Why is asking what a person’s salary is so taboo in the workplace?

1.16K viewsEconomicsOther

There’s like this weird culture around it where some may even consider it rude or too personal like it’s equivalent to asking someone their social security number or something
I’ve heard a rumor it’s because companies/bosses don’t want people to talk about their pay between employees because they may find discrepancies compared to their coworkers, but I’m not 100% sure that’s actually why since even their employees consider it taboo.

In: Economics

30 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

I can separate the coworker relationship and friendship. I like the people I work with on a personal level. Many of us are friends, hangout, etc. However they are terrible coworkers. If I’m giving 80% effort each day, they are giving 35% at best. Every opportunity to be lazy is taken, the tough calls are always left for me or one of the few other guys who cares. I make like 7$ an hour more than my friend – he recently expressed wanting more money and hopes to be promoted. If they knew what I make, they would feel it is unfair, but they don’t do the same work I do. So I avoid that conversation. That said, people should talk about their pay to make sure they are treated fairly. It’s a double edged sword.

You are viewing 1 out of 30 answers, click here to view all answers.