You’ve probably heard about “The Great Resignation,” the term for record numbers of Americans quitting their jobs this year in search of greener pastures. But what if you actually like your job and your employer? Today we’re talking about how you can take advantage of more generous hiring terms to stay with and advance in your current company.
A respectful conversation with your manager stating your value to the company and your accomplishments, along with what you want in return (better pay, more perks, a promotion), can have a pretty good result in the current employment climate.
Asking For a Raise or Other Benefits
Before you have this conversation, check how your current salary compares to market values and comparable roles at different companies. If your salary is lower than the competitor’s, this can be a valuable part of your negotiation strategy.
If your company can’t give you a raise, have a backup plan in mind. For example, if you’re currently in a flexible work-from-home/ office hybrid situation, you could ask instead for a more flexible schedule. Or, if you’re interested in advancing your career, you could request tuition reimbursement or for the company to pay for you to get a certification.
Scoring a Promotion
High turnover at your office may result in you taking on more work or a supervisory role. In this case, have a conversation with your manager about specific duties you’ve been taking on and propose a title change or promotion to reflect these duties. Or, if there’s a vacancy that’s a step up for your current position, have a conversation with your manager about hiring from within – namely, you.
When you have this conversation, frame it as something mutually beneficial to the company. The onboarding and learning curve will be shorter promoting from within, and it will give you a chance to learn new skills and become an even greater asset to the company.
Change Your Job Duties
If high turnover and short-staffing are causing you to take on more work, look for ways to automate these tasks or advocate for a new hire to take on some of the lower-level duties. Frame this as an intent to make you more productive, thus benefiting the company. If the added work is overwhelming, like if you’re doing your job and the duties of an empty one, it’s time for a conversation with your employer about better work-life balance and avoiding burnout.
Helping Your Company Stay Competitive
If you want to stretch yourself and learn new skills in your current company, such as moving to a different department, have that conversation with your manager or the appropriate department head. Part of this conversation should include the skills you have that can help you succeed in the new role and benefit the company.
Frame it as an opportunity to add someone with experience in X to work in a Y role, thereby enriching the role and setting you apart from your competition.
Takeaway
The Great Resignation isn’t just an opportunity for people to succeed at a new company. It can also be an opportunity to grow in your current one. If you enjoy your work and the company culture, you can take advantage of turnover to score a raise, promotion, or better scheduling and benefits. Be sure that no matter what you’re asking for, you frame it as mutually beneficial to both your and the company.
Last modified: February 21, 2023
