When it comes to your salary, workplace culture entails that you do not share it with any of your coworkers.
But what if you wanted to know whether or not you’re being underpaid? How do you breach a subject that is often considered taboo?
Well fret not. Malaysian photographer, Prestine, took it into her own hands to create a platform where Malaysians can share how much they are earning anonymously.
The Instagram page called @malaysianpaygap works by people direct messaging it with information such as their current salary, age, race, gender, job position, years of experience, and anything they wish to share about anything job-related.
Prestine told WORLD OF BUZZ that the project’s purpose is to ensure that there is respect for all job roles in society.
“While I recognise that the employer is not entirely to blame, I want everyone to be aware that upskilling and self-improvement are always important. An ecosystem with fair leadership and competent employees makes for a happy and healthy workplace.”
Inspiration behind the page
Prestine told us that the idea came about as she frequently encountered new clients who would often request dirt cheap rates for her services.
“It was as if there is no such thing as ‘market pricing’ in the industry. When I contacted my photography pals, all but one were happy to share their fees.”
“That was perplexing to learn since they failed to recognise that a union is only beneficial for our own kind. It’s critical that we band together and price our minimum worth so that clients can be educated and have realistic expectations,” she added.
She explained that whilst she was pursuing his education, she worked in the gig economy to finance herself.
“I used to frequently share money-making methods on Instagram, but a few people would text to urge me not to reveal too much about my earnings. That struck me as odd once more.”
“For most of us, we are forced to toil away at work while only having one life. Society tells us that your work is your worth. If that’s the case, can we at least compensate fairly and promote a healthier work environment,” she added.
This led her to create the page on Tuesday (22 February). “I had the idea the night before and I was so thrilled about it that I couldn’t sleep properly! The next day, I decided to just jump right in and asked the first person who I thought would be able to understand the initiative, and voilà!”
Surprised by the amount of attention it has received
After the page was shared on other social media platforms such as Twitter, it began to receive tons of followers as well as messages from people wanting to get involved.
“I’m too surprised by the amount of attention it has received. I receive 100+ of direct messages daily, and it’s hard to keep up with posting since it’s just me alone.”
On the future of the project, she said that she will be taking the weekend to reflect on what’s needed for the future and the plan for the page.
“It should not and will not stay as a page purely for expression, it has to lead to real change,” she concluded.
Check out the page here.
Kudos to Prestine for creating an avenue where Malaysians can share and compare their salaries in transparency and openness!
Also read: M’sian Employers Federation: Raising Minimum Wage To RM1,500 Will Derail Economic Recovery
