Many companies are failing to create a culture where employees feel comfortable making these requests
These are some of the most crucial questions for an employee to get an answer to – yet nearly a quarter of workers are afraid to ask them of their boss.
A survey of 1000 UK professionals by CV-Library has revealed workers’ most-hated questions, with “can I have a pay rise?” topping the list, with 63.6 percent of respondents saying they don’t feel comfortable asking.
The top five is rounded out by “can I have a promotion?” (34.6 percent); “can I work more flexible hours?” (32.7 percent); “can you help me with a task?” (27.6 percent); and “can I take some time off?” (26.4 percent).
Overall, 22.5 percent of respondents said they were afraid to ask their employer some questions – rising to 31.3 percent among millennials.
Half of workers said they would feel less awkward asking once they’re comfortable with their boss. While nearly one quarter (23.4 percent) said that can happen in a week, and a third (30.3 percent) said it takes around a month, 8.5 percent said they’ll never feel comfortable with their boss.
Biggins says that’s a worrying statistic, especially if those workers feel they can’t ask important questions.
“It may always be nerve wracking asking for help, flexible working or for whatever it is they need, so as an employer it’s important that you create a friendly culture where your workforce feel that they can approach you if necessary.”
