職場英語口語(MP3)：Compensation

Reviews are another time period where you get a raise and a bonus. If you work in a large company, then it will be hard to complain and get something changed. But if you work in a small company, you can ask for a larger raise. However, you must be in a position where the company will suffer if you leave the company. If you are replaceable, then the company doesn't have to give you a good raise. Just in case you are in one of these situations, here are some example sentences.

If you know you did more than anybody else, then here is a statement you can make to your manager.

"I have done more and better work than anybody else. I have learned everything on my own in the first three months without any training, and I have been a great employee. An 8 percent raise is not what I had in mind. I want a minimum 20 percent raise."

If they agree with you, then they might give you a larger raise, but they will question the 20 percent raise. You should know the average pay in your field and use that as ammunition.

"I agree that you have performed well, but 20 percent is a large raise. Where did you get that number from?"

If you researched, then you can answer calmly with facts that your manager cannot disagree with.

"I have researched the pay for 5 different companies for someone with my experience and skill set. On average, they are being paid 25 percent more than me. I don't expect to get paid more than the other people because this is a smaller company, but I should get what I deserve and that is at least 20 percent."

If you have to go on frequent business trips, then you can include that as well.

"The average pay for workers who have to go on frequent business trips is significantly higher than what I am being paid. There is no overtime pay here and all the extra work is not compensated for. I feel it is fair to get a larger raise due to the amount of quality work I do and the frequent business trips required for this position."

Large companies have a process in place and most people will get a similar raise. If you get a small raise and you know you cannot fight for a larger raise, then you can at least ask what the average raise is.

"A three percent raise barely covers inflation. What was the average raise throughout the company?"

Most of the time, the answer will be very similar to what you got.

"I did very well this year and exceeded all my goals. Why am I only receiving a four percent raise?"

Sometimes even great employees will get a small raise in a large company. It might seem small, but if the company is struggling financially, they might not give anybody raises. Here is an example of what you might hear for the question above.

"You actually got the maximum raise this year. Most of the people didn't get anything. Some people got a two percent raise. So you should actually be happy with your raise. The economy is down and the company needs to save money. They can't give large raises this year."