Analysis from the Australia Institute published in November said Australian workers’ living standards had dropped by roughly $8,000 over the last three years.

Bring it up

“There’s definitely some forward-thinking employers out there who will potentially broach that topic, typically [via] annual reviews, performance reviews. But generally I would suggest that needs to come from the employee,” he said.

While many businesses have been hit by the same economic stressors that workers are facing and salaries are a significant cost to businesses, Cawley said there’s a “right way” to approach the topic.

Do your research

“I think ultimately, for me, it’s being able to substantiate: ‘Why am I indispensable to my organisation?'” he said.

Consider what you’re asking for

“Salary’s not everything. Actually, a lot of the research we conduct and a lot of the feedback we get is salary is important, but time back is more important, and that’s worth more than dollars,” he said.

“So, if a salary is not forthcoming, what’s your backup plan that you can negotiate on that may well compensate for not getting dollars?”

Timing

“If the cafe’s been closed through December and January because it’s the holidays season, your timing’s probably not going to be right if you bowl up on the first of February and say ‘Right, we’re reopening — I’d like a raise,” Cawley said.

It’s also important to consider that businesses that have performed poorly in the past financial year may be less open to these conversations.

Raise other offers

“My advice would be that you have been approached by other opportunities and at this stage, you’re really happy, you’re comfortable in the organisation that you’re in and in your position — but it has obviously made you think because one of the components of those jobs is a higher salary,” he said.

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