Should you accept a promotion without a raise or decline? Let’s figure this out.
No one needs to work for free in 2022 unless they choose to, mostly because we work for money. The more money we have, the more empowered we are. It is also why someone offering a promotion without a raise might seem offensive to some. Here are a few reasons why employers may offer this kind of promotion:
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You are already doing the work, so the promotion is an organic transition to harmonize your work and the right title.
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The company cannot afford to pay you right now but they see the value addition you would bring to the new role.
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The company is checking if there is a need for a new position before they fully commit to it financially.
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The employer sees your potential to deliver on added responsibility, so they are checking if you can deliver on the new role.
While a promotion without a raise is usually offered by an employer, you can also ask for it. Once the offer is on the table, you need to ask yourself and the employer the right questions to evaluate if the new role will serve you.
Here are 5 questions you should ask before you accept a promotion without a raise.
#1 Is there an official communication clearly stating your responsibilities in the new role?
If the answer is yes, you are off to a good start, but if the answer is no, seek clarification. Promotions without money work best when they are documented because you can own your output. Titles show career progression especially the higher you grow in management. Word-of-mouth promotions could be a manipulative or exploitative move to get ‘free’ labour and you should be wary of such employers.
According to the balance money with a higher-level title, you’ll be able to do the following:
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Grow your skills and experience.
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Potentially have more visibility at the company.
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Boost your resume by adding a new job and responsibilities.
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Apply for more senior roles at other companies.
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Show career growth to prospective employers.
#2 What is the possibility of working on new projects, are they more interesting than your current work?
If you are bored with your current tasks, a promotion without a raise but with more interesting work might provide relief to your current situation. Also, if you are looking to boost your resume, working on a new project is a strategic move. The promotion could also come with new networking opportunities which is a non-monetary benefit helpful for your career. Also, new work might require you to learn new skills which will most likely improve the value of your CV.
#3 Will you get a salary review in 6 months or at a specified time you and your employer agree on?
It is recommended you do your research within the company on what people in your prospective new role earn. This will ensure you negotiate for better terms in your salary review. Promotions usually come with more work hours and greater responsibilities. For sustainable output, ensure the extra time added will be monetized at a certain point. This way you probably will not feel resentful or taken advantage of.
#4 How does the promotion without a raise serve your career goals?
If the new role is in line with your current and future career goals, then absolutely go for it, If it doesn’t maybe reconsider your position. Any promotion with or without a raise affirms to employers and yourself that you can deliver well with added responsibility.
For someone who has been looking to prove to themselves that they are ready for more responsibility, a promotion without a raise might be an opportunity to do that.
#5 What non-monetary benefits come with the new role?
A promotion without raise may come with other benefits such as an allowance for extra work, an annual bonus, or additional leave days. It may also come with travelling or training opportunities. You can put these benefits to use.
Keep in mind, these benefits do not substitute for a salary, but they do add value to you.
Conclusion
You can also decline a promotion without a raise if it doesn’t serve you, just make sure you are polite and professional as you do so. It’s a good idea to start by expressing your appreciation for the offer before you say no.
For you to find value in accepting a promotion without a raise, your decision needs to be strategic and timebound. A promotion without a raise is fulfilling if you are working with people who value your work but can’t afford you in the short term.
Like a job offer, you can take some time when you’re offered the promotion to weigh in. You can do this by asking your employer, “When do you need a response?” or you can say that you’ll need a specific number of days to think the offer over. Good luck.
