|
by Liz Tahir
 It is time for your company review, and you are focusing on
one thing: an increase in salary. Not only that, but you have determined how much of an
increase you should get. But you soon learn it is not happening as you thought. Do you just
leave the meeting, feeling disappointed? Or have you been smart and determined what you can
ask for that would be of value to you?
Here are a few possibilities-of-value:
Career enhancement training: Ask the company to pay for tuition reimbursement for
college courses to help you work toward an undergraduate or advanced degree, or to attend a series
of workshops and seminars in your field. Point out that this will not just increase your skills,
but gives the company a more knowledgeable employee. Keep in mind that you should be prepared to
perform at a higher level, as the company is entitled to see a return on its investment.
Flexible work hours: In today's world, companies are generally more agreeable to
allowing workers to create their own schedule. For example, if you are a night person and prefer to
start work later and work later (or the other way around, if you prefer to start work in the wee
morning hours), you might be able to convince your boss to let you try this. The important key is
that the amount of work and the quality of your work are not diminished.
Work from home: If your job is mostly done electronically, and there is not much
interaction between you and other employees, it may not matter where you are actually located. You
may negotiate coming to the office only one day a week or so. Again, though, your work load and its
quality must not be diminished.
A support person for you: If your work load keeps getting greater, and you're
feeling overwhelmed, show your supervisor how hiring a part-time assistant for you would benefit
the company. Most companies are aware of the increased workload of their employees today, and your
company just might be agreeable to getting you the help you need (particularly if they fear you
might max out!) You may figure out this person does not need to be a new-hire, but a present
employee who could be assigned to you several hours a day, or a certain day a week.
Fitness: Ask the company to pay for your fitness center membership. Most companies
know the value of a healthy employee. Not only is a healthy employee likely to perform their job
better (and be more agreeable while doing it), but they are less likely to be absent because of
sickness. Or maybe you might convince the company to pay for a physical therapist or yoga trainer
to come to the office several times a week during the lunch hour, so more employees can benefit by
this.
Child care: Ask for payment of child care, so you can work with peace of mind. Or
better yet, convince the company of the merits of providing on-site child care for you and the
other parents.
The important part of all this is that you are prepared with these requests before you talk to your
boss. It is important to do your homework before you get in to the Big Meeting. Have some idea of
the cost of whatever perk you ask for (if a cost is going to be involved), particularly so you can
counter any objections thrown at you.
The truth is that most companies really do want to keep their workers happy and satisfied in their
job. The other truth is that most companies do not spend much time in figuring out how to do that.
You can be the person who can get what you want by pointing out these ways to
them.
About the Author:
Liz Tahir a former corporate executive, she has, for the past 18 years, headed Liz Tahir &
Associates as a marketing consultant, conference speaker, and business writer. Liz has delivered
seminars and workshops from Japan to Brazil on improving negotiating skills for better success in
today's international marketplace. For more information about her services, go to http://www.liztahir.com or call her at (US) 504-569-1670.
|
