No salary increase despite inflation: Which arguments you can still use to get more money

Created: 12/23/2022, 10:11 am

If everything gets more expensive, the salary should also increase.

However, inflation is not a reason for companies to increase their wages.

So you still get more money.

Hamburg – Inflation now affects pretty much everyone and all areas of life.

The products in the supermarket are becoming more expensive and the energy crisis has also caused the prices for electricity and gas to rise immeasurably.

So it is obvious that many parts of the working population are reaching their financial limits and now want more money from their boss - because even the inflation compensation premium for employees is not enough for long.

The justification seems logical, but watch out: In theory, your boss doesn't owe you anything.

After all, he runs a business and not a charity.

You can find out here how you can still ask for more money in salary negotiations without having to give inflation as a reason.

Preparation and timing of the salary increase: The right arguments make the difference

The be-all and end-all of a salary negotiation is preparation.

If you go into a conversation with the boss without arguments or a clear idea of ​​your desired salary, you will probably come out unsuccessfully.

Therefore, think about what exactly your value is for the company beforehand.

How does your employer benefit from your presence and why does that justify a raise?

Put yourself in the shoes of your company.

The timing is also crucial.

For example, have you recently landed a major account, taken on new responsibilities, solved a problem, or otherwise received special praise for something?

Then you are now positively present in the thoughts of the boss and should use the moment to market yourself successfully.

What you should not do: Arguments such as expensive living costs or increased rent are good reasons for you personally to want more money.

Your boss won't really care, though, because the company is probably affected by inflation as well, so it's not a good argument, so it's best not to mention these points at all.

Nor should you pick a bad time.

Is the company in a financial bottleneck right now or have you recently attracted negative attention?

Then you should wait a while with new salary requests.

Exact salary expectations: Give specific figures, but don't gamble too high

It's uncomfortable and in Germany people tend to follow the wrong belief that "You don't talk about money", but tell your boss a specific salary requirement.

He will probably react to this with a counter offer and you can then meet in the middle.

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My space

Despite inflation, it is better to use other arguments in salary negotiations.

© Monique Wüstenhagen/dpa/imago/Montage

So it's wise to charge a little more than what you actually want, but don't gamble too high.

According to the training academy for further training, the Comcave.College, a salary increase of up to ten percent is possible during a negotiation, depending on the current salary, job position and comparison on the market.

If you are poached by another company, you can even ask for up to 20 percent more than you earn from your old employer.

What not to do: sell yourself short.

Women in particular often have to fight a little harder for the salary they are entitled to.

Salary negotiations are unpleasant, you don't want to step on anyone's toes and certainly don't want to annoy the boss.

Nevertheless, you should know your own worth and not belittle yourself.

As long as your salary expectations are within a realistic 10 percent range and you state them in a reasonable and polite manner, no one will rip your head off.

Rather dismissal than more money: no-gos in salary negotiations

If you present your salary requirements within a reasonable framework with a good reason, you will usually be able to have a successful conversation with the boss.

Either you get your desired salary, agree on an average or get a rejection from the boss, which will certainly be just as polite and reasonable.

In all these cases, you have not suffered any damage.

However, if you take measures below the waistline during the conversation, then the tide can also turn.

This includes wanting to sneak a raise by bringing up the topic at a Christmas or company party, for example, where there is usually a good atmosphere.

This is not only uncomfortable for everyone present, but will also annoy your boss quite a bit.

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It is also indelicate to badmouth other colleagues in salary talks.

Anyone who tries to get more money with arguments like “I do a much better job than colleague XY” not only makes themselves unpopular with the boss, but also poisons the working atmosphere.

And the biggest taboo: blackmail.

Quite a few bosses have responded to statements such as "If I don't get this amount, I'll look for a new job", "Well then, good luck".

Threatening the boss you want something from is not a good idea and will likely get you fired rather than a raise.