If you work on a salary basis, you really need to know whether you are paid according to your skills and expertise or not. It has a very crucial impact on your career and your work satisfaction. Your salary is not just a number; It is the value of the work you do in the world and the recognition you deserve based on your work. You should know your employee rights to determine if you are underpaid or not. 

Here are some tips on how to determine that and what you should do if you find yourself underpaid.

You Need To Understand Your Market Value!

The main characteristic of low fees is the lack of alignment with industry standards. Consider factors such as experience, education, and geography, and scrutinize the average salary for your position. Online forums, job newsletters, and salary surveys can provide valuable insight into the salaries available for your role. Many online tools allow individuals to compare their salaries to industry norms.

Additionally, some websites on the internet will provide you with the exact numbers of salaries people in your position are getting in other companies. Entering your job title, level of experience, and location into this toolkit can give you a sense of whether your current salary is competitive. 

Furthermore, you can connect with professional networks, both online and offline, and discuss salary ranges with peers in similar roles or industries. Networking can provide valuable anecdotal information about what others in your industry are experiencing. 

Lastly, attend industry events, join professional groups on social media, and participate in discussions to gain insight into existing compensation standards.

Analyse Benefits!

While compensation is critical, it is essential to consider the entire compensation package, including benefits and perks. Consider the benefits of health insurance, pension plans, paid vacations, and other non-cash benefits offered by your employer. 

Perceived low wages can sometimes be offset by strong benefits, making overall wage offers competitive. Calculate the total value of your compensation by adding bonuses and benefits. This holistic approach gives you an accurate picture of all your paychecks. 

Career Development

Regularly self-assess your skills, achievements, and contributions to the organization. If you consistently exceed expectations, take on additional responsibilities, or develop new skills, your market value can increase. Periodically reassess your salary concerning your growing role and accomplishments. 

Responsibilities have been increased, but the pay did not. 

One of the common exploitation methods is to increase the responsibilities of the employee without increasing their salary or giving them a hike. It is crucial to be fairly compensated based on the responsibilities handed over. 

Your colleges sharing the same responsibilities, positions, and experience are getting higher. 

Favoritism works in various ways in the workplace. Check for your colleagues and get to know about their past experience, responsibilities given, and position. If they tally with yours, it might be a case that you are underpaid. However, you should not jump to conclusions solely based on this factor alone. 

You have not received an increment or hike in your salary since you were employed. 

In the initial stage, employees often accept a lower salary or settle for less, hoping for future benefits. As your experience grows, it is crucial for your employer to review your performance and provide necessary hikes and increments. Analyze for how long you have not been given a raise, and if it has been more than one year, consider speaking to the right person inside the office.  

Other jobs in your location are paid higher with additional benefits. 

While understanding the benefits and perks that are followed with your salary is important, you should also pay close attention to the salaries and benefits offered to other employees in different companies in your area. You might want to speak to your friends and family about the same and analyze if they are getting a higher salary plus benefits. 

Instead of jumping to conclusions, we highly suggest speaking to your employer or the HR of the company first about your concerns. Like you have raised your points, allow them a fair chance to justify. 

Communicate openly with your boss about your career goals and expectations. If you feel underpaid, consider negotiating your salary in a performance review, taking on additional responsibilities, and accomplishing key priorities. Moreover, Employers often appreciate proactive employees who demonstrate their worth and are willing to engage in constructive discussions about compensation.