We know that the gender pay gap is a very real thing, but did you know that women may be helping to contribute to it without realising? While the gender pay gap in the UK is certainly closing, it’s not gone, with statistics from the Office for National Statistics showing that women are, on average, paid 8% less than men.
While we know that the gender pay gap is caused by societal issues, gender bias and the fact that women lose time in the workplace should they decide to become mothers, we also know that change won’t happen overnight.
Unless women start demanding higher salaries, the pay gap will continue. A recent study from Forbes shows that one in two women struggle with confidence in the workplace, often working just as hard as their male counterparts, but for less recognition due to their lack of personal boasting.
The stats are one thing, but what can women do to try and fight against it in the short term? Working on confidence is an ongoing process, and for any woman currently negotiating a new contract, the following points will be essential.
Set a hard no
Do your research and discover your worth, then set a hard no on a figure you won’t go below. However, a word of warning, it can be tempting to increase your value based on what colleagues or others are earning, so do an audit. What education do they have? What experience? Have they led a renowned project or made valuable contributions to the industry as a whole that makes them valuable? Or, have they won any awards?
Be creative
Money is one thing, but what other benefits will impact your day to day life? A pension contribution, flexible working, stock purchase scheme or health insurance all directly impact your bottom line and provide you with a response should the employer turn down your request for extra financial compensation.
However, before you go in with a list of non-financial benefits, know which ones will actually impact your life and what form they need to take. For example, what level of flexible working is needed to reduce your childcare or commuter costs? And how much return can you expect on company stock: Will it actually add to your yearly compensation?
Know your worth
If your current employer is not willing to upweight your salary to match those of your male colleagues, then it’s time to know your worth and move to a company that will. Many companies have strong policies in place to tackle pay disparity. We’ve selected three below, but be sure to browse the Silicon Canals Job Board to discover all available opportunities.
Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy is committed to making energy greener and fairer, and was recently voted Europe’s best-funded green tech start-up and one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work UK for 2022. Funded by Generation, the sustainable fund co-chaired by Al Gore, Octopus Energy is currently recruiting for a number of German roles, including Software Engineer and Strategic Financial Analyst. Browse all available roles at Octopus Energy.
UNiDAYS
The discount website has a track record being a “great place to work” while managing over 800 partners across its offering. Currently hiring for a number of roles, UNiDAYS has opportunities for a Reporting Manager, Senior Privacy Counsel and a Senior Director of Marketing in the UK. Explore all available opportunities at UNiDAYS.
Shopify
Ecommerce company Shopify is so committed to having a diverse workplace they have a D&I Team Lead to ensure people from all backgrounds and ethnicities are propelled forward. Shopify is currently recruiting for a variety of London-based roles including Senior Staff Engineer, and Lead Developer. Browse all available roles at Shopify.
