Gen Z shakes up salary talk at work

[Naman]

One of the Gen Z lads at my office recently treated his team for hitting the six‑figure mark. He openly talked about his current CTC and what he hopes to earn next year.

The senior folks still frown on such talks, which is understandable – they're just waking up to how they've been stuck on low pay for ages. Even Gen Z folks in HR are joining the conversation. HR keeps saying that open salary talk creates discord, but the Gen Z crowd is pushing back. Can we have a harmonious workplace while being transparent about pay? Why should team bonding be tied to keeping salary numbers under wraps? Shouldn't companies work towards harmony by gradually closing pay gaps and being transparent?

I'm not sure what to make of it, but the Gen Z push against a stale culture feels like a breath of fresh air.

[Siddharth]

I'd rather end my life than discuss salary, that's how I feel.

[Yamini]

Glad to see Gen Z landing jobs even in this tough market.

[Chandni]

When I was a fresher, I casually told a senior colleague about the hike I got and the market range. The next day I was summoned by my manager, department head and senior HR, given a warning. Since I was already on notice, they let me go without any formal warning, saying a formal warning would scar my record. So be careful – you never know who might take offence.

[Omkar]

I agree, it's great to see Gen Z pushing back against toxic corporate culture. While salary talk shouldn't be the first thing on the agenda, it also shouldn't be banned. Companies prefer we keep it quiet so they can manage things their way in the long run.

[Mahima]

Gen Z thinks they're privileged, that's why. Stop the attitude, Gen Z.

[Larry]

No two employees are equally productive, so why should their pay be the same? If you think you're doing something unique, think again – you might see why salary talks are frowned upon.

[Sonal]

Sounds like a made‑up story – no firm would hire like that unless you're a genius and the only one who can do the job. What's the actual productivity of Gen Z? What value have they added to companies that take them on? These are the folks who'll be the first to go when layoffs hit.