Here is why. As stated on Payscale.com – a website sharing validated salary data – most women are in the habit of comparing their salaries to other women’s incomes that tend to be lower than men’s. To that end, they may have a lower sense of entitlement to more money which perpetuates the vicious cycle of disparity. Evidence suggests that the gap is even wider for Black women and Latinas, who are paid 38% and 45% less, respectively, than white men and 21% and 30 % less than white women as stated on LeanIn.org.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
In order to demand higher pay, women have to invest more time into doing research and preparing their case. From Payscale to Salary to Glassdoor, there is a slew of highly reliable resources that could point them in the right direction and remind them about their market value. Armed with these insights, they will be better equipped to bolster their case and walk away with a higher salary. After all, there is nothing more empowering than having the right tools at your disposal and knowing what you are worth.
BUILD YOUR NETWORK
As the saying goes, there is strength in numbers. It means that it might be easier to get what you want when you have a solid network of other successful, supportive, and assertive women on your side. Women can exchange valuable insights, ideas and suggestions and inspire each other to rise higher. It’s not only women helping other women; it is essential that women deepen professional relationships with as many established business professionals as possible across their industry and compare notes.
INVEST IN YOUR CAREER
Sometimes, no matter how good some women are as negotiators, it may not be sufficient to shatter the glass ceiling and get ahead – professionally or financially. In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace, they should find ways to enhance their talents, strengthen their technical skills and build their business acumen. Those with in-demand skills and capabilities may be more empowered to enhance their careers and ask for more money.
KNOW YOUR WORTH
When it comes to assessing their value to the organization, women should realize that working hard may not always be enough. It means they should carefully track their achievements and document their contributions, at all times. Each task, project, or accomplishment counts – no matter how trivial. All these milestones, big or small, keep adding up which should help women build their case and prove their value at work. After all, proof is in the pudding and women should bring crucial evidence to the negotiating table.
UNDERSTAND THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE
Without a doubt, taking the time to understand legal issues pertaining to equal pay is worth the effort. It may be time consuming and a bit intimidating yet instrumental to winning at the negotiating table. For example, in California we have the California Equal Pay Act which requires equal pay among men and women and people of color.
Being knowledgeable in legal issues may invariably position professional women as potent negotiators and help them turn the odds in their favor.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Despite all the remarkable progress, we are all aware that the gender gap still exists and much more needs to be done to address the disparity. The good news is the opportunity to make a change is there and women have the power to break the cycle of undervaluing their work.
Angela Reddock-Wright is an employment attorney and mediator with the Reddock Law Group and Judicate West. She is an expert in negotiations, conflict resolution, DEI, and issues involving women and people of color in the workplace.
