Is it acceptable to ask your boss for a 4 day work week in lieu of a raise?

Question

I have been employed at the same agency for 3 years and have not had a raise due to "lack of business". Nobody at the small office has gotten a raise this year. My boss' reputation is that of generosity including annual raises and bonuses but he's been claiming for the last 3 years the business cannot afford them.

Answer 1

If business is slow you can ask sure. But keep in mind he will probably say no... thats how all business owners are!

Answer 2

Lack of business is the reason you can't get a raise - where do you want him to get the money from to pay for a raise?

Since the business is not making enough money, don't expect a 4-day work week either. If more money can be made with a 5-day week, then that's how it is.

There are lots of jobs out there that work 5 days a week and don't see many raises. If you don't want to work the full 5 days, quit and find another job. Someone else will appreciate that job.

Answer 3

That seems like a good compromise to me.  If its at all possible, I don't see how it would hurt to ask.

Answer 4

You may want to actually start looking for another job.  Don't quit that job, but that's kind of strange that for 3 years he can't give a raise.  Either people are lying to you about the raises, including your boss, or that company is REALLY hurting.  Inflation is rising.  Can you afford to keep working there?  Ask for a 4 day work week, and use that 5th day to start hunting for another job.

Answer 5

It's fine to ask for a 4 day work week if you can accomplish the same amount of work as in 5 days, in fact, it makes sense for all concerned due to gas prices. One less day you have to drive to and from the office is a nice little raise.

Answer 6

Yes, it's acceptable to ask.

It's also acceptable for him to say no.