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Discussing Salary Among Co-workers

Let’s say you’ve just taken a position as an intern, summer associate or new hire, and during your Day One orientation, someone in HR states, “Don’t discuss your salary with other employees. It’s our policy.” Can they do that? Should you ignore their direction? And if you decide that you should, with whom should you talk and what should you say?

Let’s address the legalities up front. According to the National Labor Relations Board, in most cases it is unlawful for an employer to prevent employees from discussing salary, benefits and working conditions. So, when you start work, if you haven't signed a salary confidentiality agreement, you may reach out to coworkers and determine if your pay is commensurate with theirs.

But do so very carefully. In a very real sense, you may be violating your employer’s trust. Make sure you are 100% certain that your conversation will not be shared with others, especially your supervisor or HR. A safer approach might be to connect with a co-worker who has left the organization. Or go to www.glassdoor.com, which shows some salary information by company and location.

If you don’t feel that you’re being compensated fairly, it’s time to schedule a talk with your manager. Before you begin that conversation, prepare thoroughly. Focus on your job and your performance. Determine the salary range for your position. What’s the most that you can earn? Then, use the conversation to determine how you reach the high end. Is it a matter of longevity or performance? Are there additional skills you could acquire that would help you move up the range?

With that information in hand, roll up your sleeves and develop a game plan that will help you place more cash in your pocket.

What Do You Need to Know?

You have a legal right to discuss your salary with co-workers, but do so carefully.

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