How Much Do You Make? Soon Everyone Will Know Episode 399

In this episode, Niall asks: Would knowing your co-worker’s salary make the workplace fairer – or just more toxic? The discussion is sparked by the EU’s new directive on pay transparency, which will soon require companies to publish salary ranges for advertised roles and allow employees to request the salary range for their own positions.

This move, aimed at reducing the gender pay gap and promoting fairness, is set to challenge one of Ireland’s last taboos: openly discussing pay. Under the directive, employers will also be banned from asking candidates about their pay history—an effort to prevent lowball offers and empower jobseekers. While many praise the transparency as a step toward equality and negotiating power, critics argue it could lead to resentment, tension, and unnecessary workplace drama.

Callers were split on the issue.

Some welcomed the change, saying salary secrecy allows inequality to flourish unchecked. They argued that transparency would empower employees—especially women and younger workers—and ensure people are being paid fairly for the same work.

Others warned that revealing salaries would sow division, resentment, and jealousy in the workplace. They felt that pay often reflects experience, skills, or negotiation—not just job title—and feared salary comparisons could fuel bitterness instead of cooperation.

Niall concluded by acknowledging the deeply personal nature of salary discussions in Ireland, but noted that greater transparency is now inevitable. Whether it leads to a fairer workplace—or a more fractured one—remains to be seen.