Fast Company Daily Same job, less pay. Now what?
Nov 14, 2025
Feeling underpaid compared to a colleague? You're not alone. Explore why salary secrecy is prevalent and who benefits from it. Discover the cultural shift towards pay transparency laws across the U.S. Learn practical tips on how to address pay discrepancies with your boss, and how to research your market worth discreetly. Get ready to navigate these tricky conversations without letting emotions take over!
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Secrecy Helps Employers, Transparency Is Rising
- Salary secrecy benefits employers by hiding pay inconsistencies and reducing pressure to improve systems.
- Pay transparency efforts and laws are increasing as younger workers push for openness.
Younger Workers Drive Pay Disclosure
- Gen Z and Millennials are more willing to share salary information than older generations.
- Viral movements and new laws are pressuring companies toward greater pay transparency.
Don't Jump To Conclusions
- Don't assume malicious intent when you learn a colleague makes more for the same title.
- Consider differences in responsibilities, experience, hiring market, and negotiation timing first.