Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your workplace questions each week for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of SHRM, the world’s largest trade association of human resources professionals, and author of “Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”
Question: I was given extra responsibilities with the understanding that I would receive a salary adjustment. It’s been several months, and despite positive feedback, the raise hasn’t come through. How can I approach my bosses about stopping the extra duties unless the agreed-upon pay is provided? – David
Start With a Direct Conversation
If additional responsibilities came with the expectation of a pay increase, it’s reasonable to ask where things stand. Compensation and responsibilities should stay aligned over time.
The best way to begin is with a direct conversation. Remind your manager of the additional duties you’ve taken on and the understanding that a salary adjustment would accompany them. Then ask directly about timing and next steps. Keep the tone professional and focused on facts, not emotions.
At the same time, it’s important to recognize that compensation decisions often involve layers you may not see: budget cycles, approval processes, organizational changes, or shifting priorities. Sometimes delays are administrative rather than intentional. The reality is that responsibility tends to move at the speed of business, while compensation moves at the speed of approvals. Giving your manager the chance to investigate and explain can clarify whether the adjustment is still coming or whether circumstances have changed.
Avoid the Ultimatum Trap
The key is not to turn the conversation into an ultimatum. Saying you’ll stop doing the work unless the raise appears can quickly escalate tension and may undermine the credibility you’ve built. Ultimatums rarely accelerate a raise, but they can slow down a career. Instead, focus on alignment: “I’m happy to continue contributing at this level, but I’d like to understand when the compensation piece we discussed might take effect.”
It’s also important to pay attention to patterns. If pay increases are promised but repeatedly delayed without clear answers, that tells you something about the organization’s follow-through. Strong workplaces work hard to keep commitments — especially when employees step up and deliver more value.
The Silver Lining of Extra Responsibility
In the meantime, don’t overlook the professional upside. Additional responsibilities often build skills, visibility, and credibility that can help you advance, whether inside your current organization or elsewhere. Many careers move forward because someone proved they could operate at the next level before the title or pay caught up.
Ultimately, it’s fair to advocate for proper compensation, as long as you do so professionally. But professionalism also means being willing to hear the answer, and considering the full picture, including the organization’s realities as well as your own expectations. Clear communication and follow-through should exist on both sides of the employer-employee relationship.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
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