Half of employers not increasing pay for staff with extra duties: research

Four in five employers have given their staff extra duties, but almost half aren’t increasing salaries accordingly. Here’s what to do if this happens to you.

Talent shortages are forcing Aussies to take on greater responsibility at work – but many bosses are failing to compensate them for their efforts.

Four in five employers have given existing workers extra duties to keep their businesses operating effectively, exclusive research from recruiter Robert Half reveals. But almost half are not increasing pay accordingly.

Despite the findings, Robert Half director Nicole Gorton rejects claims workers are being exploited and says being given more responsibility should be viewed as a career opportunity.

“My take on this is that, for a period of time, it’s a good thing,’’ Gorton says.

“Aside from viewing the extra duties as a sign that their employer recognises the value an employee brings to the organisation, candidates can view temporary extra responsibilities as a way to gain experience in their field and increase their skills – both of which add to their career development and market value.’’

Four in five employers have given existing workers extra duties, but almost half are not increasing pay accordingly, new research shows.

Time limits

While a third of employers provide a financial incentive to workers who take on greater responsibility, 45 per cent do not, the research shows.

Of those, a quarter say they are trialling employees in a new role or assessing their performance in completing extra duties before offering them a pay rise or bonus.

Almost a third of bosses say an increase in pay is not required because the extra workload is only temporary.

Gorton says workers should be prepared to take on more duties for no increase in pay for a period not exceeding six months.

“After that, you can go (to your boss and say), ‘You know what, I have been doing this for six months and I actually feel like I need to be fairly remunerated and recognised for the increased responsibility’,’’ she says.

She says if employers do not oblige, it may be time to find a new job.

“It’s still a very robust employment market,’’ she says.

“If people feel like they are not properly financially rewarded, then there are still opportunities to look elsewhere.’’

Gorton also advises those taking on more responsibility to delegate some existing duties to other colleagues, to avoid overwork and burnout.

Big picture

The requirement for employees to take on extra work for no increase in pay has spiralled out of control as companies struggle to secure the staff they need to operate effectively, career expert Roxanne Calder says.

But she says workers can turn the situation to their advantage and gain a promotion and higher pay down the track, so long as they only agree to take on extra work that contributes to their skills development, as opposed to “firefighting’’.

“Say you’re a CFO (chief financial officer) and you have been asked to shred some confidential reports – that’s what I would call firefighting,’’ says Calder, founder of recruitment firm EST10.

“That’s not advancing your skill set, it’s of no value to you whatsoever and is probably taking away from the work you should be doing.’’

Pre-Covid, Calder says the opportunity to take on extra responsibility, even for no increase in pay, would have been “grabbed with enthusiasm’’. But she believes burnt-out workers are now rejecting more work without considering the long-term prospects.

“I get it – inflation is up, all of our costs of living have gone up but you need to take the bigger picture perspective,’’ she says.

“If you’ve been asked to do something extra, and you can deliver on that, then it will change how (employers) see you and you will open yourself up to future opportunities (for more pay).

“You have to be careful about monetising everything. You don’t just get given everything in this world, you do have to extend yourself and you may not be paid for it.

Mitch Harvey believes in saying ‘yes’ to whatever jobs you’re given.

Proving your worth

Mitch Harvey has always welcomed the opportunity to take on extra responsibility.

This attitude has seen him progress from a customer service officer to a supervisor, client relationship manager and now, general manager of operations at Jobfit Health Group, one of Australia’s largest occupational health providers.

While some of the extra responsibilities were delegated by his employer, others were self-directed. Harvey believes this is evidence of his drive and commitment to the company – an important factor for the internal promotions.

“Saying ‘yes’ and doing whatever jobs you’re given to a high standard demonstrates a strong work ethic, which is admired by employers, and puts you in good stead to progress your career with promotions and pay rises,” he says.

Taking on more at work but not being paid for it? Here’s what to do:

• Ask why. If you’re not being paid more, it could be because you’re being trialled for a promotion or the company budget doesn’t currently allow for a pay increase. Understanding the reasons can help to formulate a written action plan with your boss to ensure you are financially rewarded down the track.

• Consider the bigger picture. Are you learning new and transferable skills that will help you longer term with your career progression?

• Seek a timeline and clarification on objectives. Ask your manager when a pay review can be done. At the same time, identify what goals and KPIs will increase your chances of a salary increase.

• Negotiate other benefits. If a pay increase is not possible now, ask for extra leave days, flexible hours or a work-from-home schedule to compensate for your extra contributions.

• Know your worth. Check salary guides and be informed before entering pay negotiations.

• Decide when to move on. If you can’t secure a pay rise for the extra work, or get clarification on when your salary will be reviewed, think about looking for another job opportunity.

Source: Robert Half

Originally published as Half of employers not increasing pay for staff with extra duties: research