@CheddarcheeseMN That is an unhealthy generalization. As a person who happens to be male, I can tell you this could happen to anyone.
“Women less likely to ask for raise” leads to a ton of articles that support what was stated above.
Fendrock, it might be time for you to start testing the waters to see what else is out there. You have the skillset and demonstrated history of handing an array of responsibilities. There are other companies that need people with those skills and will pay market rate for them. So perhaps time to brush up your resume and update your LinkedIn profile, and start networking.
One problem you may have is that although you have taken on considerable more responsibilities, you may still be viewed through the lens of the entry-level position you were originally hired for. They may see you as the entry-level employee they hired 4 years ago. So a fresh start with a new company might be the best way for you to get the salary you deserve.
@RandyErika there is a huge scholarly literature on gender differences in negotiations. Huge. Not an unhealthy generalization at all. The fact that “this could happen to anyone” does not at all refute the findings that women are less likely to negotiate over wages and are more likely to accept smaller raises when raises are granted.
To clarify – at the end of the review, I asked if there would be a salary review, given my new position.
My boss’s immediate response – he said that there would be a salary review, but once again his focus was on the shortcomings of my communication style, rather than speaking to paying me for taking on additional responsibilities.
I asked for clarification - “are you saying there will be no salary increase if I do not address these communication style issues?” – and he backed off.
I’d say, had I not brought it up myself, the topic would not have been raised. (This supposition is supported by the fact that I followed up with HR afterwards, and HR told me she would have to get back to me … so nothing on her radar.)
I agree that his view of me is tainted by past history, both my start in an entry-level position and also seeing me as the direct report of a Director Level Position, a position which has now been eradicated.
It sounds like it would be prudent to start networking and quietly seeking a company and position that appreciates all you bring to the table rather than one that will take you to task for “communication style.” If you are being paid below market, find a company who wants to pay you at market or above or at least provides a more supportive work environment.
Fendrock, do you think the communications issues were a ruse to circumvent the raise conversation because the boss knew you’d be expecting one, given your new responsibilities?
I think that whether or not the raising of the communications issue was a specific ruse, it reflects a management style and philosophy that might not be conducive to growth.
In some settings, managers see it as their responsibility to nurture and promote growth for subordinates – so they would focus on strengths, and not wait until a performance review in order to target areas of perceived weakness.
In other settings, managers are more status quo oriented, and the overall workplace culture is to continue to put challenges in front of employees, probably very much as a way to make it difficult for the employees to ask for more money, as well as to make it much more difficult for employees to complain and sue. (By no means an expert, but I did enough employment law years ago that I can discern patterns.).
Either way the net result is the same.
I’d note that it also has the effect of undermining the employee’s self-confidence and ability to assert herself. Now Fendrock is stressing over communication style rather than focused on the responsibilities she has assumed, and her competence in those areas. Unless Fendrocks’ job has “Communications” in the job title - this is likely a collateral issue. .
In retrospect, do you think that my suggested approach in post #12 would have helped ?
Calmom, your last paragraph is exactly what I was thinking. I’ve been through that routine before. Wrote a rebuttal to the job review, which the boss’s manager agreed with, and about six months later, another opportunity came along and I got a new job at twice the pay!
I work at a very small company, where the majority of the workforce is remote. So there is no question of working elsewhere in the company, etc., and, given the nature of the work I do, I’ve been given as much responsibility as I could be given.
I was given a “market adjustment” raise at the end of last year, which is when everyone is given their annual salary review. From interviewing elsewhere, and even according to a Glassdoor guesstimate about our company should pay for a hire we are making now (a role which is similar to mine but with less responsibility), I would say that, even with this market adjustment, I am still paid at least 20% less than market rate.
On the other hand, this company did create a job for me when I first interviewed for them for a different position and gave me an opportunity to work my way back into my field, after having been out of the workforce for 10 years. They have given me significant raises (the first after only 6 months).
There is a big “don’t rock the boat” culture, and my direct approach and my being asking to lead difficult discussions with those participating having greater authority has at times lead to tense situations. The message to me is “these will not be tolerated,” although, in my view, the incidents have been few, and tension and disagreements cannot not be fully eradicated (I did not express the latter at my review. I also acknowledged that I need to do better and work on this.)
I have the sense that, due to these incidents, they feel I haven’t proven myself “worthy” of being paid for the work that I do.
Others participating in this thread have pointed out that other companies are more likely to value the work I do, and I agree. Neither my boss nor the owner has worked at other companies, so they have no point of reference in terms of its importance or value. Ironically, it also means I get to do very interesting work that most other companies would pay someone else with much more experience to do instead of me…
I should also say that I am told that they value my ability to do this work, but they seem reluctant to pay me accordingly.
Everyone in a company affects it’s profitability. If you don’t, be careful because your job will be gone. Failure to understand this is why many employees struggle.
In general, you pay what you value. If this is a small company they may not be aware of the salary norms of the industry, or they may feel the perk of working from home makes up for the salary.
I’m not a big lover of yearly reviews. If there are good things to say, we say it and pay it. If there is something that needs work we do it at the time. I do yearly raises and those are generally not huge, but we give raises throughout the year individually if we see they’re warranted.
If the company does not like your communication style there is really nothing you can do about it since it is a small business and chances are nothing will change. I’d say nothing, continuing on as if you’re fine and look for a new position. If you see your responsibilities being taken away, no matter what they say, start urgently looking for a new job.
@eyemamom “If the company does not like your communication style there is really nothing you can do about it” – this is my view as well, so it’s discouraging to have it all about my communication style.
It sounds like you need to start exploring opportunities with other companies. If you love the place where you work and really don’t want to leave, you can go to management with a job offer in hand. I did the same thing, with a job offer that was significantly higher. But I phrased it to my manager (and her manager) as, “These are the facts and I really want to stay because I love the people and the environment, but the pay disparity makes it a very tough decision for me. If you can help to make it easier for me to stay, I would really appreciate it.” And they did give me a couple of substantial raises, but due to company policies they had to space them out over a year. But without that offer in hand, I don’t think it would’ve happened.
It’s a very tough conversation to have, but my mentor at the company encouraged me to stick to my guns and I’m really glad she did. BTW, I should also add that the offer I received was essentially unsolicited - it was from a former colleague who I’d worked with. Until I got it, I hadn’t realized how far below market rate I was being paid. So for others who aren’t aware of the going market rate for their position, it’s always a good idea to get a reality check.
Update – just had my salary review and a 21% increase!
So – I now feel that I am being paid at market rates.
All’s well that ends well –
Excellent!!
Fendrock, I am so happy for you! And if you decide you aren’t happy and would like to leave, you have a higher salary position from which to negotiate the next time around.
Excellent news!!!
Well that’s awesome! I was thinking of suggesting earlier that you had at least planted a seed and didn’t need to overreact, but it seems like everything worked out as you had hoped. Now get cracking on your communication skill development! - just kidding.