The Power of Talking About Money at Work

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Talking about money at work is powerful and allows employees to take control of their own power. The taboo around discussing money benefits employers, as they want employees to feel ashamed. However, it is important for employees to be willing and able to talk about salary, negotiating, and work expectations with their coworkers. Disclosing salary, discussing pay disparities, and going in as a group to address common concerns can help employees ensure they are being fairly compensated. Workplaces are not family, and employees should not hesitate to advocate for themselves and seek support from their allies.

One of the primary reasons we work is to earn money, but many of us feel uncomfortable telling others how much we make. This fear may be working against women, because research has shown that salary transparency can help narrow the gender pay gap.

With the help of experts, we explore the complexities of talking about our salaries. First, an economist walks through the pros and cons of disclosing your pay. Then, the host of a personal finance podcast explains why she encourages people to speak openly about salaries. Finally, an HR executive gives advice on how to deal with the gut punch of learning that a peer makes more than you do.

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