A workplace conversation about salaries left an employee worried after he was called for a meeting with human resources. The man said he and a co-worker had casually compared their pay, only to discover a noticeable difference despite doing largely the same job.
Sharing his experience on Reddit, the employee said the conversation was private and he had not expected it to become an issue at work.
“A co-worker and I were talking about salaries recently and ended up comparing what we make. Turns out, there's a pretty noticeable pay difference even though we do basically the same job. I didn't think much of it because it was just a private conversation, but somehow it got around the office, and now HR wants to meet with me,” he wrote.
Manager’s warning leaves employee concerned
What made the situation more uncomfortable, according to the employee, was a remark from his manager suggesting that conversations around pay could create trouble in the workplace.
{{/usCountry}}What made the situation more uncomfortable, according to the employee, was a remark from his manager suggesting that conversations around pay could create trouble in the workplace.
{{/usCountry}}“My manager said that discussing pay can "cause problems" in the workplace, which honestly made me nervous. I wasn't organising anything or telling people to complain. I just answered a question about my own salary. Now I'm wondering if I should've just kept my mouth shut. Has anyone else had HR approach them after discussing salary with co-workers?” he added.
(Also read: ‘Same role, but 3-4x more pay’: Indian employee compares work culture with US colleagues)
The post was shared with the title, “Can your employer get you in trouble for discussing your salary with co-workers?”
The employee did not reveal where he works or provide further details about the pay difference. However, his post struck a chord with Reddit users, many of whom felt that employees should be able to have open conversations about their compensation.
Take a look here at the post:
Reddit users weigh in
Several people came out in support of the employee and questioned why the discussion had become an issue in the first place.
“Legally, it is free speech. However, most companies frown upon sharing salary information, as it inevitably reveals inequities. It is your call, but it is probably best to keep it quiet. If HR approaches you, I would follow up with an email to document the conversation” one user wrote.
(Also read:₹20 LPA role"> ‘I got burnt out’: Employee says delayed salaries made him quit ₹20 LPA role)
Another person backed greater openness around compensation, saying, “Employees should discuss pay.”
A third user pointed towards the disparity itself rather than the conversation that exposed it, writing, “Pay gaps deserve questions.”
“Salary transparency matters,” another Reddit user commented.
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)