Renegotiating your salary with your Mauritian employer

Devaluation of the rupee, rising cost of living, closed borders and limited importation… the pandemic has had a real impact on life and what can be afforded in Mauritius. So, for those who have just moved here or those who are planning to move abroad, the initially negotiated salary may no longer support you. Can you renegotiate your salary?

The answer is yes, you can ask your employer to increase your salary. Of course, the decision is up to them! The important thing to keep in mind, however, is that at the start of each year, the authorities impose wage compensation on employers. The purpose of this wage compensation is to review the wages of employees in the light of inflation. It is the unions and employers who negotiate how much should be added to everyone's wages. In 2019 the amount was Rs 300 and in 2020 the amount was Rs 375.

If you had a larger number in mind, you would have to go through the salary negotiation. How these negotiations will go will be different depending on the sector in which you operate or will operate. Many sectors such as tourism, commerce, import / export have been affected by the pandemic and it will be difficult to get a big pay rise. On the other hand, if you operate in the financial services or offshore, healthcare, or communications and technology, you will have a better chance of successfully renegotiating your salary.

Your chances also depend on the position you hold or will occupy in the company. Even in today's struggling industry, if the job you hold is key to relaunching the business, you will have better luck. And you will have to capitalize on your essential role.

Here are some tips to put the odds in your favor:

Do your research

As the situation is difficult, you will need to consider your business finances before submitting your request. Did they have to part ways with team members during the crisis? Does the business always succeed in making a profit? To know how to go about it and how much to ask for, you'll need to have an idea of ​​what the business can afford.

Along with that, do your research on the cost of living and inflation as well. Clearly show how this cost of living particularly affects your quality of life and what you will need to maintain it.

Don't go too hard!

It is true that in normal times it would not be a problem to set the bar high. But in the midst of a pandemic and at a time when the island is barely recovering from a health and economic crisis, demand must be necessary. Understand your needs, what salary will you need to have a comfortable life on the island, take into account expenses related to children, school and explain them to your employer. Let him understand that what you are asking is strictly necessary.

Innovate!

Understand the business recovery strategy and put your two cents in. If you play an important role in this strategy, do not hesitate to put it forward during the negotiations. Most importantly, if you have any ideas that could help the business innovate, mention them, prepare your numbers, explain why your ideas might work, and go for it. Deserve this increase!