I’ve been in my organization for more than five years without receiving a pay increase, even though I have been receiving an additional workload. My boss is keeping my hopes alive by promising me many things, including a promotion. How long should I wait? — Rainbow Connection.

Per my experience with dynamic companies, the average number of years between promotions is three years, in addition to getting annual pay increases in line with inflation. Sometimes, I hear people being promoted after two years for consistent high performance and the possession of a unique skill that is difficult to find outside the organization.

I am also aware of ordinary workers being paid merit increases to retain them as a means of keeping up in the wars.

Your case would depend on how you’re enjoying your job despite the heavy workload. The trouble is that even if you’re given a promotion or pay increase, it doesn’t mean indefinite happiness. Sooner or later, you’ll be given more tasks in exchange for a higher salary. You must make a decision on what’s important to you.

Choose what you prefer among the following: Is it high salary with neck-deep workload? Average pay with average workload? Or average pay with reduced workload? Some other factors may be relevant to your choice, like interesting jobs. In most cases, it’s hard to arrive at a good balance between the right amount of pay and an appropriate level of tasks assigned to you. Even if your boss decides to pay you the “right” salary, the boss is likely to gradually increase your tasks to the point that you end up feeling burned out.

For many people, burnout can manifest itself in mistakes, reduced quality of output, or worse — accidents due to ignoring health and safety protocols. It’s important to manage the situation by focusing on the things that you can control.

CONTROLLABLE POINTS
First and foremost, you must take a good look in the mirror. How is your work performance? Is it acceptable to management? These two questions are tricky if you don’t understand the boss’s expectations. To manage this issue, consider the following:

One, agree with your boss on which tasks should be prioritized. Do this as soon as you can. One caveat though. Don’t exaggerate as this could be misinterpreted as a complaint. Instead, make your point as subtly as possible. Whatever you do, play the numbers game by citing facts, such as the likelihood of higher profits resulting from completing project ABC compared to project XYZ.

Two, propose to make your job easier. Many management policies are designed to control both the work process and result. Unfortunately, these same policies can constrict and limit efficient ways for doing the job. One example is the requirement to submit an hourly progress report rather than a daily report.

While technology can help solve the issue, many organizations can’t afford it. Therefore, the best thing to do is to eliminate unnecessary tasks rather than automate them.

Three, exceed expectations. If you can convince your boss of your superior track record, it should be easy to negotiate pay suitable for your career track and your organization’s situation. I’m talking about your image in that organization. Objectively, the question you should answer is this: How would your current boss recommend you to a new employer?

Four, make yourself indispensable to the organization. We often hear our bosses telling people that no one is indispensable. That’s because they’re always prepared to replace anyone in an instant or assign it to someone else within the organization in an emergency. This is the essence of dynamic succession planning.

Therefore, be the worker that your boss can’t afford to lose. Acquire as many skills as necessary to perform your job and that of other people.

Last, maintain proactive communication with your boss. Always be certain you understand the job’s expectations and standards. If there are problems with the boss’s instructions, ask questions right away, or offer solutions. This is imperative to avoid wasting time. By doing this, you will significantly improve your relationship with your boss.

CONTINUING EDUCATION
With the evolving workplace, it’s important to keep improving your skills. Train constantly via free online courses offered by Coursera or similar institutions. You know your own training needs best, but make sure to align them with the demands of your organization and other industries.

Of course, reading is a must, especially books related to your industry. Beyond those varied training-related issues you have to deal with, there are other ways to improve yourself.

Whatever the case, think of any arguments that may come up to counter your requests for a salary increase or reduced workload, and be prepared to address such questions.

Have a chat with Rey Elbo via Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter or send your workplace questions to elbonomics@gmail.com or via https://reyelbo.consulting