Indian women tops list, beat US, UK, and Canada when it comes to asking for a salary hike, finds study

In a time when the corporate landscape is undergoing tremendous transformation, women leaders are taking the charge. Taking over industries, they are efficiently displaying their business prowess, overcoming discrimination within corporate environments. However, the gender pay gap, a significant issue tarnishing healthy corporate culture, continues to widen the gender disparity. Nevertheless, contemporary women leaders are actively rejecting such discrepancies and demonstrating assertiveness in negotiating their value.

A recent survey by job site Indeed has revealed a noteworthy trend: Indian women are leading the charge when it comes to requesting salary increases. The 2024 study found that 65% of Indian female professionals reported asking for a raise, surpassing figures from developed countries like the US (51%), France and Germany (50%), and Canada and Great Britain (47% and 45%, respectively).

Here, let's delve into some factors that have contributed to this trend:

Increased awareness

The days of women being reluctant to talk about their pay are long gone. They are becoming more conscious of their rights and values. They are actively investing in top-notch education to land a respectable job. In addition, social media and online forums are also playing a role, fostering discussions about equal pay and providing salary benchmarks for different professions.

Changing workplace dynamics

The Indian workplace is undergoing a transformation. Companies are increasingly recognising the value of diversity and inclusion. This shift has led to women occupying leadership roles in great numbers, creating a more receptive environment to salary negotiations and fair compensation.

Rise in the gig economy

The gig economy, characterised by freelancing and contract working, is expanding in India. As a result, this offers women more flexibility and control over their careers, enabling them to work as per their own terms and set their own standards in terms of compensation.

Economic independence

In an era where financial independence is a powerful motivator, women, armed with knowledge of equal pay rights, can make major contributions to the corporate sphere. Thus, this financial reality not only changes their perspective on earning fair pay but also advocates for their job worth.

According to the Global Gender Pay Gap Report 2024, India, which stands at the 129th rank, has closed 64.1% of its gender gap in 2024. While this regression compared to last year is a positive development, challenges persist. Thus to mitigate these issues from the root, workplace equality is a top priority.

Women: Going above and beyond!

In today's modern era, Indian women taking charge and asking for raises is a significant step towards achieving pay equity. Thus, by promoting supportive workplace environments, organisations can further empower women to negotiate their worth, bridging the gender pay gap. This will not only benefit women but also contribute to a more equitable and diverse workforce, ultimately driving economic growth and development in India.