change in work load
The department I work in consists of two other people and myself. One of my co-workers is on maternity leave so her workload has been divided between my other co-worker and myself.
My boss informed us that our colleague has decided to take an extended maternity leave. She'll be gone for six months rather than the three months we originally thought.
I'd like to ask my boss for a bonus to compensate for the increased workload in light of my co-worker's extended maternity leave. How should I go about doing this?
Thank you.
Rather than ask for a bonus, which suggests outstanding performance or a reward for helping make the company successful, why not ask about the possibility of an increase in compensation for taking on the extra duties? Keep in mind, however, that the unspoken presumption would be that your higher salary would go down when the person on extended leave returns.
Paul W. Barada
The Negotiation Expert
People don't usually get raises or bonus for temporarily taking on additional work, even when that time frame is longer than anticipated. If you took on higher duties for a full year, that might be worth asking about.
Otherwise, I'd just add it to your list of accomplishments this year and discuss it at review time.
Tess
Paul,
thanks very much for your input. It was extremely helpful.
Tess,
thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate it.
Tess and I live to serve, (although we've never met face to face).
Paul W. Barada
The Negotiation Expert
While Newshopper probably stated his point on the brusque side, I tend to agree.
If you are still putting in 40 hours per week, you really aren't doing more or, at least, you weren't earning your pay before the other person went on maternity leave.
On the other hand, if you are salaried and have been putting in 50 hour weeks to make up for the extra workload, I think some sort of compensation is needed. You can jokingly ask when you and your co-worker will be compensated for the extra hours and gauge the boss's reaction.
Sorta like Superman and Clark Kent! You may decide which one you relate to most...
Paul W. Barada
The Negotiation Expert