There are no scientific studies showing which day of the week is the absolute best to ask for a raise. But there are certainly times that you should not ask for a salary increase. Anytime you make it harder for your employer to say “yes” to any request, you’re less likely to succeed in your quest to make more money.
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So, your objective should always be to give your employer a path where their easiest and best course of action is to simply say “yes” to you. Here are some tips.
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When To Avoid Asking for a Raise
Each employer and workplace is different, so there’s no standard day you should ask for a raise. However, you likely improve your chances if you avoid asking on a Monday or on a Friday, just due to the general flow of how offices tend to work.
Mondays are typically very busy times for employers, as they generally have to catch up from having been out of the office for two days. Orders or complaints may have piled up over the weekend and be in need of attention, and business itself often picks up as customers try to get an early start on the week. In other words, there are many reasons why your employer may be extra busy on a Monday and not be in the right state of mind to give your request its due attention.
Fridays can also be a bad time to ask for a raise because employers, like workers, may be already focusing on the weekend. The opposite might also be true, with an employer wishing to get as much as possible done on a Friday ahead of the weekend, making them less available to listen to your pitch.
Of course, these are two very broad generalizations, and things may operate differently with your employer. But generally speaking, you’re more likely to get heard on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday than on a Monday or Friday.
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Timing Can Be Everything When Asking for a Raise
In many cases, your employer is more than willing to compensate you fairly for the good work you do. But there are times when it can be easier for an employer to say “yes” instead of “no.” If any of these scenarios are applicable, they can be a good time to ask for a raise:
Your employer is reporting record profits.
You were recently responsible for closing a deal that was a big win for your employer.
You’ve been recognized by middle managers or others in the office for your contributions outside of your required work duties.
All of these are factors that can make it hard for an employer to say no to you.
Tips To Help Make Your Case
Even if you approach your employer at the right time, a compelling sales pitch can still go a long way towards getting you all that you want. Here are some tips:
Understand the market: If the best-paid workers in your field earn $50 an hour, asking for $100 an hour isn’t likely to succeed and could even work against you.
Chronicle your achievements: Hopefully, your employer already understands all you’ve done for the company, but regardless, you should be able to point to concrete examples of how you’ve been a standout worker.
Practice: Practice makes perfect. Since getting a raise can make a real impact on your life, it’s an important moment. Consider practicing in front of your spouse, friends, family or even a mirror before you meet with your boss.
Schedule an actual meeting: You’re more likely to make a real impression with your request if you make it a formal meeting. Casually mentioning to your boss that you’d like a raise may much more easily get lost in the shuffle than if you make a formal request at a scheduled meeting.
Alternative Options for Boosting Compensation
Sometimes, an employer isn’t in a position to give you a monetary raise, even if you deserve it. In that case, consider asking for alternate ways to boost your compensation.
For example, you can request additional paid vacation days as a way to boost your effective compensation. Or, in exchange for keeping your paycheck the same, you could perhaps negotiate a higher bonus package or the ability to work from home more frequently.
The Bottom Line: You Likely Have More Chance of Success Than You Imagine
Statistics show that 70% of people who ask for raises get them, according to PayScale. That’s a remarkable statistic — one that should give you encouragement to make your case. Just make it easier for your employer to say “yes” instead of “no,” and you’ll be on your way.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Don’t Ask for a Raise on This Day of the Week
