Speaking up | What are UK employees too afraid to ask for?

Whilst job satisfaction and career direction are important factors to UK workers, one element of the career ladder still eludes the majority of workers; a new study released by REED has found that over half of all workers are too afraid to ask for a pay rise. 

The research, which surveyed over 3,000 UK-based workers, discovered a startling breakdown in communication between management and workers over the concept of an increase in wages. 16% of those polled stated that they had no idea how to raise the subject with management, whilst 15% commented that they were fearful of seeming ‘greedy’.

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Salary | Brits too afraid to ask for a pay rise, study reveals

It seems that most workers were fearful of damaging their current relationship with management, or simply didn’t feel that they could reach out over such an issue. A shocking 12% stated that a pre-existing fear of their boss prevented them from starting a conversation, whilst a further 12% had anxiety over the concept of being turned down.

“The UK workforce deserves a pay rise,” says James Reed, Chairman of REED Recruitment. “There are clear signs that many workers are stopping themselves from asking for one. A lack of confidence and self-belief are clear reasons why individuals may not find the courage to ask, however, if you think you deserve a pay rise why not ask for one?”  he adds.

And yet there seems to be a stark divide in confidence within the British workforce. Whilst the vast majority of workers displayed hesitance when discussing a payrise, 37% of respondents claimed that ‘nothing would stop’ them from asking for one, if they believed it was well deserved.

How should you ask for a payrise?

“Consider the ways you have gone above and beyond at work and use it as evidence to show employers you deserve one,” advises Reed. “It is of course wise to choose your moment carefully - the business you work for is unlikely to give you more money if they are going through financial difficulties, so timing is everything. Showing that you understand business pressures will put you in good stead when asking for more money.

“If the answer is ‘no’, don’t take it personally - use this as an opportunity to follow up and ask what more you need to do to earn one,” he concludes.