Transparency into salaries and their justifying factors
Both the employer and the employee benefit when salary-related issues are made as transparent as possible and the workplace can focus on achieving results.
– Being open about wages brings a competitive advantage, says TEK’s work life specialist Sirkku Pohja.
Both the employer and the employee benefit when the system is as transparent as possible, and the workplace can focus on achieving results. Pohja hopes that people could discuss salaries in euros, or directly and matter-of-factly, at workplaces. People should have the opportunity to compare their salary levels to their education level, experience, performance and how well they reach goals set for the work.
– Openness guarantees that the employee knows why they are paid what they are paid and how they should develop and act to receive a raise. This transparency also encourages employees to strive forward.
Openness guarantees that the employee knows why they are paid what they are paid and how they should develop and act to receive a raise.
Sanna Marin’s government platform mentions the promotion of salary transparency and the EU Commission is also involved in these efforts.
– There needs to be a change in the way people think. The fact that we have the means to combat salary discrimination and reduce salary inequality benefits work life in general. As it stands, salary discrimination is difficult to tackle as salaries are kept secret and there is no way to know enough about your peer’s salary level.
IT sector leads the way
In the media, salary transparency is often discussed in relation to IT companies. They are often commenting on how openness helps both the employee and the employer.
Experiences collected from IT houses send the signal that this system is considered fair.
– I am incredibly happy to read about experiences from companies where they have chosen to see openness as it should be seen – as a manifestation of trust. In these work communities everybody knows the principles and justifications underpinning their salary and what it consists of. Experiences collected from IT houses send the signal that this system is considered fair.
Pohja believes that salary transparency will be a given to the younger generation of specialists.
– The younger generation thinks a lot about what is fair and what is right. I believe that in ten years’ time discussing salaries with co-workers is an everyday occurrence, just like talking about any other aspect of the work or its results.