Today, employers can no longer blame a bad economy for not bumping up the pay of their employees. The fact is at 7.2%, the unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since December 2008. Moreover, with the economic forecast showing growth starting to accelerate next year, businesses will be even more hard pressed to foist the excuse of no increase in pay on a bad economy.

That said, there are those internal factors that may militate against one getting that raise in pay.  These include:

1) Company’s ability to pay

The fact is employers in general are reluctant in telling employees that they are not getting salary increases. At the same time, this is also bad news for employees as any prolonged wage freeze is ultimately not only an economic set- back for workers, but also a demotivating factor. However, there are financial circumstances that at times may prevent a company from rewarding workers with that increase in pay that they may richly deserved.

2) You fear asking

Many employees dread asking their employers for a raise because they fear that it could be used as an excuse to get rid of them. Remember, if you don’t ask, don’t expect your employer to bring up salary raise as a subject matter.

3) You are an order taker

The stifling job market has made suckers out of many employees; therefore, salary increase or not they are just happy to have a job and employers are just happy to have them.

4) You do not add value to the company

A raise in salary should be viewed as adding value to the company, that is, contributing more or working beyond that which you were originally hired to do.

5) Lack of marketing of self

Remember you are only as good as your last day at work. The next day it’s starting all over again. This therefore means a constant marketing of oneself. It involves talking about your accomplishments – “tooting your own horns.”

6) Competition

In a market where supply of a particular skill set is greater than demand employers may be reluctant to pay more and may even be happy to see you go as chances are the next employee may be willing to accept less than you were being paid.

7) Failure to upgrade skill set

Not keeping pace with current trends and developments in sharpening one’s skill set can be an obstacle in impressing one’s employer that a raise is warranted.

8) Lack of performance

Job tardiness and lack of attention to details may cause you not to get that raise you seek. Employers like when workers go beyond the call of duty to get the job done. If you are a clock-watcher, shriek your responsibilities, and is a loafer, rest assured that your salary will stagnate for a long time to come.

9) Research

Conducting job research and comparison provide one with a point of reference and great insight into industry trends and norms. Armed with this information one is best positioned to make the case for an increase in pay.

10) Exploitation

Some employers will deliberately seek to exploit workers and regardless of the output of employees there will always be an excuse not to pay an increase. This no doubt leads to high staff turnover, lower morale, and high level of absenteeism.

Davy, Desmond Readers Bureau, Senior Fellow