The wage inequality is one of the most talked about issues in the workplace right now. There are opposing views on the controversy as well.
According to Romper, even though it's already 2016, the gender pay gap still surprisingly exists. American women still face the reality of wage inequality not only in the workplace but with society as a whole.
It was noted that women make only about 79 cents for every dollar that men make. The gap is worse for minority women, who earn as low as 54 cents of what men are paid.
Some might think that the 21-cent gap is insignificant and unsubstantial but it does make a difference to women and their families. The publication shared four tips on how to address the issue.
1. Encourage women to speak up. Studies have shown that women actually ask for lesser pay than their male counterparts. It's time to change that. Be frank with employers and ask for what you think you are worth.
2. Fight for the Paycheck Fairness Act. This is a bill aimed to improve the outdated Equal Pay Act. It will create incentives for employers to obey the law and empower women to negotiate for equal pay.
3. Educate leaders. Those in top management should be educated and aware of conscious and unconscious gender discrimination. This way, they will be able to address and understand the benefits of diversity and gender equality in business.
4. Discuss the issue with men. Although women are the ones most affected by the gender pay gap problem, men also face stereotypes until now. They can also help with the cause and may come up with valuable solutions for it.
According to the Chicago Business Journal, employers should help wherever they can. "There's new research that shows 20 percent of HR professionals know there is a gender pay gap in their company, but they're not doing anything about it because they don't own the budget," negotiation expert Katie Donovan said.
"HR thinks the managers own the budget, and the managers think HR owns the politics of it and someone's just got to act. If you see it, fix it. And as a manager, that's our job. Make sure your employees have the resources to be successful at their job."
