International Edition: Mastering the Art of Salary Negotiation — Avoid These Mistakes for Success

• At what point should one consider requesting a salary increase, and how can they make sure their appeal is effective? This query frequently arises among workers.
• HR professional James Ogweno Odhiambo said salary requests should be well timed and backed with strong evidence of employee contributions to the company
• Ogweno pointed out various common mistakes that often result in disqualification and offered a systematic approach for presenting a request with a strong chance of approval.

Roberto Muyela is a seasoned business journalist working for .co.ke, boasting more than nine years of expertise in digital media. He provides profound analyses of both Kenya’s and international economic patterns.

Asking for a raise can be an intimidating experience for numerous employees. Given the sharp rise in inflation, increasing costs of daily needs, and often extra duties at the workplace, it’s natural for staff members to feel compelled to seek a wage adjustment.

Each year, numerous workers apply for salary increases, yet success isn’t guaranteed for all. In Kenya, the government modifies the minimum wage as part of Labor Day festivities; however, this measure primarily benefits those with lower incomes.

This situation puts employees in various salary brackets at the whim of their employers' constrained finances, giving an advantage in securing raises to those who possess stronger negotiation abilities.

.co.ke reached out to James Ogweno Odhiambo, a Senior Associate Human Resources specialist at PKF Consulting (K) Limited, who provided perspectives on what staff members should keep in mind when requesting a salary increase.

There are multiple elements to consider from scheduling the request to demonstrating the value you've brought to the organization. Odhiambo pointed out typical errors made by staff members, which frequently result in their petitions getting rejected.

Main elements employers take into account during salary assessments

In determining whether to authorize or reject a salary adjustment, managers consider various aspects. These include an employee's job performance, industry standards for compensation, the organization's fiscal condition, the individual's input into their role, as well as how long they have been with the company.

Employee performance

Typically, this appears near the beginning of the list. Key methods to strengthen a salary increase request include showcasing leadership skills, regularly surpassing objectives, and contributing quantifiable value. Moreover, organizations evaluate market tendencies and their fiscal capability to guarantee that compensation matches sector norms.

Ogweno remarked, "The Employment Act of 2007 stresses equitable treatment; however, choices about wage assessments frequently rely on organizational schedules."

What is an appropriate time to ask about salaries?

The timing is crucial for the effectiveness of salary reviews. As stated by Odhiambo, employees ought to ask for increases either at the time of their annual performance evaluations or following a significant quarter-end achievement by the organization.

Odhiambo emphasized that timing plays a vital role when requesting a salary review since it can greatly affect the result. Companies experiencing robust financial gains are more inclined to accept such requests because they possess the means to compensate their staff accordingly.

He stressed that staff members should refrain from asking for raises during times of economic instability or when companies are implementing cost-saving strategies.

In preparing for a performance review, employees can bolster their presentation by highlighting how their efforts correspond with the organization’s achievements, such as increased revenues or the triumphant release of new products.

Organizing a Salary Review Request

Correctly organizing a salary discussion can have a substantial impact. According to Odhiambo, it's beneficial to begin the talk by highlighting your achievements and connecting your professional development to the company’s goals.

He clarified that quantifiable data like higher sales figures or completed projects should be highlighted.

He stated that employees should suggest a thoroughly researched salary amount, supported by sector-specific information, while taking into account the organization's economic status.

"Consistent with Kenya’s Employment Act of 2007, which emphasizes fairness and openness, this organized method showcases professionalism and respects both individual and corporate objectives," he continued.

Steering clear of typical errors in requesting salary reviews

Odhiambo pointed out typical mistakes employees make when requesting a salary increase. He cautioned that not being prepared, picking an inappropriate moment, or concentrating only on individual monetary requirements instead of accomplishments could undermine the possibility of achieving a favorable outcome.

Rather than that, he emphasized, requests ought to emphasize one's contributions to the company’s achievements. Showing flexibility and being willing to negotiate can enhance the chances of achieving a favorable result.

"It’s a error to adhere strictly to the suggested number. Staff members ought to engage in discussions with an adaptable mindset and readiness for dialogue since this promotes a more favorable and cooperative result," he noted.