63% of Gen Z professionals openly discuss salaries in workplaces, survey finds

Research from Robert Walters found 63% of Gen Z professionals aged 18 to 28 were openly discussing their salaries with colleagues.

The research came as the UK Government proposed mandatory salary transparency in job ads.

60% of professionals aged 45 to 61 plus said they would never discuss earnings with colleagues. 

Almost two-fifths (37%) believed salary was too personal a topic.

Among Gen Z, 38% did not feel there were any barriers to discussing salary openly. 

They reported having these conversations with close colleagues or when the conversation was reciprocal.

Daniel Harris, managing director – UK and Ireland at Robert Walters, said: “While policy changes could mandate organisations to disclose salary and reward data publicly, we’re already seeing this practice at play at a grass-roots level. 

“In fact, it’s Gen Z who are increasingly challenging the traditional attitudes of discretion and confidentiality and opting to open up the conversation around salary with colleagues.