What should I do if co-workers who are with less responsibilities earn more than I do?

Question

As a manager at a health coverage company I have more responsibilities than a non-manager and also have a small staff to supervise. But I just learned (through a budget that was sent to me accidently) that co-workers that are not in management positions earn very close, and in one case, exactly as much as I do. While I value minding my own business, I can't help to feel I am not valued as much as I should be. It actually pisses me off a bit...ok a lot. Should I confront my supervisor about it or just let it be? I DON"T WANT TO GET FIRED. It feels unjust.

More info: I have been here longer than individuals earning more and feel I should be earning more. I am salary, where others are not, and am expected to work more than 40 hours week and even take work home to get it completed wihtout OT. I bring revenue into the company, the others don't, AND I did not ask to see the document with salaries, it was sent to me, I opened and discovered salaries. Bitter sweet because, true, it is very uncomfortable to have this knowledge.

Answer 1

You have to first look at all the intervening variables. And it has a little something to do with you personally; such as, how long have you been in this particular workplace vs. how long have the other employees who make almost what you make. You say you have more responsibilties, how do you handle your workflow and managing your staff? How would you rate yourself? Have you accomplished goals that were set by your supervisor and by you for yourself? Sit down at home and make up a list, decide if you want to stay at your job and ask for more challenging work thereby implying that you are worth more than what you are currently making, or if perhaps you would like to stay with the company and make a move up the ladder towards more income, which invariably means even more responsibility. You cannot divulge to your supervisor that you received this information regarding the budget and salaries. Think about your last performance review, how was it in general and what were some specifics. Some things are to be kept for you and you alone, don't tell anybody at work about the info you have either...that is just privy for us here in Answers on Yahoo. (Yikes, let's hope no one figures this out, how many health coverage companies are there? Maybe 5 big ones?) With the games that are played in corporate US, it didn't have to be a mistake that you received that info, ya dig? It could have been done intentionally with the thought that you would get ticked off...so play it cool, say nothing...forget about feeling unjustly persecuted... So if you want or decide to leave, leave, but don't give them the pleasure of sending you out the door. It's just a job. You are in management, it won't be that difficult to spruce up your resume and get it out there, just to see what's available, while staying on your current job and making nice-nice with the powers-that-be and don't act any differently towards the folks who make as much as you. The minute someone sees that look on your face, they will know it's about money; after you make your list, then the ultimate would be to determine are you going to make more by staying there and having your mouth-poked out and let it effect your morale and productivity and all-around good attitude, or would your ducks have more fun in a different pond. Keep your mouth shut and your options open. Best Wishes !

Answer 2

I don't think a confrontation is the way to go, more like a discussion. Admit to your supervisor that you were inadvertently given access to information that you probably shouldn't have seen, but since you have seen it, you can't help wondering how the company determines salary levels. There may be other factors that you are not seeing (education, experience, nepotism). If you were innocent in getting access to this information, no one can blame you for feeling under-appreciated, so bringing this up shouldn't get you fired. (Maybe whoever sent you the budget should be fired, but that's another issue.)

An alternative approach would be to pretend you know nothing, but just ask your supervisor about your own potential for salary growth. You could point out areas where you have been given increasing responsibility. You could mention how much you love the job, but you need to know what the potential is for future growth.

These conversations are always a bit awkward (for your supervisor as well as for you) but it's better to get things out in the open than for you to just feel resentful.

Answer 3

What really matters is how much ~you~ are being paid. It doesn't matter that others are making as much as you - there are many fields where it's common for managers to make less then their highest performing employees (sales, etc). You should ask Human Resources how employee salaries are determined. Typically companies base salary on a combination of things - market rate for the job, your performance, and your pay relative to your peers (but not your direct reports). Make sure that your company periodically re-adjusts your salary for the market rate. If your firm gives you 4% salary increases each year, but the market has been increasing 10% per year, your company probably owes you a one-time salary adjustment of 10%+. Many firms periodically give these out. So make sure that your company gives market adjustments, then ask what the market rate is for your position and see if you have a case for an increase. I'd suggest working with HR to find out how compensation is determined, then talking to your boss to make sure you are compensated at the market level. If you're a good employee, your boss will likely take your side.

Answer 4

The longer you are at a company, the lower your salary will be.

New people coming in can demand a salary that is $5K -15K higher than their previous job. On the other hand, your annual increases will be 2-3%.

You can ask for a raise, but you would make more money if you left the company and took your experience elsewhere.

Answer 5

First of all, did you agree to work for the salary you were offered when you signed on to work there? If so, then you have nothing to complain about, unless you just want a raise.

Second, since it is incredibly unethical that you would know what your co-workers are earning, I would say, yes, let it go.

Third, since you do know what they are earning, ask yourself if you are still happy with the salary you agreed to...and the job you agreed to...if not, maybe it's time to move on.

I think you are being a little overly sensitive in comparing your worth to others in the company.

Answer 6

NEVER DISCUSS ANYONE'S SALARY BUT YOUR OWN! That is a HUGE no-no. However, you can go to your boss and present your case for a raise. Before you do, ask yourself, are the ones earning close to your salary people who have been there for years, and who should be compensated for their years of experience and company loyalty? I know it's a very uncomfortable feeling, to know other people's salaries, but you may not know the reasons behind why they earn what they do...

Good luck.

Answer 7

i know how you feel .i have been at my job 9 years and i have learned by accident that there's people making the same or very close and they only been there 1 year or they are supervisors that pisses me off cause i work my *** off and these people are lazy but i have also learned they are relatives how does that grab you ? so you know what i now take my time like everyone else cause the more work you do the more they are going to give you and not even a pat on the back or kiss my *** for my good work its not appriciated which is sad cause i like my job but feel like i'm being pushed aside maybe cause i'm from here and dont speak spanish .but what can i do ? if your boss is cool talk to him or her about it , good luck.

Answer 8

for the same pastime? Yeah i may be exceedingly annoyed, somewhat if i know that she isn't working that puzzling. easily that got here approximately to me at my telemarketing pastime 2 summers in the past. by way of fact she grew to become into bragging approximately her paycheck, I questioned why the hell she have been given such severe commissions whilst she got here in overdue, have been given written up, and fairly had any revenues whilst taking very long lunch breaks. She even have been given $one hundred thirty+ extra funds than I did and $70+ extra funds than a co-worker, who i grew to become into gossiping to, did. finally i found out why, yet when I say the respond, i'm advantageous many perfectville living feminist does no longer believe it and can say that it purely happens interior the flicks.

Answer 9

Same education level? In 3 years make more money than people who have been at my office 20 years.

Answer 10

have you ever heard, the more work you do the less money you make and the less work you do the more money you make. if you are in management, then give some of your unconfidential work to your co-workers. if you are managing other people then, just make lite on yourself, get the help from others. remember, you are the manager................