Refuse to Settle: Get Payback This Equal Pay Day
Take action to be paid what you're worth
The 18th of September is UN International Equal Pay Day. This isn't just another date on the calendar; it's a poignant reminder of the ongoing gender pay gap. It also serves as a platform for discussing what we can all do to bridge this divide as organisations like the United Nations and the International Labour Organization invite all stakeholders, including businesses and civil society, to promote equal pay.
What is Equal Pay Day?
Equal Pay Day is an annual observance that highlights the gender pay gap, which is a global issue. According to the United Nations, the gap is around 20% worldwide. The concept has been around since 1996, and despite various efforts, the gap has narrowed at a disappointingly slow pace. It's not just a gender issue; the pay gap also intersects with factors like race, motherhood, and LGBTQ+ identities.
The situation in the UK
While the UK gender pay gap is lower than the global average, it is still a hot topic, and we have a long way to go. According to the Office for National Statistics, as of April 2022, the overall gender pay gap for all workers in the UK was 14.9%. So British women only earn around 85p for every £1 that men make. It's clear that while laws like the Equality Act 2010 have helped bring more transparency and accountability, there's still a fair bit of ground to cover to make pay truly equal between men and women in the UK.
Why Should All of Us Care?
If you, of any gender, feel you are fairly paid, why should you care? Achieving equal pay is not just a milestone for human rights and gender equality; it's also about your environment - the values of the organisation you contribute to and the health of your society. The pay gap can affect these crucial aspects of your life. Moreover, it's a collective responsibility to ensure fair treatment for all, making it a matter of social justice.
"I think that it is important that you have the sort of clarity and ability to make judgements and force organisations to explain if there is a difference, why that difference exists... it may be systemic and sometimes even unnoticed bias, and that requires addressing." Baroness Ruth Davidson
Aniela Unguresan, the founder of the EDGE Certified Foundation, emphasises the role of legislation and inclusive policies in closing the pay gap. Transparency is essential, but more is needed.
"Transparency makes the problem visible. But it doesn't solve the problem. The fact that an organisation is transparent internally and externally will not close the gap in and of itself." Aniela Unguresan, EDGE
Practical Steps to Bridge the Gap
So, what can be done about it? The two most significant factors are to drive good employer behaviour and to lobby for better legal regulation and governance. Good employers will make salary ranges public to ensure transparency, conduct internal audits to check for pay disparities and implement family-friendly policies, such as equal paid parental leave, which can also make a significant difference.
Step One - Know What You're Worth
"Do your research around what you think you should get paid. And make sure that you're asking for something in the vicinity that's realistic." Joanna Coles, Chief Content Officer, Hearst
For employees, it's essential to know your worth. Tools like Monster's salary calculator can help you gauge your market value. Putting in some basic information about your job will give you a benchmark around what you should be getting paid.
Step Two - Ask for What You're Worth
"It's hard to ask. You feel icky and you feel needy and you want to be too cool for that. But you're there to make money. You're there as a job. And so I think as women we need to be a little more proactive to be our own advocate." – Padma Lakshmi
Learning how to negotiate your salary effectively is a vital skill. Monster has a comprehensive guide on securing a pay rise, a must-read for anyone looking to advance in their career.
Step Three -Follow the Money
"If you think it's "no" and it's going to be "no" for the next two years, then maybe it's time to move."Joanna Coles, Chief Content Officer
If you aren't getting paid what you're worth where you are, it could be time to find a new job where you will be. You can use our free guide to job hunting here, and don't forget to practice salary negotiation before accepting an offer.
It's Your Right to be Paid Fairly
Equal Pay Day serves as a call to action for each of us. Here's a quick recap of the steps to take.
- Use Monster's salary calculator to know your worth.
- Negotiate a Pay Rise
- Work where you're paid what you deserve!
Share this information within your network to raise awareness. It's your right to be paid fairly. If you aren't directly impacted by the pay gap, you can still advocate for fairer laws, policies and practices; we all benefit when the workplace is fairer.
Let's take collective action to close the gender pay gap!