Is it disrespectful to ask how much you earn in the workplace ?

[Milkfloat]

It's a bit impolite to ask. However, a colleague once revealed that he was earning more than me, so I called a meeting with my line manager to request that I be put on the same salary on the basis that I did more work than him anyway. My request was accepted!

But did you get back pay?

 

[marinyork]

I think 'impolite' might be a better word than 'disrespectful', seeing as we're talking about conversations amongst equals.

Workplace etiquette (aside from most of what I've written above) probably made a lot of sense in the past where we had lifelong careers or ones that could be said to approximate that a lot closer than what we have now.

A lot of the problems arise where unofficial practices go on for a long time. Sort of thing I'm talking about is a manager being off sick and a colleague unofficially runs the department for six months and then a year later leaves and colleague applies for managers job and is told the company has no recollection of them effectively being a manager for six months.

 

[winjim]

I work for the state. I consider that every UK taxpayer has the right to know what I earn.

 

[Tin Pot]

There is a good argument that knowing what people earn helps promote equality. The counter argument is in people not understanding why Joe Bloggs position attracts more than theirs and them bleating about it at every damn appraisal.

On the face of it I'm all for people knowing what others earn but the practicalities mean it often causes a lot more friction than it really should but perhaps in a completely open system that wouldn't happen.

Anyway the more you earn, you'd better make sure you're indispensable as otherwise the next time that organogram gets re-drawn you might not be on it!

Indeed there is but I think fighting privacy is the wrong approach.

Regulation and internal audit should be covering this behind the scenes.

 

[subaqua]

Divide and rule.

i suggested that was the reason in a meeting with hooman reesooorsis , and was pooh poohed.

I know i get above industry average for what i do, and for what my butter now Jam later role will turn into in April.

 

[subaqua]

I work for the state. I consider that every UK taxpayer has the right to know what I earn.

about 2 shakes of feck all if you are in public sector innit

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I would not even ask the question. To many people its rather personal and the question intent is do a comparison of skill and reward. If not why ask. Sometimes it leads to unpleasant consequences but mostly you will be known as the bloke that asked the awkward question and it will hang over you as a label.

What you can however do is to request HR to provide an industry benchmark and your current remuneration. If it is medium size to a large company they are obliged to provide the answer and address the discrepancy. I have seen 2 benchmarks and the the details of vocations and grade are quite granular and values are validated every 2 to 3 years .

Are they? I'm not at all certain they have to do either simply because of the scale of operation.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Workplace etiquette (aside from most of what I've written above) probably made a lot of sense in the past where we had lifelong careers or ones that could be said to approximate that a lot closer than what we have now.

A lot of the problems arise where unofficial practices go on for a long time. Sort of thing I'm talking about is a manager being off sick and a colleague unofficially runs the department for six months and then a year later leaves and colleague applies for managers job and is told the company has no recollection of them effectively being a manager for six months.

Never "act up" unofficially. Ever. Even if they don't pay you, and some won't, make sure a record of your service goes in your record. For all sorts of reasons.

 

[Amanda P]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xH7eGFuSYI


Adam explains it pretty succinctly, and amusingly, I reckon. Shame we Brits are so reticent.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I work for the state. I consider that every UK taxpayer has the right to know what I earn.

Why only taxpayers? Surely all of the state's subjects no?

 

[Arrowfoot]

Are they? I'm not at all certain they have to do either simply because of the scale of operation.

The HR folks told me that they are obliged to do so on request - provide the benchmark. I will check to see if its an industry practice or a company policy.

 

[slowmotion]

The Sami people, who herd reindeer in the frozen wastes of Finland,Sweden and Norway, judge their wealth by the size of their herd. It's very bad form to ask one how many animals he owns.

 

[Drago]

Leaving aside that in a public servant and anyone can Google the pay scales I think what people earn is their own business.

 

[PK99]

There is a good argument that knowing what people earn helps promote equality. !

Equality is not the point - Equity is.

More work/better work = more pay even if the ostensible grade and job title are the same.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

The Sami people, who herd reindeer in the frozen wastes of Finland,Sweden and Norway, judge their wealth by the size of their herd. It's very bad form to ask one how many animals he owns.

Notoriously touchy people the Sami. But 10,000 years* of marginalisation will do that to you.

*may be an exaggeration.