FlexJobs Survey Finds Nearly 2 in 5 Workers Never Ask for a Raise

FlexJobs®, the leading site for remote and hybrid work since 2007, has released the Work & Financial Wellness Report, which found nearly two in five workers (38%) never ask for a pay raise. FlexJobs conducted the survey of over 3,000 U.S. professionals to better assess the state of workers' career goals and financial wellness.    

According to the report, 57% ask for a raise only during performance reviews (31%) or once per year (26%). The remaining five percent of respondents said they request a salary increase at least quarterly or every six months.

“Asking for a raise can be daunting, but it's important to advocate for your worth in the workplace,” said Toni Frana, Lead Career Expert at FlexJobs. “While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to how often to request a pay increase, remember that it is a critical part of any successful career strategy.”

Stagnant Raises, Retirement Insecurity & Rising Interest in Side Hustles

FlexJobs’ survey showed that 43% of workers said they did not get a raise or bonus last year. Of the remaining 57% who did however, 41% said it was the same amount or less than what they normally receive.  

The report highlighted a wide interest in part-time or side jobs among workers. Over three-quarters (78%) of respondents said they currently have or would consider taking on a side hustle to increase their income.

Additionally, the majority of respondents expressed insecurity around retirement planning. Over half (62%) of workers said they were somewhat (20%) or very (42%) insecure about being able to retire. Less than a quarter (22%) said they feel somewhat (16%) or very (six percent) secure that they will be able to retire when they want.

2 in 5 Workers Disclose Salary to Peers, Dissatisfied with Current Pay

In FlexJobs’ Work & Financial Wellness Report, 41% of workers said they are dissatisfied with their current salary and compensation package, compared to the 36% of workers who said they are satisfied. Less than a quarter (23%) said they were “neutral” and neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

The report also revealed that 41% of workers said they have discussed their salary and compensation with peers. Of these respondents, 14% stated that they “regularly discuss it” with colleagues. Fifty-nine percent stated they have never shared their salary with colleagues.

According to Frana, “It isn’t surprising to see an elevated number of folks sharing their salary information more willingly. In the past, discussing salary was considered taboo, but with greater access to discussions around pay equity and compensation on platforms like social media, workers can be better informed on wage discrimination and what’s considered as fair compensation for their role.”

Remote Work Remains Top Factor in Compensation

When asked which benefits they wish employers offered, the majority of workers ranked remote work and job flexibility ahead of financial perks like 401(k) matching, stipends and paid sabbaticals. The top benefits among surveyed professionals were:    

Remote work options (75%)
Flexible work hours (63%)
4-day workweeks (60%)
401(k) matching (45%)
Home office stipends (44%)
Wellness program allowances (38%)
Mental health support and resources (35%)
Tuition reimbursement for continuing education (36%)
Unlimited time off (31%)
Vacation stipends or travel allowances (28%)
Student loan repayment assistance (28%)
Paid sabbaticals or extended leave options like adult gap years (27%)
Pet insurance (24%)
Menopause benefits (18%)
Child care reimbursement (18%)

“Today’s workers are clear on the benefits and compensation they require,” Frana adds. “But as FlexJobs’ survey highlights, many may want to consider having greater self advocacy, negotiation strategies and discussions with their employer to better align on what they need to grow professionally.”

For more information, please visit https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/2-in-5-workers-never-asked-for-raise/ or contact Shanna Briggs (shanna.briggs@bold.com).