How you can still get a pay rise in 2010?

The economy is recovering; the economy is NOT recovering – repeat ad nauseum. Nobody has crystal ball, but the fact that you are still in a job and your company still has business is positive testament to your staying power. 2009 was a very testing time for many, across all industries and many companies are not here, in 2010, to tell the tale.

Cut backs are king, of course, but if you work hard for your money, and we are sure that you do, who’s to say that won’t be rewarded this New Year?

Salaries have traditionally risen year on year, even in 2009 although the figure dropped from its usual 4% to 2%. Many companies froze salary hikes and bonuses altogether. If the money isn’t there – it can’t be spent can it?

Getting rid of the general apocalyptic attitude for a second - there are businesses and employers out there that remain stable, and even, heaven forbid, in profit. If the people that write the cheques know where their bread is buttered, they will be looking after their staff. You might just be one of them, and you could find yourself with raise this year.

It won’t come easy though. Oh no. And why should it. Even those with businesses to call their own are watching the bottom lines like hawks. They might be keen to reward good work, but it will have to be earned.

Rewards will be based on performance and will be used by employers as an incentive to work harder or smarter in 2010

It goes without saying that to be in the running, you will need to be doing your job well. Is that enough though? It’s important to keep the bigger picture in mind. Look to your company’s future business aims and position yourself to be the first to help them achieve these goals.

If you are a high performer, it could be easier to attempt to keep a low profile, especially on the off chance that cuts may have o be made throughout the year. This ‘buckle down and get on with it’ attitude is admirable, but also makes you invisible. If you truly are an asset to your businesses bottom line, then you can make sure people know it. I don’t advocate any diva like demands or flashing too much ego, but people cannot reward what they cannot see.

Again, your workload could already be through the roof – but you may need to work that little bit harder – or at least smarter. Play teachers pet and do anything that will be seen as making your bosses life easier.

If you are doing all of this , and you can actively prove that your contribution is good for business in these challenging times, then don’t forget to ask. Present your case to your bosses. They can only say ‘no’ at the end of the day, and even then, they will have to justify why. If your request is turned down, make sure you ask what it is you can do next time to reverse the decision. This question in itself is a good tool for proving you are a proactive worker, with the bigger picture in mind. Make sure you can show them the benefit of the salary increase and you could be one employee in 2010 who bucks the trend this year