Less than one-fifth of UK office workers have asked their employer for a pay rise, according to new research from the Global Payroll Association.
The association surveyed 1,012 UK office workers to gain insight into how many actively request a pay rise and whether they know how best to broach the subject with their employer.
The findings revealed that 71% of respondents have been with their current employer for at least five years and 12% have stayed put for three to four years. A majority (91%) have received a pay increase during their time at their current organisation, with 64% receiving raises on an annual basis. However, 31% have waited more than two years between increases.
67% say they receive a performance review, where they can either ask for or be offered a pay rise, on an annual or quarterly basis. While just 17% have directly asked for a pay rise, more than half (56%) have already received an increase at some point during 2024.
One reason for so few actively seeking a pay rise is a lack of understanding around when and how to best request one, as only 24% admitted to knowing which time of year is best for asking.
Melanie Pizzey, chief executive officer and founder of the Global Payroll Association, said: “Asking for a pay rise is not always easy. It takes a certain amount of confidence and a good relationship with managers. It also requires the correct timing because there are certain times of the year when an organisation is more amenable to the idea of issuing pay rises and the payroll department is well placed to implement the required changes. Some businesses have a mindset of never offering pay rises until someone actually requests one, so if you’re always on top of your duties and understand your value, you’ll know when you’re due a boost in pay.”
