Salary: What to do if your colleague earns more than you?
26 February 2014
Read by 2636 persons
Let's say your colleague tells you their monthly salary, which is higher than yours even though your job titles are the same. First, make sure you're doing the same work, that they really earn more than you, and that you have the same skills. In short, check if you are undeniably in the same situation. If so, here are some tips on how you can react.
Talk to your supervisor. Don't take this meeting lightly. You must be sure that your role, profile, and experience are truly similar to your colleague's before you start negotiating a raise. Otherwise, you may find yourself in an awkward and unenviable situation.
Don't go in unprepared, with only the argument that "It's not fair!" You'd have little chance of convincing your employer. Highlight the reasons that would justify a salary increase, without involving or denigrating your colleagues. "I work harder than X and he earns more than me" is not a good argument. It's better to plead your case by saying "I've held this position for a year now and I think I've proven myself. I would therefore like my efforts to be rewarded, in the same way as my colleague."
Do your research. Ask your friends and family how much someone with a similar role to yours earns in their company. Then create a list that you can use during your meeting. Warning: only do this if the difference is significant. For example, if your executive assistant salary is €200 less than what your cousin earns in a comparable company doing the same job, this is a difference you can use.
Ignore the issue or draw your conclusions. If your boss refuses to give you a raise but you really like what you do, try not to worry too much about the financial aspect and enjoy doing a job you love every day. Does the salary difference really bother you? In that case, it's best to take matters into your own hands and start looking for another, better-paid job.
Stepstone.be
Posted on February 26, 2014.
Talk to your supervisor. Don't take this meeting lightly. You must be sure that your role, profile, and experience are truly similar to your colleague's before you start negotiating a raise. Otherwise, you may find yourself in an awkward and unenviable situation.
Don't go in unprepared, with only the argument that "It's not fair!" You'd have little chance of convincing your employer. Highlight the reasons that would justify a salary increase, without involving or denigrating your colleagues. "I work harder than X and he earns more than me" is not a good argument. It's better to plead your case by saying "I've held this position for a year now and I think I've proven myself. I would therefore like my efforts to be rewarded, in the same way as my colleague."
Do your research. Ask your friends and family how much someone with a similar role to yours earns in their company. Then create a list that you can use during your meeting. Warning: only do this if the difference is significant. For example, if your executive assistant salary is €200 less than what your cousin earns in a comparable company doing the same job, this is a difference you can use.
Ignore the issue or draw your conclusions. If your boss refuses to give you a raise but you really like what you do, try not to worry too much about the financial aspect and enjoy doing a job you love every day. Does the salary difference really bother you? In that case, it's best to take matters into your own hands and start looking for another, better-paid job.
Stepstone.be
Posted on February 26, 2014.
