A Woman’s Right to be Paid what she’s Worth

New York, New York (December 14^th, 2015) – It is never easy to request a raise. This is a universal truth. According to LMSW Laura MacLeod, HR Guru and founder of “From the Inside Out Project®” (www.fromtheinsideoutproject.com), asking for a raise is especially difficult for women.  Both at work and at home, women are expected to be kind, considerate, and grateful, putting the needs of others ahead of their own. This conditioning has traditionally led women to the ‘helping professions’: teaching, social work, nursing, where the reward is the deed itself, not the payment. MacLeod theorizes that women have been trained not to discuss or value money; it is unseemly and petty. Confronting the boss and asking for a raise is uncomfortable and may feel selfish and greedy, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. MacLeod reaffirms the fact that women deserve be paid what they’re worth. She encourages women to advocate for themselves when it’s time to be paid more.

“Women need to know how to speak up for themselves when they feel they deserve a salary increase.” States Laura MacLeod, founder of From The Inside Out Project®. “There is no reason to believe that it is taboo to talk about money. If you don’t say anything, it is unlikely that you will be offered a raise, so you need to make your voice heard.”

For women looking to receive higher pay, MacLeod provides helpful tips on how to approach the subject. First she suggests scheduling a meeting with your boss. In the meeting, state your case succinctly and clearly. Include the number of years that you have worked with the company, how long it’s been since you’ve gotten a raise, and most importantly why you deserve a raise. Be specific, and give concrete examples of tasks completed, your initiative and work ethic. You’ve gone above and beyond expectations and this has benefitted both your boss and the company. If your boss says no, be persistent and respectfully request an explanation. If the reason given is budgetary, make sure you do your research ahead of time so you know the facts (company profits and expenditures) and can refute ‘there’s no money’.  If your past mistakes are brought up, acknowledge and accept responsibility but remind your boss how you corrected the mistake. If your boss indicates that you simply don’t need more money, stick to your guns, and state that need is not the issue. Your performance record and loyalty are the determining factors.

“Always know what you want and what you’re willing to settle for,” Continues MacLeod. “Aim high so that when you negotiate you’ll get something that you’re happy with. If you go into a meeting ready to calmly and effectively discuss the matter, you should come out feeling satisfied with the results of your hard work.”

For more information on From the Inside Out Project® or Laura MacLeod visit http://fromtheinsideoutproject.com/. To interview MacLeod on her techniques or gain media access to her photos please email [email protected] or call 1.877.841.7244.

About Laura MacLeod

With a background in social work and 2 decades of experience as a union worker, Laura MacLeod created “From The Inside Out Project®,” with all levels of employment in mind to assist in maintaining a harmonious workplace. She is an adjunct professor in graduate studies at the Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work and leads training sessions for social work professionals at The Coalition for Behavioral Health and Institute for Community Living in New York City. MacLeod speaks on conflict resolution, problem solving, and listening skills at conferences across the country.  

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