The Rise of Pay Transparency

Beth Dean 05.02.23
Weekly Tip - 2023-05-02 - Pay Transparency

Shining a Light on Compensation: The Bold Move Toward Pay Transparency

Let’s talk about the rise of pay transparency in the United States. It’s a hot topic but also relevant as more companies (and employees!) are demystifying employee pay.

Pay transparency is the practice of openly and honestly sharing information about salaries, bonuses, and other compensation. It’s all about creating a more equal and fair workplace and gaining traction in the workplace.

So why is pay transparency important? Let’s start with the most critical point: it’s the law. Several states have enacted regulations around transparent pay – check out our blog post to see if your state is one of them. 

Additionally, your company cannot have policies forbidding employees from discussing pay amongst themselves, regardless of state. According to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), employees discussing pay amongst themselves, including disclosure of their own pay rates, is a protected activity and cannot be punishable. 

Aside from legal concerns, pay transparency helps to close the gender pay gap, prevent discrimination, and promote diversity. Employees can better understand their pay when they can access information about their position’s salaries. It also helps to eliminate the stigma surrounding salary discussions and encourages employees to have open conversations about compensation.

Being transparent about compensation also helps to promote trust and fairness in the workplace. Employees who feel paid fairly are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and motivated to perform well. This, in turn, benefits the organization as a whole.

By sharing information about salaries and compensation, organizations can create a more inclusive and productive work environment for all employees. It’s a win-win for everyone!

 

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