Society has taught us that asking someone how much they earn is impolite or indecent.
As a result, money is linked to shame, self-worth, failure, and success.
However, the salary secrecy comes with a lack of transparency around pay inequality.
The thought that disclosing how much money you make is a ‘bad’ thing disproportionately affects women and minorities who historically have experienced wage discriminitaion in their careers.
Sexism and white supremacy have engulfed the economy in America for thousands of years, dictating labor by creating a system that devalues women’s work – especially women of color.
In America, women are paid 83 cents for every dollar paid to men. This indicates a gender wage gap of $10,435 every year.
We should encourage people to discuss their salary for a multitude of reasons.
Discussing your salary with coworkers and peers can:
- Help fight pay inequality
- Put you and your peers in a better position during salary negotiations
- Protect companies by increasing job satisfaction for workers
Discovering that your coworker makes more money than you can place you in an uncomfortable position. Here are some ways to help you deal with it:
- Have a meeting with your manager.
Avoid being hostile, but instead, convince your manager of the value you bring to the company.
- Reach out to Human Resources.
HR will help you receive all the information needed to support your argument for a raise.
If the company you are working for doesn’t seem to value you as an employee and refuses to provide you with a realistic wage, it may be time to look for other job opportunities. Make sure to do your research and find out the salary range for positions equivalent to yours at the companies you apply to. Remember your worth, and don’t be afraid to discuss or negotiate your pay!
