Getting promoted in your job is the dream of many.
Aside from better pay, more benefits, and a job title change, getting promoted usually means more opportunities for career advancement.
However, a new title also comes with added responsibilities and expectations of better performance from your boss.
…in theory at least.
Nowadays, many bosses pile on the additional work and responsibilities without the benefits that should accompany them. This is called a dry promotion.
How can you tell if you’re getting one – and what should you do about it? Let’s find out.
What is a Dry Promotion?
Also known as a “title-only promotion,” a dry promotion happens when an employee receives a higher job title but no increased salary and benefits.
This means they’ll get more responsibilities or even a new role, but their compensation remains the same.
Typically, companies give this kind of promotion to Gen Z employees, though older employees can still get them.
In theory, receiving a job title change bolsters your resume and leads to better career advancement opportunities later on.
However, more often than not, receiving a dry promotion means getting more work for no additional compensation.
In fact, you can even consider this as a salary decrease, since you’re doing more for less pay.
Why Do Employers Give Dry Promotions?
There are many reasons why employers do this to their employees. These include:
-
- Retention Strategy: Some employers believe that offering promotions, even without increased benefits, can satisfy employees enough to stay with them.
- Budget Constraints: This is especially common in start-ups and small businesses, as these usually have limited budgets which limits their ability to provide raises and bonuses.
- Performance Recognition: Employers may give employees new titles in recognition of their efforts if they can’t give financial rewards.
- Sudden Hierarchical Changes: In some cases, company restructuring can lead to title changes that don’t come with immediate financial benefits.
What to Do if You Receive a Dry Promotion?
Here are some things you can do if you get a dry promotion:
Review Your Achievements and New Responsibilities
Ensure that you come prepared before meeting your employer about your dry promotion.
Keep a detailed record of all your achievements and new responsibilities so you have ample evidence to support your position when negotiating with your employer.
Discuss Your Promotion With Your Employer
Once you have prepared your points, schedule a meeting with your employer so you can discuss your dry promotion.
You can bring up why you deserve a raise, but be prepared for an explanation about why they can’t grant you one right now.
If that happens, negotiate to seek a mutually beneficial compromise with them.
Seek Alternative Benefits
If your employer truly can’t give you a raise, perhaps there are other benefits they can provide instead.
This could be more vacation time so you can relax and regain your strength. Or perhaps they’re willing to provide more flexible working hours or even a 4-day workweek setup.
Aside from these, some employers provide more professional development opportunities in lieu of a salary increase.
Consider Your Long-Term Goals
Before accepting this promotion, consider how this fits into your long-term career goals.
If your new title would boost your resume or open career development opportunities, it may be worth accepting despite the lack of short-term financial benefits.
Set a Timeline With Your Employer
If you do accept a dry promotion, set a timeline with your employer to revisit the compensation discussion.
This could be six months or one year after you’ve accepted the role so they can also see whether you’re a good fit or not.
Congrats On Your… Promotion?
As noted above, there are many reasons behind dry promotions. Some do it due to financial constraints, while others do it as a way to retain talented employees.
Regardless of the cause, weigh your options and see if it’s worth sticking with your current job or not.
If you do choose to seek better opportunities, particularly with work from home jobs, Remote Staff is here to help.
Our jobs list contains plenty of positions to choose from, all of which are in an online work from home setup.
Aside from virtual assistant jobs and online transcription jobs, we also have openings for online design jobs and online writing jobs.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up here. Good luck!
