Working from home comes with many mental health benefits and perks, but that is not to say that it doesn't have its challenges either. More often than not, we find ourselves working longer hours because our office and our home have meshed into one. This can lead to feelings of unappreciation and burnout.
If you feel overworked and underpaid, this article is for you. It is important to remember that our employers can't always see our every move, feel how we feel, or track our progress the way we can. The saying - ‘out of sight, out of mind’ pretty closely describes how your boss may see you as an employee working from home. You’re there but not really.
As an employee, it is your responsibility to let your employer know what is going on behind the computer and how you are finding remote work. However, confrontation is daunting - especially when it's your big boss, but remind yourself that they are just another person. Don't let that take away from the hard work you do and what you deserve.
If you feel that you are going above and beyond to reach your targets and are exceeding every expectation but are not getting acknowledged, continue reading to find out how to ask for a promotion when working from home.
1. Track Your Progress
With remote work gaining tremendous popularity over the last few years, more than a few applications have come out, which can be used to track your progress and how many hours you work in a day. There are plenty of great time tracking tools you can use.
If the company you work for doesn't already track the hours you work, take initiative and start doing that yourself. Additionally, keep track of the tasks, checklists, projects, and ideas you take care of during the week. This will keep you consciously aware of how much you are doing and every two weeks you can also show it off to your boss to prove that you are doing it all, and more.
Tracking your progress has an added benefit to proving to your boss how much you do. By taking note of how much you do and how well it is going, the more accomplished you will feel which will have a positive impact on your overall productivity and motivation to continue.
2. Let Your Boss See Your Work
It is pointless going straight to your employer, asking for promotion without giving some sort of proof of all the hard work you do. They need to see, hear, and believe that you are doing the work necessary to get a bump in your salary.
The first thing to do is to ask for more responsibility. It'll show your employer that you are capable of carrying out the tasks you are currently doing at 110% while adding some more to the list. It’ll prove that you get things done and that you are a valuable asset to the team.
It is important to create an opportunity to stand out, so they can see you are serious about the company. Even so, if there are no additional responsibilities to tackle, pitch some project ideas that you could start doing to grow the company even more.
3. Be Straightforward
There is no use beating around the bush. If you feel you are worthy of a promotion, then have confidence and go and ask for it. You have already started to track your progress and have taken initiative to take on more work, and now, all you need to do is to tell your boss about it and present them with the proof.
Now, we are not saying you should stop your boss on the sidewalk and discuss the topic with them. Instead, set up an appropriate time to have a meeting. Meeting in person would be best but if that is not possible, jump on a video call. The last thing you want to do is ask for a promotion over email.
It’s not personal and your boss won’t be under pressure to give you an answer there and then. They also won’t feel your energy and persuasion, which are crucial when securing a raise.
Conclusion
When working from home, it is important to take responsibility for what you do and how you do it. It comes with a lot of independence and willingness to communicate with your managers and colleagues.
They can't assume how much and how well you are doing your job, so track your progress and your hours. Use it to your benefit. Be open and honest to yourself and you will get what you deserve. Those who value you will do what they can to keep you. Always remember that when asking for promotion.
