Especially, do not reveal your salary
Talking about salaries among colleagues is still taboo. We are not alone; this observation is made in other countries such as France, Spain...
Indeed, revealing the amount of your remuneration to your colleagues risks creating discomfort within the team, especially if the person concerned is better paid than others. All consultants agree that this is a subject of discussion to avoid to escape "reprisals". Currently, young executives, especially those who are new to the job market, do not consider it a taboo. Still naive and advocating transparency, their frankness will earn them the antipathy of older colleagues who are less well paid. However, in large structures, whether multinationals or large national groups, salary scales according to diplomas and schools of origin are more or less known. As a result, the differences are minimal, which limits the risk of friction. For salespeople too, it is a subject that can be discussed without embarrassment. Their fixed salary is generally known, while the variable part depends on their performance, so everyone earns what they deserve. This creates a real dynamic in the team and encourages each other to excel to earn the maximum. An excellent management tool for the team leader. That said, you shouldn't believe everything you hear.
Some people, to sow discord, spread false information about their salary to oust their colleagues or even to curb the momentum of a hardworking employee who is bothersome, by making them believe that they earn more while working less. You should also be wary of people who ask you about your salary, and to reassure you about their intentions, they do not hesitate to give you theirs, whether it is true or false. You should always be on your guard, especially if you have just joined a new structure, because your survival in the company depends on your attitude during the first few days, so you might as well not be fooled by "clever" people. Generally, it is strongly advised not to reveal your salary, because the damage is enormous since no colleague will be able to accept the level of remuneration of their colleague who holds a similar position. In addition, the lowest paid will be so demotivated that they will slow down and reduce their work rate.
In France, to avoid an internal "war", especially if the disparities are considerable, some employers require the prohibition of such disclosure in employment contracts. And for good reason, it is the smooth running of work and the internal atmosphere that are at stake. That said, even when requesting a salary increase, it should be done directly to your N+1 superior, in their office, to avoid any information leaks and consequently any jealousy from colleagues. Ultimately, in a tense environment, it is wiser to avoid discussing remuneration and especially to circumvent this subject on every occasion, while waiting for mentalities to change.
"Transparency has limits, just like freedom"
Expert Opinion • Mohammed Benouarrek
Should you reveal your salary to your colleagues? Is transparency always a good thing?
Transparency differs from one culture to another. In some countries, asking a colleague about their salary is normal, while in others, the idea doesn't even cross their mind. It is a violation of the other person's private life. Personally, I think that such information is private and only concerns the individual himself. Transparency has limits, just like freedom by definition. Such sharing of information is likely to create jealousy and discord more than anything else. That said, it should be remembered that some colleagues may communicate false information, thus misleading others.
How to deal with the animosity of those who are less well paid?
Generally, we position ourselves in relation to others. This individual benchmarking can lead to conflicts, hostilities, or other harmful effects. You simply need to keep your salary information private and talk about skills or even opportunities instead of getting into a mirror game. Virtue is not about surpassing others, but about surpassing yourself. Also, try to avoid confrontations or falling into the trap of direct or indirect conflicts. Wisdom lies in avoiding problems.
How to evaluate your own salary to know if it is fair or not?
Apart from benchmarks officially published by specialized firms, you must ensure that the information communicated is reliable. The various interviews you have had with salary offers can also be a reference.
Should you ask for a salary increase if the gap is large with one or more colleagues?
This is perfectly legitimate. However, I recommend asking for an increase based on merit and performance rather than on a comparison with others. The justification must be intrinsic and not extrinsic.
What should you avoid?
Rightly so, you should avoid basing the legitimacy of a salary increase on others. You should prove to your employer that the expected increase is deserved. In other words, replacing you will cost them more.
Nadia Dref
Published on March 1, 2009
Posted online on March 6, 2009
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