How Should I Address My Boss About a Promised Salary Increment That Hasn't Happened?

Dear Seniors,

Good Morning. I need some suggestions from you. I have completed an MBA in HRM & Marketing Management and have one year of experience in HR & Admin. Currently, I am working as an Executive in HR & Admin at a pharmaceutical company.

Upon joining, my boss mentioned a salary increment after 3 months. However, after waiting for 6 months, no increment was provided. When I approached my boss after 6 months, he requested me to send an email regarding my increment request, which I promptly did before the October salary cycle. Unfortunately, there has been no action taken. Despite waiting, no increment was reflected in my November salary.

I have noticed a pattern where my boss tends to grant increments to those employees who consistently inquire about their raises or those who bring up the topic of resignation.

I find it challenging to repeatedly ask for an increment and feel somewhat embarrassed. I am seeking your guidance on the appropriate course of action. I intend to draft a letter to address this issue. Kindly advise on the content for the letter.

I am eagerly awaiting your advice.

In most owner-based companies, this happens: work sincerely, and when you get a better opportunity, make a decision. It's better not to beg for an increment several times.

Yes, you are right. It means I have to find another opportunity. But I know when I resign, he will offer me an increment. Then I want to give him a reply. What should I say?

Yes, but sometimes what happens is that you are very satisfied with your current position in the company, but your emoluments make you dissatisfied. In that case, you don't want to leave the present company but are seeking a good salary revision within it. A fear of instability and dissatisfaction with change may lead you to plead with your employer.

Lack of Job Satisfaction and Benefits

There is nothing like job satisfaction here. There is no P.F. for all employees, and there is no LTA, leave encashment... nothing. I am not satisfied with this organization. There is no professionalism. According to my job responsibilities, the organization is not compensating me adequately. My responsibilities are increasing day by day, but there is no salary increment.

Regards

The Nature of HR Jobs

HR jobs can often feel thankless. However, don't hesitate to take on more responsibilities. By doing so, you will gain more experience, which ultimately enhances your career.

Seeking Your Experience

Could you please share your experience, current compensation package, and job title? This information will help in providing tailored suggestions for you.

Regards,
Lingaraju N

I remember one thing my professional and highly ethical boss used to say: "Salary is commanded, not demanded," and "Beggars are not choosers." It may seem a little harsh, but it's true. I would advise you to make yourself indispensable to your boss, develop skills that your boss or organization values, and be thankful that your boss has given you an opportunity. Believe me, I have done it myself. I never demanded but assumed all responsibilities of the department. I have left the job, but my previous bosses miss me for my work.

Wishing you all the best...

This is quite an interesting yet amusing discussion. Interesting because it surprises me how people expect the earth and the moon in the initial stages of their career. Amusing because they see the seniors enjoy the fruit of their labor and cannot understand why... your seniors incidentally went through the same grind that all of you are talking about today. The ones who learned, grew, and became successful, the others are still grinding away at their life.

Formative Years in Career Development

The first few years are formative years. You learn the tricks of the trade. Mentally and psychologically, this is the time when your last thought should be money. Have you ever seen anyone who is really good actually complain about the lack of opportunities? This complaint will only come from people who are average, mediocre, or lesser. The secret is to become GOOD if not Excellent, and the only way to that is to work, learn, work more in these 3-4 years. Rest (finance and fame) will follow.

The Science Behind Communication

There is science behind communication, and you need to learn it. Here is a scenario that should get all of you to think...

Bandna had been promised an increment in 3 months. At the end of the 4th month, she goes to her boss and says... I would like to sit with you to take feedback on my performance and how I have not met your expectations. Since I have not received my increment as promised by you, there must be something that you are not really satisfied with about my performance. Since you have not mentioned the same to me, I thought I must have a conversation with you regarding the same. This will help me not only to improve myself but also to bridge the gap to facilitate my increment.

What do you think would have happened in this case... :-)

There will always be a good way, a bad way, a wrong way, and the right way... The trick is to understand which should be used when!!!

Cheers

Navneet

You have only one year of experience. Why are you asking for an increment? Focus on doing your job as this is a learning stage. Don't expect a higher salary at this point. After gaining more experience, a good salary will come automatically.

Okay, all the best.

Regards,
B. Suresh Kumar

I have been following the thread for some time now. Navneet has put across the scenario in apt words. Without taking sides, I would like to highlight that once an individual gets into the professional mode, things are bound to be different. There is a huge difference between theoretical knowledge, which an individual studies at college, and what is followed in the real world. The real world is full of possibilities, and it's up to an individual to realize the professional opportunity at work. Sometimes it may be straightforward, and sometimes the opportunities may be hidden.

In this case, Bandna, the straightforward communication was that "There will be an increment after 3 months," but the hidden opportunity might be that the management is watching your performance and still deciding. At times, there are instances of a probation period getting extended, and the increment dates get postponed.

But again, do keep your eyes and ears open. Observe things around you. It may also turn out that the management has a policy to hire freshers, get maximum work done with nominal compensation, and then let the person leave the organization without even standard exit formalities. I have worked in both kinds of setups, and this is firsthand information which I shared.

Finally, in case you decide to leave, go ahead and do it. Keep your dignity and self-respect at the top of the priority list, but also keep your common sense handy.

Thanks.

Avoid having an inferiority complex and go ahead to ask him for a salary increment in front of the crowd. Alternatively, you can inform him or submit your resignation, mentioning the reason for your decision as the lack of increment.

First of all, a heartfelt thanks to all the people who have contributed their valuable advice and comments. However, I am very disappointed and disagree with "Mr. Navneet" as he asks why we can't appreciate our seniors' hard work at the initial stage of their career. We are not here to criticize our bosses; we are not saying that they haven't worked hard. We only want to receive appropriate remuneration. Things have changed a lot over a few years, and I suppose there is no need to elaborate on all things. Otherwise, I agree with Mr. Navneet.

Regards,
Sandeep

Thanks, everyone. I have decided to work here until I find a good opportunity, and I don't want to serve any notice period to him. I know he will definitely offer me an increment on that day, but I will not accept it.