9. How Much Is Your Salary? Don’t Show Me The Money
Never, ever, ever, ask someone how much they earn? Recently, some top UK broadcasting salaries were made public. Outrage followed. Women were paid less than men, some staff with paid much higher than others for doing a similar job. The national broadcaster had a lot of explaining to do. Some explanations were offered regarding the discrepancy in numbers.
The broadcaster listed the market-related salaries some of these individuals could have made working in the private field, as well as their experience and value to the company. You may be surprised to hear that you are being paid more for your role than your colleague. Your company may have taken into account your experience and education, and offered you a higher salary than your colleague who is doing the same job as you. Or, it could be the reverse situation. Perhaps you are earning less.
Asking somebody how much they earn is a big taboo subject for the workplace. Your salary is confidential and so is your colleague’s. If you want to know how much your Boss is making, feel free to search online to get an estimate but never ever ask anyone what their salary is.
It is very impolite to do this in western culture. Conversely, in the East, discussing money is not viewed as a taboo subject when it comes to salaries or income. In China and other Asian countries, the cultural beliefs and views money are quite different to the West. It would not be considered impolite for someone to ask you about your salary. Generally speaking, along with religion, politics, and people’s sexual orientation, asking someone about their salary is a big – no. Just don’t do it. Ever. Never.