Get Paid What You’re Worth

It’s no secret that women still make less than men. Worried that you’re underpaid for your role/experience level? Then do some salary research. There are numerous online salary calculators and average salary data available. Check it out!  You could also talk to local recruiters in your industry to get an idea of what you should be paid for your role and expertise.

Signs you are underpaid:

• You see a lot of turnover in your same role at your company
• You have taken on additional responsibilities without an increase in pay
• Your company is hiring new people into your role at higher pay (check the job posting for salary disclosures)
• You start looking for other jobs and notice the starting pay is much more than your current wage

What to do when you’re underpaid:

Once you discover you’re underpaid, you have a couple options. Ask for a raise or find another job. If you decide to ask for a raise, make sure you arm yourself with enough information and research to make your case. (Check out my post on how to ask for a raise here) It’s always best to give your employer the benefit of the doubt. Some could just be unaware of the extra work you’re doing or that industry standards have changed. But, in some cases, pay discrimination could be the culprit.

Pay/compensation discrimination occurs when employees performing equal work do not receive the same pay for their work. Women and BIPOC workers are generally the most common victims of pay discrimination which is why it’s important to know your rights.

How to handle pay discrimination:

If you feel you are being discriminated against, document what you know (or believe). Meet with your supervisor and HR to discuss your concerns. If you do not get the response you feel you deserve, escalate it. When you have exhausted internal options then go outside your company.  There are government agencies that help with these issues such as the EEOC. They can often evaluate your situation and help you with next steps. And if the issue is still unresolved, seek legal advice. The only way we can start moving the needle on these issues is to confront them. So if you can, be brave and take action.

For more information on your rights, check out this helpful article.