The annual performance review and the resulting salary increase are big events for most employees. Sometimes, though, the raise doesn’t meet expectations. This is where the need to write a "Disappointed With Salary Raise Email" arises. It’s a delicate situation, but one that you can handle professionally and effectively. This essay will guide you through the process.
Understanding Your Position and Preparing to Respond
Before you fire off that email, take a deep breath and think. Reacting impulsively can be a mistake.
- **Review the Offer Carefully:** Understand the exact figures. Is it a percentage increase? How does it compare to your performance goals?
- **Research:** Look up average salaries for your role and experience level in your area. Websites like Glassdoor and Salary.com can help.
- **Reflect on Your Performance:** Have you consistently exceeded expectations? Have you taken on extra responsibilities? This helps you build a strong case for your disappointment.
- Document Your Achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments, projects completed, and positive feedback.
- Consider Alternatives: Think about what other forms of compensation or benefits you might value (e.g., professional development, more vacation time).
- Plan Your Approach: Decide whether you prefer email or a meeting, and what points you want to cover.
| Consider This | Don’t Do This |
|---|---|
| Be professional and polite. | Complain, make demands, or threaten. |
| Focus on your value and contributions. | Compare yourself unfavorably to others. |
| Be realistic and reasonable in your expectations. | Be overly emotional or aggressive. |
Email Example: Disappointed Due to Performance Exceeding Expectations
Subject: Regarding My Salary Increase
<p>Dear [Manager's Name],</p>
<p>Thank you for the recent performance review and salary discussion. I appreciate the time you took to provide feedback. While I value my role at [Company Name] and the opportunities I've been given, I was a bit disappointed with the salary increase, given my contributions over the past year.</p>
<p>I believe my performance consistently exceeded expectations. For example:</p>
<ul>
<li>Successfully led the [Project Name] project, which resulted in [Quantifiable Result].</li>
<li>Consistently received positive feedback from clients, as demonstrated by [Mention specific examples].</li>
<li>Took the initiative to [Specific achievement].</li>
</ul>
<p>Based on my performance, I had anticipated a higher increase. Could we schedule a time to discuss this further? I am committed to my role and eager to continue contributing to the company's success.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]</p>
</div>
Email Example: Disappointed Due to Market Value
Subject: Salary Review – [Your Name]
<p>Dear [Manager's Name],</p>
<p>Thank you for the recent salary review. I'm grateful for the positive feedback on my performance. However, I was a bit surprised by the salary increase relative to my current market value.</p>
<p>I've researched industry standards for my role and experience in the [Your Location] area, and the offered salary appears to be below the average compensation for similar positions. I am confident that my skills and experience align with a higher compensation level, as I have been with the company for [Number] years, and have accomplished [Achievements].</p>
<p>I am committed to my work at [Company Name], and I am happy to discuss this further to find a solution that is mutually beneficial.</p>
<p>Thank you for your time.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]</p>
</div>
Email Example: Disappointed Due to Additional Responsibilities
Subject: Salary Discussion – [Your Name]
<p>Dear [Manager's Name],</p>
<p>Thank you for taking the time to review my performance. I appreciate the positive feedback and recognition of my contributions. I am reaching out regarding the recent salary increase and its alignment with my current responsibilities.</p>
<p>Over the past year, I have taken on a number of additional responsibilities, including [List specific examples: training new hires, managing a new team, etc.]. I have consistently worked hard to fulfill these duties and meet the expectations of my role, and I am committed to the company's success.</p>
<p>Given the expanded scope of my role, I had anticipated a salary adjustment that would reflect the additional workload. Would you be available to discuss this further and review how my compensation aligns with my current duties?</p>
<p>Thank you for your time.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]</p>
</div>
Email Example: Requesting a Meeting to Discuss
Subject: Regarding My Salary and Performance Review
<p>Dear [Manager's Name],</p>
<p>I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to follow up on my recent performance review and the salary increase I received. I appreciate the positive feedback regarding my performance. However, I am writing to express my disappointment about the salary increase.</p>
<p>I am hoping to discuss this further and get some clarity around the decision. I would be grateful for an opportunity to chat in person, either through a virtual meeting or in the office, to see if we can reach a solution that benefits us both. I am always eager to help our company and grow in my role here. I can make myself available on the following dates:</p>
<ul>
<li>[Date and Time]</li>
<li>[Date and Time]</li>
<li>[Date and Time]</li>
</ul>
<p>Please let me know what works for you.</p>
<p>Thank you for your time and consideration.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]</p>
</div>
Email Example: Disappointed but Accepting
Subject: Salary Review – [Your Name]
<p>Dear [Manager's Name],</p>
<p>Thank you for the recent salary review. I am appreciative of the positive feedback I received during the process. While I had hoped for a larger increase, I understand the company's current budget limitations.</p>
<p>I am committed to my role at [Company Name] and will continue to strive for excellence. I am glad to continue as an employee here and am excited for the company's future success. I would appreciate the opportunity to revisit my compensation in the future, especially if my responsibilities increase or my performance continues to be strong.</p>
<p>Thank you for your time and consideration.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]</p>
</div>
Email Example: Asking for a Plan to Increase Salary
Subject: Salary Discussion – [Your Name]
<p>Dear [Manager's Name],</p>
<p>Thank you for the recent performance review and salary discussion. I am grateful for the positive feedback. While I was a bit disappointed with the salary increase, I value the opportunity to work at [Company Name].</p>
<p>I am keen to understand if there's a plan to review my compensation in the near future. I'm committed to growing and developing within my role and believe that I can consistently contribute to the company's success. Could we discuss what steps I can take to improve my performance and salary for the upcoming year?</p>
<p>Thank you for your time and consideration.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]</p>
</div>
Letter Example: Formal Approach
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
<p>[Date]</p>
<p>[Manager's Name]</p>
<p>[Manager's Title]</p>
<p>[Company Name]</p>
<p>[Company Address]</p>
<p>Dear [Manager's Name],</p>
<p>I am writing to follow up on the recent performance review and salary discussion. Thank you for your time and for providing feedback regarding my performance. I sincerely appreciate the feedback, however, I am writing to express my disappointment in the amount of the salary increase.</p>
<p>I believe that my contributions over the past year, especially [Specific achievement 1] and [Specific achievement 2], merit greater compensation. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further at your convenience.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Signature]</p>
<p>[Your Typed Name]</p>
</div>
In conclusion, writing a “Disappointed With Salary Raise Email” requires careful thought, preparation, and a professional approach. By understanding your worth, documenting your achievements, and communicating clearly, you can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome, whether that’s a salary adjustment, a discussion about future opportunities, or simply a better understanding of the situation. Remember to always maintain a respectful and professional tone, and focus on your value and contributions. Good luck!