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I used to work payroll systems at 2 of the largest corporations in the USA at that time. We had access to the payroll data, but never nosed around in there. Just focused on the "need to know", which is get involved in it if it's part of the job/part of something you're working on at the moment.
After seeing that payroll data over the years for various work projects, I can say, on average, that most folks of the same 'job level/pay grade' generally are paid within 20% of others in the same grade. Usually someone that is new to a position either because newly promoted or not that long in their career - they are often on the lower range. Someone that's been in the position a long time is usually higher in the range.
Companies know this and often their annual salary increases give a bigger boost to those that are paid lower (within their pay grade), and a smaller boost to those that are already in the high range of their pay grade.
I think it might create tension... I might find myself jealous. I have encountered times in certain positions where I felt others "took" to the job faster or with more understanding than I. Sometimes people mesh better at certain jobs than others. It's not fair, it just is. I do very much like knowing that " I can say, on average, that most folks of the save 'job level/pay grade' generally are paid within 20% of others in the same grade." But of course, everybody wants to be on top!
I'd want to know--though I'd rather coworkers freely exchange this info rather than look at a spreadsheet that wasn't meant to be released. The culture of making conversations about salary taboo greatly benefits employers, as it allows them to get away with unfair practices.
Same thing happened to me and stupid me was curious. Darn my curiosity. Because once I found out certain people were making a LOT more than me, with less time there, and a lot less skills, it just angered me to no end.
If I was ever put in that situation again, I'm sure I'd be curious, but I'd walk away. The emotions I went through and dealt with, isn't worth it.
I've had family members work in 'the public sector' where everyone in the county knows exactly what you make. The only people that seem to keep track of it are busybodies who want to stir up trouble
No, I wouldn't want to know. For what? It's none of my business! I don't care what other people earn.
I was not curious but I had a feeling that a couple of guys were underpaid and surely my hunches were correct when I was told of their rates that made me pitty but at the same time annoyed by their actions.
If some folks weren't making enough and they've been there for a long time even if they had asked for raises and not given quite enough. Shouldn't they just get off their butts and leave?
In the end I lost respect for a few people that I worked with that I thought were very hard working people but it turns out they were just ignorant. Instead of leaving for a better increase they stayed and for mediocre raises while keep voicing they are busting their butts in order to get better raises.
A guy at my workplace found the payroll spreadsheet once. He was not pleased that a few of the people he supervised made a lot more than he did. The reason they made more was because they each had been demoted and had lost only some salary, not all. Without telling his supervisor he found the payroll sheet, he made his case that other managers in his position were paid more. He got a significant raise shortly thereafter.
I found out someone who is in a position I started with is earning more than I am (and I've been here much longer) but this person has an advanced degree. Oh and I didn't go snooping before anyone assumes that.
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