Leverage springtime for pay conversations

February 25, 2026

By Karla Rockhold, Senior Director II of Alumni Career Engagement, OSU Alumni Association  

March rarely gets much attention in career conversations. The energy of the new year has faded and many people are focused on keeping projects moving. But emerging career guidance suggests that this month may be one of the most astute times of the year to discuss compensation with your employer.

While more than half of workers believe raises should be annual, many don’t receive them as expected. That’s why taking initiative and making a specific ask is in your favor: A recent LendingTree survey found that 82% of workers who requested a raise in the past year actually received one.

Why March works in your favor for pay conversations: 

  • Goals are in motion, not theoretical. 

  • Your performance is based on real outcomes. 

  • Managers are evaluating impact and follow-through. 

  • Budget conversations are still flexible, not locked in. 

Unlike end-of-year discussions that can feel rushed or reactive, March creates space for something more thoughtful. A conversation about compensation now feels proactive and intentional, grounded in progress and future alignment. 

Many professionals hesitate to start conversations about money during economic uncertainty, but such times sharpen your employers’ focus on value. Leaders are thinking about sustainability, retention and reliability.

If you’ve been doing any of the following, March is a good moment to speak up: 

  • Taking on additional or unplanned responsibilities. 

  • Supporting teammates during change or transition. 

  • Helping stabilize processes, projects or morale. 

  • Consistently delivering results amid ambiguity. 

Of course, there will be times when salary increases aren’t possible. That doesn’t mean the conversation ends. It simply shifts. 

So, what if the answer you receive is a “no” or a “not yet”? 

Consider high-value alternatives to a pay raise, such as: 

  • Flexibility: Remote or hybrid work, adjusted hours or compressed schedules. 

  • Growth opportunities: Certifications, conferences, training or new responsibilities. 

  • Time: Additional PTO or recovery time to prevent burnout. 

  • Visibility: Stretch projects, leadership opportunities or cross-team work. 

Sometimes the smartest career move isn’t immediate compensation — it’s positioning. Increased visibility, responsibility and alignment today often lead to raises or promotions later, especially as conditions improve.   

March offers a rare balance: It’s early enough to influence decisions and late enough to ground the conversation in genuine results. A smart money move may be planting the right seeds for the right moment, and today is a powerful time to do exactly that.