According to The Workforce Institute, managers have just as much of an impact on your mental health than your spouse (both 69%)—and even greater impact on your mental health than a doctor (51%) or therapist 41%). So how do you respond to a boss who has all that power? Because managers hold so much power, it can feel risky for many employees to advocate for themselves, acknowledges Sam Hammock, CHRO of Verizon.
“For so long, we have been told that the secret to success is keeping your head down and working hard,” she states. “Today’s workers know that it’s not—and has never been—that simple. If we want work and life to fit together well, we have to think about what we need as individuals—and then have the courage to ask for it.”
4 Tips To Advocate For Yourself To Your Manager
“Advocating for yourself is not just good for you, it’s good for your company, too,” Hammock insists. “People want to feel like their perspectives, experiences and feelings matter. When they see that their workplaces are willing to listen to and invest in them, they work harder.” She shared with me by email four pieces of advice on what to consider when self-advocating to your manager:
- Be clear about what you want—whether it’s a promotion, a better work-life balance, or even just more resources on your team.
- What’s working for you right now? What’s not? What changes would you like to see?
- Prepare to make your case with proof points and try your best to anticipate questions your manager might have. The more specific you can be, the better.
- And if you’re still scared, remember: Negotiations are conversations, not confrontations.
Hammock stresses the importance of figuring out your priorities, setting your limits and letting them guide everything you do. “For example, if you are on a tight work deadline, let your team members at work and your family at home know so they can lean in where it’s most needed,” she explains. “If you need to attend to a personal health matter, address it right away, and please, please, please prioritize yourself—work will always be there later. Productivity isn’t just about checking assignments off the office to-do list. When you feel well and live well, you work well.”
Hammock also emphasizes the importance of finding your support system. “It’s impossible to navigate your career alone,” she points out. “This, I’m sure, rings especially true for employees who may find themselves as one of the ‘only’ on their teams—the only LGBTQIA+ person, the only person of color, the only person with a disability, and so on. Employee Resource Groups are great for not only finding community with folks who have a similar background but also advocating for larger benefits and policies within your company that help your community thrive.”
Choosing The Right Time To Self-Advocate
Timing is everything and can make or break your request for a salary increase or leave time, according to Kasra Dash, a leading SEO consultant. “Understanding the company’s cycles and business needs can let you time the request perfectly,” he says. “Your own personal performance also has a lot of bearing on the success of the request.”
To maximize your success when negotiating for a higher salary, Dash advises that you start by researching industry standards on salaries for your role. “Knowing this helps you ask for a realistic amount while having data to back up your request,” he notes, offering his advice on the perfect time to request a salary increase or time off.
- During your annual performance review. “Annual performance reviews are an ideal time to discuss a salary increase or annual leave, especially if the employer’s feedback is positive. These evaluations are a great opportunity to highlight an individual’s value to the company and explain why they deserve more compensation or time off. I’d advise coming prepared with evidence of your contributions, such as specific examples of how you’ve added value to the team.”
- After completing a successful project. “Completing a successful project often gives other employees and managers in the company a positive impression of someone. Plus, it gives them tangible results that show the value they’ve added to the team, particularly if their efforts directly influenced the project’s success. Highlighting specific outcomes, such as increased revenue, improved efficiency or enhanced client satisfaction provides concrete evidence of your impact. By emphasizing your role in achieving these results, you make it easier for your boss to recognize that you deserve something as a reward for your success.”
- When the company reports strong financial results. “A company reporting strong financial results signals growth and stability, making it an opportune moment to discuss salary or leave. Businesses making a good profit are often willing to invest that back into their employees to retain top talent. It’s best if you can come prepared with data illustrating your contributions and how they align with the company’s success. That way, you show how you’ve helped make that success happen rather than just looking like you’re taking advantage.”
- After achieving a significant personal milestone. A significant personal milestone could be completing a major certification, receiving an award or exceeding performance targets. Celebrating these accomplishments naturally opens the door for discussions about an employee’s professional growth and future with the business. Businesses want to hold onto their top employees. “If you’ve exceeded targets, a smart employer will want to reward that. If you’ve received an award or new certification, they may want to nip any thoughts of moving on in the bud. And good employers will understand if you need a break after the hard work of completing a certification.”
When you approach your boss, Dash says it’s important to remember to bring up your achievements and draw attention to how your work has positively impacted the team and the organization. He stresses that you use specific examples and metrics to illustrate your contributions, making it easier for your boss to see exactly how you impact the business. And he recommends that you choose moments when your contributions are fresh in your boss’s mind.
“Pay attention to your boss’s responses as you discuss the request, and be prepared to address any concerns,” he concludes. “Remember, negotiation is a two-way street, so remain open to feedback and be flexible in your approach.”