Compensation: Don't be afraid to ask for more

How do you know if you're getting the pay you deserve? Do you have to change your job to get more? If Norwegian Labor Inspectorate can help you with salary issues?

Don't be afraid to ask for more, because you won't get less

– We get every possible one Question regarding remuneration. The saddest moments are when people have not been paid salaries for several months. There are people in crisis who are desperate and want advice and guidance on what to do now. We also have more prosaic questions from those who feel they deserve a slightly higher salary and are wondering how to get it, says section leader Vigleik Aas in the Norwegian Emergency Service Labor Inspectorate.

He further explains that The Norwegian Labor Inspectorate is not an agency, which can step in to solve problems because the payroll area is based on a contract between employer and employee.

– However, we can provide good guidance regarding regulations laws and regulations. Rates still apply in some areas minimum wage. There, the Norwegian labor inspectorate has the right to intervene if you are paid lower than required by law, says Vigleik Aas.

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Now that it's an expensive time, I'm more concerned about pay

Currently, we are in a period when the cost of living has increased significantly and people are more concerned about wages.

– There are many different inquiries than those we received a few years ago. In the past, the focus was on borrowing money to renovate or change your home. Now more and more people are contacting us to reduce costs, negotiation of interest rates or insurance prices.

How to proceed to get a higher salary?

Many people believe that changing jobs is the most effective way to increase your salary. But what should you say if you are asked what you expect in remuneration or how much do you earn today?
– During a job interview, you are not obliged to state how much you earn, says Vigleik Aas.

– But you can drop the ball and say that you are confident that he will present a good offer that will represent the level of the company.

You can also try to negotiate a better salary at your current job, says consumer economist Mari Muan.

– Open dialogue is the alpha and omega of the world negotiations payroll. Keep an eye on your area of ​​responsibility, if you are given more responsibility, it is natural to increase your salary as well.

To check if you have the right salary level, it is recommended to check your level salaries in the industry with yours trade union. It is also recommended that you ask your employer what is expected of you in terms of a salary increase.
Many companies are subject to a collective agreement that sets clear guidelines on when you can negotiate your salary.

– Check your collective agreement and contact your trade union representatives. Obviously because you belong to a trade union? – says Vigleik Aas.

Salary is not the most important thing

Salary is important, but not the most important, says Vigleik Aas:

– There are studies that clearly show that the vast majority believe that good co-workers, how much your manager values ​​you, how much autonomy you have at work, how much flexibility you have at work are more important than your salary. So this is the overall assessment you need to make if you want to change jobs or consider whether you should continue with the job you have.

In fact, I've come to the conclusion that you won't get anything you don't ask for. Now you need to take more responsibility for your salary picture and salary development.