Many organisations are grappling with equal pay for equal work and the challenge is not going away. Legislation has been introduced to drive a more equitable distribution of pay. The King IV code also focusses on Fair and Responsible Remuneration and expects that remuneration will be impartial and free from discrimination, while being approved by the appropriate authority and subject to independent oversight.
Shareholders, the media, and equality activists are asking tough questions. Some organisations are struggling to respond. As I reflect on the current state of equal pay for equal work, I have noticed that we sometimes do not have the basics in place to help us address this important issue. There are a few key areas where we need robust policies and processes: job design, job descriptions, job evaluation, and pay ranges. If these are not in place, or not well designed, the striving for equal pay for equal work will be very difficult to achieve.