Women unsatisfied with wages paid

With facts and figures about women workers being paid less than their male counterparts, the debate over lack of parity is hottinh up all over the world. Thus, the road for women to be more  demanding in seeking higher wages is being paved now. A recent survey conducted by a top job site Indeed, has indicated that 67 per cent of women employees are going to ask for a pay hike from their employers in 2018 as against 64 per cent men. The survey was conducted across industrial sectors in India in order to gauge their expectations on wage growth in 2018.

According to the survey findings, 93 per cent of the respondents possibly or definitely planned to ask for a pay rise in the coming appraisal cycle for 2018, with women more likely to ask for a rise than men. 

While this is indicative of the fact that most employees are not satisfied with their current level of remuneration, it highlights the fact that more women than men are dissatisfied with their current pay. Interestingly, while 20 per cent of women respondents believed that their male counterparts were being paid more than them, only 9 per cent of men felt that their female peers were being paid less than them. Commenting on the findings of wage expectations survey, Sashi Kumar, MD, Indeed India said, “It is imperative for organisations to ensure that employee expectations are met”.

Alternative benefits are attractive

However, a number of respondents also stated that they would be willing to accept alternative benefits at work in place of a pay rise. Over 60 per cent stated flexible work hours as an alternative to a pay hike, while 47 per cent suggested an increase in annual leave. Close to 40 per cent also cited paid parental leave as a benefit they would prefer, while 63 per cent respondents asked for healthcare benefits instead of a pay rise. Further, over 80 per cent of the respondents agreed that they would consider changing their job in order to secure a pay rise — a majority of them being in the 25-34 age group.   TNS