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Salary information is probably the most confidential topic that companies try to not share with employees. I’m a firm believer in transparency because it helps me know what I’m working hard to achieve. I saw a news report about a company that published salary information on the intranet. Employees of that company know how much each individual is compensated, letting them know what rewards are awaiting their hard work. Conversely, they know how much someone who is not pulling his/her weight is getting away with.

Overall, I think that knowing salary information can do more good than harm. I have found that Glassdoor.com does an excellent job of sharing real employee salaries while keeping the employees anonymous. To me, it achieves the goal of knowing this valuable information without invading privacy.

What can I do with Salary Information?

Even in these economic times where some people are happy to be employed, its good to know where you stand amongst your peers. I for instance work at a company that has over 100,000 employees globally. With the help of Glassdoor, I can see whether my salary falls in line with different groups of people:

  • My peers in my department in my office
  • My peers in other departments in my office
  • My peers in my department in other offices

The list can go on and on with different combinations. But what I also find especially useful, is the information for the next promotion level. I have found myself adjusting the mental dollar figure I assumed for those at the level above me. People may speculate in the office about salary ranges, but the numbers speak for themselves.

The Key

The key to success at Glassdoor is that users must share information in order to access information. The site requires sharing salary information from an employer in the last 3 years. Every 12 months, users have to provide updated information. This requirement enables the salary information provided for various employers to be up to date at all times.

In addition, the site allows users to write anonymous reviews of companies including an approval rating for the CEO.  The reviews are a great way to see how others feels about their companies, especially for anyone interested in making a move.

I feel that knowing salary information can only be beneficial. I am interested in anyone’s opinion that differs.

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