November 16, 2006Requesting Perks
I just was promoted from support staff to management but due to budgetary restrictions I won’t get a salary increase until May. I will be working longer hours with increased responsibilities and I’d like to ask my boss for some perks, i.e. extra (paid) vacation days in lieu of the raise. I’m not sure how many to ask for. Can you please give me a starting point on how to bring this up? Meryl Responds
First I’ll say,congratulations. Second, I’ll suggest that you go in with a playful attitude that assumes success and say,
- Since the budget prohibits a raise until May, I’d like to propose some perks so I’ll feel promoted already. You know I like to think big, so I figured I’d ask for everything I can think of, let you know what’s most important to me, and you can tell me what seems reasonable.
For levity I would add some outrageous requests like having a parade arranged in your honor, naming the cafeteria after you, etc. Note, you know your boss and I don’t, so this tone might not work at all…but hopefully it will get you started.
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In my opinion, I wouldn’t use a “playful” attitude. That might not make your request(s) seem serious. This would be the perfect time to “speak in bullet points” or, as Dragnet used to say, speak in “Just the Facts”.
Taking what Meryl suggested, I would say it something like:
I understand that the budget prohibits a raise until May, so I’d like to propose some perks so I’ll feel promoted. For example, additional paid vacation days in lieu of a raise would be adequate. Of course, if you have a different idea, I’d love to hear it! Let’s set up some time so we can work out the details.
Finally, as Meryl suggested, you know your boss so you would know what will work and what might not.
Hope this helps!
Judy
Comment by Judy McDonough — November 16, 2006 @ 1:50 pm