Men make more money than women in the workplace (most of the time).
We know this. It's an issue that has been widely discussed. Just this morning HuffPo released a spoof vid with actress Kristen Bell who touts the benefits of "Pinksourcing" on camera. In the bit Bells says women are "the cheapest, most affordable workforce in America!" AH, THE PAY GAP. It's so funny, except it's not. (It's so much easier to cry into a dollar than 77 cents.)
One of the often cited reasons for the imbalance is that women are less likely than men to negotiate their wages, i.e. we don't ask.
Well, not according to a new study published this month showing that that women do ask, they simply don't get. According to Broadly, "After analyzing the information submitted by approximately 4,600 employees over the span of 840 workplaces, researchers found 'no statistical difference' in the likelihood of male and female workers asking for a raise while working with their current employer."
Researchers discovered that men were 25 percent more likely to receive a pay increase when they asked.
So what do you do when you ask for a raise and the answer is NO? Here are a few ways to move on and up past the let down.
ASK YOUR BOSS WHAT STEPS TO TAKE TO WORK TOWARD A RAISE
So the big B said no. It's rough, however sometimes you’re going to be denied a raise because you don't meet the criteria to receive a raise. We know. If you're asking for a raise you think you deserve one, but you have to be open to the idea that you overlooked a few considerations.
Or you might have just been doing an okay job without going beyond your role.
Ask your boss or supervisor where you need to improve and how you can be a more valuable asset to the company. Chances are if you ask how you can improve and grow, your salary will too.
Keep track of everything.
SET CAREER GOALS FOR YOURSELF
Once you've asked about specific areas that need work, set goals and milestones for yourself in the workplace. If you’re up for it, encourage your boss to have review meetings to ensure you’re on the right path.
Be proactive towards your own promotion.
Maxie McCoy, the woman on a mission to inspire millions says, "When you have a clear answer you can do a few things. You can: A) work with your boss and their bosses on a roadmap for getting your output to match the salary you're desiring, B) consider if this is really the right role or company given you have certain value expectations for what you're putting in, C) assess if it's total sexist bullshit OR D) create a counter offer to see if 'no' is really 'no.'"
"DENIED A RAISE? CREATE A COUNTER OFFER TO SEE IF 'NO IS REALLY 'NO.'"
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DON'T LET REJECTION DISCOURAGE YOU
You didn’t get the raise, but don’t let the rejection discourage you. A “no” is just another reason to move forward.
The worst thing you can do is let the rejection negatively manifest in your work, which will for sure not help. Grow from the no and survive the rejection.
"GROW FROM THE NO AND SURVIVE THE REJECTION."
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If worst comes to worst take your talents to South Beach like LeBron James and find a new job that will truly value your skill set.
Latham Thomas, founder of Mama Glow says this:
"You know the value you bring to your company- you also are well aware of your self worth. When you ask for a raise and don’t get it, you may have a slew of questions running through your head. The key is rather than to internalize the 'the NO' and start doubting your capabilities and strengths, use it as an opportunity to get a better understanding of how your boss and the decision makers view your particular situation and the surrounding factors. That will give you a clarity and a better idea of what was at play when they made their decision. This awareness can ultimately assist you in getting what you want and where you want to be much faster."
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
If you know that you’ve gone above and beyond for this job and have sacrificed so much to elevate the company and your position, and still no raise? It’s time to find a new job.
Jobs need to work for us-- we don't only need to work for them.
If your current job isn’t meeting your career goals, there’s no harm in keeping your options open.
Make sure that if that’s the case you maintain your work ethic at your current job and hold steady on that solid reputation. You don’t want to get caught up in petty office drama because you didn’t get a raise - it’s not a good look and it’ll come back and bite you when you’re looking for your next gig.
Keep it professional and keep moving on.
For our NYC readers!! They've got more carreer advice! Catch Latham Thomas + Maxie McCoy LIVE in NYC for their popular workshop 7 Practices for a Gratifying Career
