Money Talks: Comparing Salary Information Takes Co-Workers Out of their Comfort Zone

A global poll conducted by Monster reveals that more than half of those surveyed globally are not comfortable discussing salary with their colleagues. The poll also found that there were big differences between regions with only 25% of US respondents being comfortable discussing what they earn, compared with 43% of European respondents.

"Pay transparency is a hot topic, especially among startups. But it's clear that many workers are just as uncomfortable with the notion as their bosses are,” said Mary Ellen Slayter, Career Advice Expert for Monster.com. "For most people, the best strategy is to focus on yourself and your own career path and growth, instead of trying to compete with everybody else. Of course, the best time to discuss salary is when you’re negotiating a raise.”

Monster, the worldwide leader in successfully connecting people to job opportunities and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: MWW) asked visitors to their site the question, "In your current or most recent job, how comfortable were you discussing what you earn with your colleagues (e.g., salary, vacation, sick time, bonuses, etc)?” and received over 3,000 responses. International findings included:

• Very comfortable – 18%
• Often comfortable – 14%
• Somewhat comfortable – 13%
• Seldom comfortable – 20%
• Never comfortable – 35%

Respondents by country vary significantly when asked if they were comfortable discussing what they earn with other employees. 63% of US respondents answered they were not comfortable, whereas, only 36% from Germany felt that way. The breakdown of Monster’s top markets is as follows:

The results of the current Monster Global Poll are based on votes cast by Monster visitors from: March 4-18, 2013. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation. The Monster Global poll, a product of Monster, the premier global online employment solution and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc., is a series of online polls that gauge users’ opinions on a variety of topics relating to careers, the economy and the workplace. These polls are not scientific and reflect the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate.

For tips on negotiating your salary, please visit: MonsterWorking.com.

About Monster

Monster is the worldwide leader in successfully connecting people to job opportunities. From the web, to mobile to BeKnown® on Facebook and Monster.com, Monster helps companies find people with customized solutions, using the world’s most advanced technology to match the right person to the right job. With a local presence in more than 40 countries, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. To learn more about Monster's industry-leading products and services, visit www.monster.com. More company information is available at http://about-monster.com/.