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STARTING SALARY: NEGOTIABLE OR NOT?
Many job postings close with a statement indicating salary is negotiable,
but how often do job seekers speak up to secure a better
package? According to a survey from global staffing firm Robert
Half, 36 per cent of Canadian workers tried to negotiate a higher
salary with their last job offer. In terms of age, workers aged 18 to
34 (45 per cent) are more likely to negotiate salary than those ages
35 to 54 (33 per cent) and 55 or older (17 per cent). More than
400 workers in Canada were surveyed for the study.
A previous study by Robert Half, Confidence Matters, revealed
worker confidence levels in talking money with their employers:
34 per cent of workers surveyed felt comfortable negotiating pay
in a new job, compared to 28 per cent who felt confident asking for
a raise in their current role.
Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, International Staffing
Operations, advises job seekers to use salary discussions as an
opportunity to further emphasize the value of their expertise to
the business.
“Successful negotiation requires preparation and practice. By
running through potential scenarios ahead of time and establishing
a strong understanding of market pay rates for their skill level,
candidates will be better equipped to make their case and confidently
navigate the conversation.”
Hiring managers can help set the tone for positive and constructive
salary negotiations, added Scileppi.
“Engage job seekers with a robust compensation package that
factors in local market trends, while remaining flexible enough to
allow for a collaborative, realistic and productive discussion.”
WIDESPREAD ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO BE
GAINED FROM MAKING WORKPLACES MORE
ACCESSIBLE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Making work spaces and facilities more accessible would allow
people with physical disabilities to participate more fully in the
workforce, lifting overall economic activity by $16.8 billion by
2030, according to a report by The Conference Board of Canada.
“Employment rates for Canadians with disabilities are roughly
two-thirds those of the general population – and those that are
employed tend to work a slightly shorter work week. Improving
the labour market participation of people with physical disabilities
ai825/123RF Stock Photo
SUCCESSFUL
NEGOTIATION
REQUIRES
PREPARATION
AND PRACTICE.
– GREG SCILEPPI
HRPROFESSIONALNOW.CA ❚ APRIL 2018 ❚ 7
