It’s that time of year when employers decide how to divvy out merit raises and year-end bonuses, said Jaclyne Badal in The Wall Street Journal. “Compensation is increasingly being linked to performance, as companies try to control costs without alienating top performers.” Employees who score points with the boss will be rewarded with merit raises averaging 5.6 percent, according to Watson Wyatt. Those who don’t meet expectations will likely see their paychecks increase by less than 0.5 percent. With so much at stake, a little self-promotion is in order. “Remind the boss of this year’s accomplishments, and emphasize all the ways you’ve exceeded expectations.”
In an ideal world, your good work should speak for itself, said Anne Fisher in Fortune. But in this one, you need to make sure you get noticed. “How do you pursue that recognition without bragging, showing off, or generally being the kind of person that others want to kick under the conference table?” Don’t brag in broad terms. Instead be specific about your work, your accomplishments, or your team. While you don’t need to keep a tally of every last good deed, “it’s a good idea to have a clear statement in mind about how what you’re doing fits into the company’s goals.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Quirky hot cross buns to try this EasterThe Week Recommends Creative, flavourful twists on the classic Easter bake, from tiramisu and stem ginger to a cheesy sharing-size treat
-
What should you be stockpiling for 'World War Three'?In the Spotlight Britons advised to prepare after the EU tells its citizens to have an emergency kit just in case
-
Carnivore diet: why people are eating only meatThe Explainer 'Meatfluencers' are taking social media by storm but experts warn meat-only diets have health consequences
