However, 47 per cent said a salary increase would encourage them to stay in their current position. “Many do resign if their request for a pay increase is denied,” Employment Hero’s chief people officer Alex Hattingh says.

Many employers aren’t being proactive about pay rise conversations, and are experiencing waves of resignations as a result, Mr Hattingh says.

“A pay increase will be a key priority for employees moving into 2022, but many will see a pay increase elsewhere before they ask their current employer.”

Cashing in

If you’re considering asking for a pay rise, never go in asking for a set amount.

“Always go in with the facts around what you have accomplished, what you have been regularly doing over and above what is expected, and what value you feel you’re adding to the company,” says Graham Wynn of Superior People Recruitment.

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Never use colleagues as comparisons to justify a pay rise. Instead, base your request around your own performance and achievements. And don’t give your employer an ultimatum if you don’t get a pay rise because more often than not, they will accept your resignation, he says.

If you don’t get the desired outcome, ask why. “It could be the financial position of the company or another reason,” Mr Wynn says.

However, if the employer provides a reason to knock back a pay rise, you need to accept it, he adds.