Subject: Salary Increase Concerns: Need Your Advice
I recently received a salary increase from £28k to £30k, with the potential to reach £32k after billing an additional £50k. While I’m thrilled about this raise, there’s a catch: my company is increasing my commission threshold from £4k to £5k, while maintaining a 30% rate on earnings beyond that threshold.
With my new responsibilities of training two junior associates, this change concerns me. Instead of feeling more motivated, I feel like I’m losing out financially. The new threshold means that I’ll actually earn £300 less in the long run, based on the new structure.
I’m considering approaching my manager to discuss keeping my original commission structure, as it feels more rewarding given my current workload. I would appreciate any thoughts or advice on how to handle this situation. What do you think?
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re in a tricky situation where your salary increase is being offset by a higher commission threshold. Here are a few points to consider as you prepare for the conversation with your employer:
Do the Math: Before going into the meeting, calculate how the new commission structure compares to your current one based on your expected performance. Presenting clear numbers will help substantiate your concerns.
Highlight Your Contributions: Emphasize the additional responsibilities and contributions you’re making by training new associates. This should be a point of leverage in your conversation, especially since the training role typically requires more effort and oversight.
Express Your Concerns: Be honest about how the new structure affects your motivation. Explain that while the salary increase is appreciated, the commission change may lead to a decrease in your overall earnings and motivation.
Consider Alternatives: If your employer is unwilling to revert the threshold back to £4k, perhaps suggest alternative solutions such as performance bonuses or a gradual transition to the new structure that would better align with your contributions.
Negotiate Wisely: If you feel strongly about keeping the old threshold, be prepared to negotiate it. Focus on finding a middle ground that works for both you and the company.
Be Open to Feedback: Your employer might have their reasons for changing the structure, so be open to hearing their perspective. Understanding their rationale can help you better frame your argument.
Ultimately, your goal should be to find a solution that recognizes your contributions and motivates you to continue performing at a high level. Good luck!