The increased cost of living can be one of several arguments for asking for more salary.
However, employees should be as specific as possible.
Price increases have pushed the rate of inflation in Germany to its highest level in almost 50 years.
Inflation in Germany is scratching the eight percent mark.
For employees there is the idea of demanding a higher salary from their employer for precisely this reason.
is that wise
Rising cost of living as an argument for a salary increase?
"Normally, the desire for a salary increase should be justified by one's own performance and the contribution to the success of the company," says Annina Hering, labor market expert at the job portal Indeed.
"At the moment, however, we are going through extraordinary times and sometimes they also require extraordinary measures."
With an
inflation rate of almost eight percent
, the
rising cost of living could certainly be used as a reinforcing argument for a salary increase
.
A shortage of skilled workers puts pressure on employers
A crucial point:
The situation on the labor market plays into the hands of working people.
In view of the shortage of skilled workers, “employers are currently more willing to accommodate their employees in order to keep their employees,” says Hering.
Some companies have even made flat-rate salary adjustments based on price developments.
This also puts other employers under pressure.
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Nevertheless, if you want more salary, you have to justify your demands well and present them diplomatically.
"No boss likes to be put under excessive pressure," says Hering.
The labor market expert gives tips on how to make the salary interview successful.
1 .
Be specific when negotiating salary
Whether rent, groceries, consumer goods or energy costs
: Hering advises to be specific when it comes to inflation.
For example, by showing the employer how expensive the weekly shopping has become or how the deductions for heating costs or electricity have increased.
Even if higher expenses don't hurt everyone in the same way: "Everyone has to pay significantly more at the checkout at the moment and feel the inflation almost every day.
Your counterpart knows what you are talking about.”
2. Be prepared for counter-arguments from the employer
It can be assumed that the employer will respond to the
salary demand
with counter-arguments.
Then you have to have arguments up your sleeve.
Hering advises creating a list of points that show, for example, when the special needs of the employer were met during the pandemic.
After two years of the pandemic, employees are “very likely” to have money.
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3. Point out strengths if you want more salary
Successful work is still one of the most important
arguments for executives
.
Anyone who knows their professional and character strengths should also list them.
Friends or co-workers can help you figure out what you're really good at.
4. Avoid unrealistic salary demands
It is advisable to use your own request to signal that you have
the employer's situation
in mind.
This increases the chances of success.
Hering recommends doing research: Which
salary
group is really appropriate for which position in the company?
Annina Hering works as an economist at Indeed Hiring Lab. She has a PhD in Social Sciences.
Anna Hering
5. Strike the right tone in salary negotiations
Rhetorical tricks can help in salary negotiations to reach your goal.
Sometimes it starts with the wording: Instead of talking about a salary increase, Hering advises discussing inflation compensation or a salary adjustment.
6. Negotiate a one-time payment
If the management shy away from permanent additional expenditure, a one-off compensation payment may be an option.
Hering recommends not specifying a fixed sum, but a range within which to negotiate.
7. Practice the salary interview
Last but not least, in order to prepare yourself optimally, it is worth practicing the negotiation situation at home with a conversation partner.
In this way, employees can go into the negotiation in a more relaxed manner.
300 euros energy flat rate: when does the money end up in the account?
Apart from that, numerous employees can look forward to the one-time energy allowance of 300 euros.
The money is paid out by the employer as a salary subsidy.
dpa/ahu