Boss Moves: Navigating the Pay Transparency Revolution in the Modern Workplace

Beth Dean 05.09.23
Human Resources Payroll
Weekly Tip - 2023-05-09 - handling pay transparency as a leader

What to do as a boss in the age of pay transparency

Navigating pay transparency in the workplace can be a delicate balancing act for bosses. 

On the one hand, it’s important to be open and honest about compensation, but on the other hand, there may be concerns about privacy and sensitive information.

First, a clarification on what exactly pay transparency does and does not mean. It does not mean sharing the individual salaries of every employee in the firm…although some companies have fully embraced that level of transparency, too. 

It does, however, mean transparency on a position’s pay range based on factors such as education, level of expertise, and experience. Think of pay transparency in terms of the position, not the person.

Here are some tips for managers, supervisors, and other leaders to navigate employee compensation in the workplace.

How Leaders Can Handle Compensation:
  1. Start with a clear policy: Establish a policy on pay transparency that outlines what information will be shared, with whom, and how. This policy can help to set expectations and prevent misunderstandings.
  2. Set objective pay ranges: Having a pre-established set of criteria for pay ranges for your company’s positions will go a long way in taking the subjectivity and perceived discrimination out of pay. Our HR experts can help you find the most up-to-date salary ranges.
  3. Communicate clearly: When sharing compensation information, communicate clearly and concisely. Provide context and explain why your company made certain decisions. Clear communication helps build trust and understanding with employees.
  4. Encourage open dialogue: Encourage open and honest conversations about compensation. Encourage employees to ask questions and provide feedback. This candor can help to build trust and improve relationships in the workplace.
  5. Be mindful of privacy: Be mindful of employee privacy when discussing compensation. Avoid sharing sensitive information about individual salaries and compensation packages, but do communicate openly about a position’s salary ranges.

By following these tips, bosses can effectively navigate pay transparency in the workplace and build trust and understanding with employees. It’s all about being open, honest, and mindful of each other’s needs!

Need help setting your policies regarding pay transparency? Get in touch with your HR Business Partner! Our experts can walk you through it step by step.

 

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