Why you should know how much your colleagues are earning

Ever wondered why so many companies discourage workers from discussing their salary to co workers? It’s certainly created a taboo in the workplace. Every day employees work together without knowing how their pay rolls compare. It’s something that every person is itching to know but the awkward, somewhat unapproachable nature of asking this one teeny question will stop you from doing so. What if everyone knew how much each other earned? Would tensions grow? Would petty arguments break out? Would people quit? In fact, new evidence suggest this is something we should talk openly about.

David Burkus recently gave a very insightful Ted Talk which can be viewed here. He believes that pay transparency makes for a better workplace for both the employee and the organisation. Why would you want to work somewhere that tip toes around this topic and makes you question whether you are being under paid? Openness increases the sense of fairness and collaboration within an organisation’s culture.

Adam’s Equity theory highlights how fairness influences employee motivation. A lot of employees feel underpaid and discriminated against. But how do you know if you’re being underpaid if you don’t know what your colleagues are making? You’re only relying on your perceptions, which aren’t exactly accurate. The perception of inequity ultimately impacts job productivity — an employee who feels undervalued and underpaid isn’t going to be motivated or make the effort to work harder.

Rachel Sklar, founder of the Change the Ratio and TheLi.st explains in this business insider article that ‘money is the key to autonomy’. Knowing what colleagues make gives you more power during salary negotiations. If there is any wage discrimination then it would all be revealed.

‘Knowledge is power’ Jen Doll

So don’t be afraid. Go and ask your colleagues now! If anything they’re probably relieved that you were the one to take the lead. They’re just as dying to know as you, trust me.

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