earned last year after inflation.
Be bold and step up and ask for a pay increase. If you’re rejected, use the opportunity to let your boss know that you’ll be back in two, three, or four months to ask again.
This way, your boss will expect for you to ask again in the future when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts On Saying Thank You For A Pay Increase
It’s easy to receive a pay increase and say nothing. It’s what most people do. However, you aren’t most people.
You want to earn more and move up in the company. To stand out, you have to show that you’re unique.
A pay increase opens up the door for communicating about your current pay rate. So many people do not take advantage of speaking up after they receive an increase.
Even if you’re thrilled with the amount and it’s exactly what you asked for, you should say something. You don’t want anyone to think twice about the next time you’re considered for a large increase.
You want others to know that you’re grateful and appreciate the acknowledgement.
If you aren’t happy with your increase, this is your moment to change the narrative! Use it to your advantage.
Check out this article on how to ask for a pay increase if you need guidance on asking.
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