A kinder way to say “you are getting a raise”

Say this instead

1. 01

   I'm pleased to confirm that your salary will increase to £38,000 a year from March 1. The details are in the attached letter.

   Someone you manage · Email

   Good once the decision is final, since the amount and date come first and the detail sits in writing.

   Use for my message
   Copy
2. 02

   Your review is signed off, and it includes a pay increase of 5% from the April payroll. Happy to talk it through if you have questions.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Tying the raise to the review makes it read as earned, and the offer to talk invites questions without stretching things out.

   Use for my message
   Copy
3. 03

   Hi Lindsay, your pay is going up from April 1. I'll go through the amount with you at 3 today if you're free.

   Someone you manage · SMS

   A short heads-up like this suits cases where a proper conversation follows soon, so the news is not left hanging.

   Use for my message
   Copy
4. 04

   Hi Kai, HR has confirmed your raise: £38,000 a year, starting May 1. Congratulations, and let me know if you'd like to go over it.

   Coworker · Email

   A lead or HR contact can use this to pass on an approved decision, with the figure and date included.

   Use for my message
   Copy
5. 05

   Congratulations, Dev! Finance has confirmed your raise starts with the next pay cycle. Want to catch up for five minutes about the details?

   Coworker · Chat

   Friendly and brief, this fits a colleague you know well and points to a follow-up for the numbers.

   Use for my message
   Copy
6. 06

   I'm writing to confirm that your salary increase has been approved, effective July 1. The updated figure is in the attached letter.

   Boss · Email

   The formal tone suits a senior person when you are the one sending the official confirmation.

   Use for my message
   Copy
7. 07

   Quick update: payroll has confirmed your pay increase will show in this month's salary. I can send the breakdown if you'd like it.

   Boss · Chat

   Short and useful, this suits a senior colleague who mainly needs to know when the change takes effect.

   Use for my message
   Copy

Examples

What to avoid

• Relying on a text alone is a mistake, so follow up with a formal letter or email that states the amount and start date.
• Announcing it in a group chat or in front of others before the person has heard it privately takes the moment away from them.
• Hinting at “something good coming” without saying what it is creates worry, because vague news invites guessing.
• Phrasing it as a favor, as in “we've decided to let you have,” undercuts the news, so tie it to their work or review.
• Comparing their new pay with what colleagues earn turns good news into an awkward conversation.

Related phrases

• What to say instead of “what is the pay for this job?”→
• Saying “this is my price” at work→
• “Is the price negotiable?”: how to say it politely→
• A kinder way to say “I can't send a quote”→
• How to say “I'd like a promotion and a raise” professionally→
• Alternatives to “your hours are being reduced” at work→