Don’t Ask for a Raise on This Day of the Week

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No scientific studies show which is the worst day of the week to ask for a raise, but there are certainly times when you should and should not ask for a pay increase. Anytime you make it harder for your employer to say “yes” to a request, you’re less likely to succeed in your quest to make more money.

The fact is, unfortunately, it’s not always about whether or not you deserve a raise or even a performance review. Sometimes, it comes down to timing. So, your objective should always be to give your boss a path where their easiest and best course of action is to simply grant you the pay raise. Here is what to know about requesting a raise, and the best time to avoid asking for one.

When To Avoid Asking for a Raise

Each employer and workplace are 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, when everyone is getting a grumpy jumpstart to the week, 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 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 already be focusing on the weekend and not want to hear your case for a raise. 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.

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.

Timing Is Everything When Asking Your Boss for a Raise

In many cases, your employer is more than willing to compensate you fairly for the good work you do. Still, there are times when it can be easier for an employer to say “yes” instead of “no.” If any of these scenarios are applicable, it 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 factors 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 be more likely 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.

Final Take To GO: You Have Many Chances To Succeed 

Statistics show that 70% of people who ask for raises get them, according to PayScale. That’s a remarkable piece of data that should encourage you to make your case. Just remember when it is easier for your employer to say “yes” instead of “no,” and you’ll be well on your way.

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

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