No, You may NOT know my Salary!!!
Renie
71 Posts
I was recently asked by a co-worker what my annual salary was. This person is very respectable and I did not want to offend them by telling them that their question made me uncomfortable. (I hate to cause office drama). I ended up telling them my hourly rate and went back to my office with an extreme feeling of guilt and shame that I disclosed such personal information.
I feel as though if I had been more prepared for the question I would have given an answer that didn't make me want to hide from my other HR colleagues whose lips are probably tighter than rubberband on a newspaper.
Have any of you run into this problem with co workers? What answers have you given to these office "want to know it all's" that have workd for you with the least amount of confrontation?
I know it is human nature to want to know this type of information, but isn't it common sense not to ask?
Comments
My standard reply to anyone I don't want to answer is "It's on a need-to-know basis. When you need to know, I'll tell you." They usually smile and I change the subject.
"I make around average for what an (title) makes in my industry"
I can use the "around" technique as suggested, while still giving an answer that doesn't use a specific number!
What do you think?
Not only is it common sense not to ask, but it used to be considered "poor taste" to ask people such questions.
If someone were this bold, I would just say "I'm sorry, but I don't discuss my personal business with anyone in the office."
To me, this equates to the same thing as asking someone how much money they have in their bank account.
If you really want to create havoc, you can always give them a seriously inflated salary and see how long it takes to get all over the office!
Thank you for all of your responses.
"I hereby acknowledge that it is contrary to the Practices, Procedures & Policies of this firm to divulge any personnel information to other employees or to solicit such information, including information regarding compensation, and I further acknowledge and understand that a violation of this policy may subject me to disciplinary action, including termination."
It not only reinforces the policy but provides a reason to refuse the inquiry for those who are otherwise uncomfortable with saying "none of your business".
My salary gets published in the newspaper once a year. What are you complaining about?
I don't get it, what's the problem?
Why are private sector employee salaries secret? You deserve it, right!?
I realize I may be coming across as somewhat crass, but really, why feel ashamed, or demeaned for answering someone's question?
Please help me understand the root of your dilema.
I guess I just don't now what makes it private, that's my own ignorance. I've always worked public sector, 10 years military, 10 other government, and have a slight disconnect as to why a wage is of matter. If the answer is as simple as it being private, that's certainly understandable.
peace
Have some fun with it!
It diffuses the volatility of the situation and if you hurry away, you avoid the issue altogether.