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Asking for a pay rise

Published on: 28 Feb 2017

More and more companies are opening FM divisions across London and the UK – it is a sellers’ market, so understand that you may have some leverage. Wages are going up year after year and, according to our recent survey, the expectation for wage rises is high among FM staff. Qualifications are important – 76.7 per cent of survey respondents view their qualifications as “extremely valuable”, “valuable”, or “somewhat valuable” in securing their most recent position.

These are all important considerations when beginning the negotiation process for a pay increase at your current role. But it is still worth preparing yourself for the discussion with your manager; treating it as an interview process might help get you in the right frame of mind.

1. Find comparable roles

Look at FMs managing comparable sites or locations. You’re likely to be able to guess what their responsibilities are. Use online job boards to determine the likely level of pay of FM professionals in comparable sites or, if your pay is low, the average level in your area (try wageindicator.co.uk). Add 10 per cent to this figure, as you should expect your opening demand to be considered as a negotiating position.

2. Use your performance  review as a starting point

If your company makes you undergo performance reviews and the review you receive is overwhelmingly positive, it’s always harder to say ‘no’ to someone who you’ve spent the last hour telling how great you are. Continue discussions in a calm and constructive manner, rather than giving your organisation an ultimatum.

3. Compile compelling evidence

Be ready to justify the figure that you’re asking for. Always have a list of examples ready where you have either exceeded expectations, saved the company money and preferably both at the same time. Having confidence in your ability and showcasing the value you offer the business creates a more tangible case than making it solely about you.

4. Don’t be afraid to  look elsewhere

Keep your eye out for jobs that pay the level you like and apply for them. FM is a great job, but you need to pay your bills. If you’re offered a job at a new company, once you’ve got written notification of the offer and the rate, ask to speak to your manager/director or HR and let them know of the choice in front of you.

5. Set management a deadline

If you don’t get the answer there and then, ask for a definite date by which you can get an answer. If things aren’t going your way, don’t make threats to leave or behave truculently. Close the discussion and know what your next step will be – whether it is to start looking for another job or to fix a date for further discussions. Leave the door open.

Pay and prospects

Last year’s BIFM Salary Survey noted that more than 50 per cent of respondents received a 1-2 per cent pay increase at their last review, with 19 per cent receiving a 3-4 per cent pay rise and a further 19 per cent seeing no change at all.

More survey data and in-depth analysis can be found here