Zarah ChoudharyResearch from The Global Payroll Association (GPA), revealed that less than a fifth of office workers have asked their employer for a pay rise, with 71% staying with their current employer for at least five years, and 12% for three to four years.
GPA surveyed 1,012 UK office workers to gain insight into how many people requested a pay rise and whether or not they knew how best to broach the subject.
The majority 91% of employees had received a pay increase during their time at their current company, with the majority of people (64%) receiving their raises on an annual basis.
However, 31% had to wait more than two years between increases.
Considered a peak time to ask for a raise, 67% received a performance a review on an annual or quarterly basis.
More than half (56%) of office workers had already received a boost in pay in 2024.
However, the vast majority were waiting to be offered an increase instead of actively requesting one, with just 17% saying they have directly asked for a pay rise.
Only 24% said they know which time of year was best for asking for a boost in pay, such as when end-of-year budgeting takes place, which can vary from one business to the next.
Melanie Pizzey, CEO and founder of the GPA, said: “Asking for a pay rise is not always easy.
“It takes a certain amount of confidence and a good relationship with your managers.
“It also requires the correct timing because there are certain times of the year when a company is more amenable to the idea of issuing pay rises and the payroll department is well placed to implement the required changes.
“It’s essential that you understand your value to the company, and have belief in the fact that you are an important member of the team.
“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 and will have the clarity of mind to put your cards on the table.”
