Is it ethical business wise to ask how much of a raise you're going to receive?

[Nocturnal]

My gf is going to get a raise and she is dying to find out how much. I was wondering if its normally rude to ask how much of a raise you'll be getting or does a supervisor like it if the employee asks?

 

[notfred]

Just ask, it's not like they're going to fire her for it. Worst case is, "I can't tell you yet".

 

[Electric Amish]

Don't. She'll just be disappointed. Tell her to wait for it.

 

[Nocturnal]

Ok so as far as it being ethical and all it is ethical and they normally don't look down upon someone asking what their raise is going to be?

 

[kranky]

It's not an ethical question, but you'd need a good reason. "Dying to know" doesn't cut it in my book. I have had raises for people get cut at the last minute and had I told someone the amount already I'd look like an idiot.

If someone asked me no good reason, not only would I not tell them, it would damage their reputation with me. When it's all final and all approved, I'll be right there to let them know. As soon as I know, they'll know.

 

[sygyzy]

Why does she care so much? She can't wait the few days it'll take?

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: kranky
It's not an ethical question, but you'd need a good reason. "Dying to know" doesn't cut it in my book. I have had raises for people get cut at the last minute and had I told someone the amount already I'd look like an idiot.

If someone asked me no good reason, not only would I not tell them, it would damage their reputation with me. When it's all final and all approved, I'll be right there to let them know. As soon as I know, they'll know.

See, I never understood that kinda stuff.

Why on Earth would someone wanting to know how much more money they're going to make damage their reputation with you?

I'm sorry, but that is just stupid. I mean why? Because they're curious?

I understand the first part, and that is the reason why I wouldn't want to tell anybody even if they asked, but to say it would "damage their reputation with me" is just flat out wrong, IMO.

It would do nothing of the sort. As if open communication between employees and higher ups is bad..

It doesen't make any sense. I would be VERY upset if a super looked down upon me for simply asking questions.

 

[Nocturnal]

I will relay the msg that it is very important that she does not ask and it may ruin her reputation with her said boss. Please forgive me for asking.

 

[AccruedExpenditure]

I wouldn't do it. Really, she doesn't have a good reason besides curiousity... and you know what they say about that...

 

[rocadelpunk]

i think it's rude
seems sorta selfish/ self indulgent/greedy

yes, probably worked hard to get the raise, so wait a couple days.

it's probably for the same reasons you don't go around discussing salaries around the workplace...it's a private matter.

 

[Leejai]

Originally posted by: Gnote
I wouldn't do it. Really, she doesn't have a good reason besides curiousity... and you know what they say about that...

agreed, also it won't affect how much she gets paid...so she'll know now, but it won't reflect on the paycheck when it really counts...just wait...avoid disappointment...

fyi...nationwide average for raises in 2003 was 3-4% depending on company...so unless she got a remarkable review/promotion, don't expect too much...(my quote came from what budget i had to give my team).

 

[kranky]

I think "damage their reputation" might have been a little strong as I was in a hurry posting that.

It's not that they would be marked for life or disciplined. It's just that I can't think of a good reason to ask. People know that I would not withhold such information for any reason once I knew for sure. So I would probably figure the person is greedy or lacks patience, neither of which would reflect favorably. Or, they may be the type of person who likes to have one up on everyone else - these are the ones who, after everyone else is notified, will say, "Oh, I found out a month ago about my raise." Who looks bad in that situation? Me. It's not that I don't sympathize with wanting to know - I'd want to know myself!

In my experience (and certainly everyone else may see it differently) the type of person who would ask that is the same type of person who eavesdrops on conversations, looks through other people's stuff, etc. [Nocturnal, I'm not saying your gf is like that; I'm only talking about my experience.] Others perhaps wouldn't give it a second thought if someone asked.

It has nothing to do with open communication, which I'm a big fan of. But when it's time, I'll tell them. Just to clarify a bit more, I would have no problem if someone came to me and said they were considering a major purchase (house/car/etc.) and wanted to know if I knew of any reason that it would be a bad move at the present time. I might be able to indicate that work is a little slow and they might want to hold off, or I might be able to say that things look really good for the next year. If someone asked me if I thought their work would justify a raise next year, I might be able to say I think so. I'm not pinned down and I would give an honest opinion. But asking what specifically their raise will be is not something I'm comfortable with.

 

[HamSupLo]

how long does she have to wait? if by asking has no effect on how the raise is going to be, better to just wait for it.

Next time someone tells you you're getting a raise, ask how much.