Salaries no longer a taboo topic? - 70% of Quebec workers admit to discussing
them at work

MONTREAL, Oct. 20 /CNW Telbec/ - According to a recent CROP survey conducted for the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés, although discussing salaries at work is still taboo, Quebec workers would like to see things change.

In fact, a significant percentage of respondents (58%) feel that the ban on talking about salaries should be lifted, with more women (65%) than men being in favour of this type of transparency.

"Since pay equity remains a concern in Quebec organizations, the fact that women are more interested in discussing salaries comes as no surprise since they're the ones who often feel left behind," explains Florent Francoeur, CHRP, Ordre president and CEO.

A feeling of injustice
Notably, half those interviewed (51%) don't think that their salary was determined in a fair or equitable manner, a feeling that is even stronger among less educated respondents (59%).

"These figures are cause for concern," continues Francoeur, "because such feelings can undermine employee motivation. But even though people may feel their salaries aren't equitable, that doesn't necessarily mean it's true. There's often a lack of communication about compensation policies."

Salaries discussed in Quebec organizations
Employees still talk about salaries among themselves. In fact, 70% of respondents reported having discussed their salary with one of their co-workers, a percentage that climbs to 84% among young employees.

Half the respondents (51%) expressed an interest in knowing their co-workers' salaries. In this respect, younger workers are more inclined (69 %) to want to know and 77% of them are more likely to divulge how much they earn if a co-worker asks them, versus 52% of respondents aged 55 and over.

"Even though workers still feel that talking about their salaries is taboo, this survey indicates that there's a good chance that attitudes will change because transparency and equity are two key values for Generation Y," concludes Francoeur.

To learn more…
The findings of the CROP-CRHA survey are available at www.portailrh.org/presse (in French only).

About the Ordre
The Ordre des conseillers en resources humaines agréés is the primary reference organization in its field in Quebec. It has a membership of more than 10,000 professionals, candidates and students, including 5,600 CHRPs and 2,400 CIRCs. It is the only human resources organization devoted to the protection of the public authorized by the Professional Code to confer these professional designations.

Active in all sectors, CHRPs and CIRCs contribute to the development and maintenance of a healthy working atmosphere and a safe, efficient organizational environment that respects the uniqueness of each and every employee. They also represent employers and employees in various areas of HR management, from labour relations, to staffing, training, occupational health and safety, organizational development and compensation.

For further information:

Caroline Soulas
Communications coordinator
Tel.: [phone], ext. 224
Cell: 514 941-1989
[email protected]