10 Ways to Increase Your Value as an Employee.
The performance review period can be an uncertain time for employees. It is the ritual in every office that some people dread while others look forward to. Reviews are conducted at various intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, and annually. Some will receive a pay raise, while others will not. Either way, everyone wants to enjoy pay increases.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure for more information.
If you feel that you have worked hard and a pay raise is well deserved, it’s up to you to communicate that to your employer and negotiate the terms. But it’s not easy if you don’t have the right mindset.
Approaching your employer on this issue takes a few key skills. Here are ten ways to help you increase your value as an employee and earn a raise without losing your sanity.
Be Punctual
According to Linked In, being punctual is crucial for your career advancement. It establishes you as a dependable worker. Being punctual allows you to gain respect from the people you work with. It shows your consideration for others’ time. You don’t want to earn a bad reputation for not being punctual. Although pay is not deducted for being late for most, it can still harm your reputation.
Punctuality not only shows that you are reliable but also demonstrates to your employer that you take your job seriously and are willing to put in the effort required. When considering someone for a raise, employers often look at their punctuality before deciding.
Improve Your Communication Skills
One of the main benefits of good communication skills is that it reduces workplace mistakes. The organization can operate optimally if the information is adequately communicated from one team to another. The bottom line is it will save your employer money.
Suppose you do not possess them, no worry, as these skills can be developed. Begin by setting aside personal assumptions and judgments to understand better what others are trying to say. Ask clarifying questions, indicating that you are genuinely interested in the conversation.
Furthermore, by speaking clearly and using simple language when delivering information or instructions, colleagues will be more likely to understand you without becoming overwhelmed or confused. The more you practice communicating with your peers, the better your skills become.
Inspire and Motivate Others
Whether pressured to meet deadlines or to fulfill customer expectations, there will be instances when times get tough. Being a source of inspiration and motivation for your co-workers can make you valuable to your company.
Although it’s not convenient to motivate others when things aren’t going smoothly on the job, it may help build morale when it’s most needed. When you take on an inspirational role at work, your co-workers will look up to you, and your boss will depend on you more. You will be remembered and rewarded for the essential role you play.
Be Productive
Productivity is the driving force behind every organization. I wrote a previous post about productivity. In the article “7 Habits of Highly Productive People”, I share tips on this topic. Here are three easy ways you can increase productivity in the workplace.
1. Minimize distractions. Avoid surfing the web or hanging out at your co-workers’ desks.
2. Complete your projects before the deadline.
3. Focus on doing your job well.
People will begin to notice, and your boss will see your seriousness.
Give Feedback During Meetings
Meetings are generally a place where employees can express their thoughts and ideas about the business’s direction. If you understand the goals and strategies of your department or the company as a whole, you will likely bring true value to the business.
Chances are, your boss will be open to hearing you out. If there are recommendations you want to share, by all means, make a suggestion! It will increase your value as an employee.
Be a Problem Solver
At some point, we will all face challenges on the job. Positioning yourself as a problem solver is a great asset. It’s easy to focus on the problem instead of the solution. You can use this opportunity to increase your value by focusing on solving the problem.
Work on a task like simplifying a process to save time. It may be something that you feel will help the business run more smoothly. Present it to your boss and see if it can be implemented.
Be Confident
Developing an attitude of self-assurance is something most of us strive for, especially while getting ahead in one’s career path. If you lack confidence, it will be apparent to your boss.
To boost your confidence as an employee, start by setting realistic goals for yourself. Write them down and break them up into manageable steps you can work on daily to stay motivated and on track for success. Consider joining your local Toastmasters Club to improve your public speaking, communication, and leadership skills.
Also, take time each day to recognize your achievements and celebrate small victories throughout the process. Acknowledging what makes you unique will boost your confidence when it comes time for interviews or other requirements needed to receive a raise.
Practice Patience
Patience is one of the most important things we can all benefit from practicing. There’s a chance that other employees have put in more time and effort and have waited their turn to be recognized and rewarded.
It does not mean that you should stop working hard. Keep your goals at the forefront of your mind.
Some years ago, when I was up for a promotion, I had to wait patiently while a couple of my peers got promoted before me. I decided not to let it affect my morale. Being patient was difficult, but it paid off in the end.
Waiting for the right opportunity to present itself takes humility, but it helps you keep your sanity.
Be Persistent
A common mistake many employees make is improving their performance only when the evaluation is near. You should strive to improve your productivity even if it appears that no one is paying attention.
Even when things get hard, continue to perform well, and you will be rewarded. If you are not persistent with your work, it will not reflect well on you when trying to negotiate with your boss.
Also, be persistent with negotiating a raise if your boss doesn’t approve it the first time. Find out what you can improve to increase your performance and skill set.
Know Your Value
As an employee, it is essential to understand the value of your work. Knowing your worth lessens the likelihood of being taken advantage of and allows you to identify opportunities that can help further advance your career.
When evaluating yourself, consider all the details that make up your job role; this includes hard skills such as technical skills or industry knowledge and soft skills like communication and problem-solving abilities.
A deep understanding of these elements should guide how you approach and assess your salary expectations when negotiating for a raise. Want to make more money? You have to know your value. If you feel you are bringing a lot to the table, don’t be afraid to mention those assets during discussions, especially if you have data to back you up. If you are not being paid what you are worth, it may be time to look elsewhere.
In Summary
By being proactive in your approach, preparing a strong case, and effectively communicating your value to your employer, you can increase your chances of success and negotiate a fair salary increase. Remember to remain calm, professional throughout the process, and don’t let emotions get the best of you.
Employers value punctual, productive, motivated employees that add value to their company. When requesting a raise, you should be an effective communicator and problem solver and possess confidence. Work hard, be persistent, be patient, and know your value as an employee. You will be well on your way to earning that raise!