Money Talks: Comparing Salary Information Takes Co-Workers Out of their Comfort Zone

European Respondents far More Comfortable Discussing Salary than their US Counterparts

MAYNARD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– A global poll conducted by Monster reveals that more than half of those surveyed globally are not comfortable discussing salary with their colleagues. The poll also found that there were big differences between regions with only 25% of US respondents being comfortable discussing what they earn, compared with 43% of European respondents.

“Pay transparency is a hot topic, especially among startups. But it’s clear that many workers are just as uncomfortable with the notion as their bosses are,” said Mary Ellen Slayter, Career Advice Expert for Monster.com. “For most people, the best strategy is to focus on yourself and your own career path and growth, instead of trying to compete with everybody else. Of course, the best time to discuss salary is when you’re negotiating a raise.”

Monster, the worldwide leader in successfully connecting people to job opportunities and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYS: MWW) asked visitors to their site the question, “In your current or most recent job, how comfortable were you discussing what you earn with your colleagues (e.g., salary, vacation, sick time, bonuses, etc)?” and received over 3,000 responses. International findings included:

• Very comfortable – 18%
• Often comfortable – 14%
• Somewhat comfortable – 13%
• Seldom comfortable – 20%
• Never comfortable – 35%

Respondents by country vary significantly when asked if they were comfortable discussing what they earn with other employees. 63% of US respondents answered they were not comfortable, whereas, only 36% from Germany felt that way. The breakdown of Monster’s top markets is as follows: