Should you tell your colleagues how much you earn?

Openly discussing how much money you make is often considered taboo – especially when it comes to sharing this information with your colleagues.

We find out why this is such a “no-go” topic, we consider whether or not it would be in your best interest to open up to your colleagues, and we outline the pros and cons of doing so.

Tip: You may also feel uneasy discussing your debt, but a qualified debt counsellor can help.

Why is sharing salary information frowned upon?

Marshall Vila Pouca, services specialist at LSPinc, believes that the taboo surrounding the sharing of payslip information most likely derives from the confidentiality clause in the Employment Act.

In full, this is known as the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), and it was instituted in 1997 by the South African government to ensure fair labour practices. 

Vila Pouca says that the relevant clause relates to the employer having the obligation to maintain strict confidentiality relating to employee information.

“At the time, many employers adjusted company policies to forbid employees from sharing payslip information for fear of breaking this confidentiality clause,” says Vila Pouca.  

“But this does not relate to the actual employees themselves. They have the right to share their personal information if they so please,” he explains.

The Employment Act states that an employee has the right to discuss their conditions of employment with their fellow employees, their employer, or any other person.

READ MORE: Can companies request your payslips in the hiring process?

Should you share your salary amount with colleagues?

Vila Pouca points out that the old saying that goes, “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should”, and he believes that this applies here.

“Just because you have the right to share your salary information, does not mean that you should loosely divulge it. This information remains private and personal,” says Vila Pouca.  

“You may even find that sharing this information can create animosity with co-workers who are not earning the same as you, and this can lead to an unpleasant working environment,” he says.

Vila Pouca, nonetheless, thinks there are some pros to sharing your salary information:

• Employees can hold employers accountable with regard to equal pay for equal work.
• It may assist in correcting payroll processing irregularities.
• It could help break the stigma surrounding the sharing of payslip information.

However, he also highlights the cons, which need to be considered:  

• It may create an unpleasant working environment by disgruntling co-workers.
• It may create an environment of distrust between the employer and the employee as the employer may be of the opinion that company policy is being circumvented.

Vila Pouca suggests using discretion before sharing your salary information with your colleagues.  

Your debt is also a personal matter, but you can get help and consolidate your debt today.