When your coworkers are afraid to tell you how much they make, you might be in trouble. 

In this country, we’re weirdly conditioned to be secretive about money. We’re taught that it’s improper to bring up in polite company. We’re afraid that we might offend someone, come off as braggadocious, materialistic, or complain-y. And sure, there are ways you shouldn’t talk about money. If you know you have more than someone, you shouldn’t rub it in their face. You should never make anyone feel bad about their funds, and if that means keeping your mouth shut, then so be it. But there are just as many situations where it’s beneficial to talk about money. You know this if you’ve ever been around friends who are your age and work in similar fields, and when you start discussing your salary, you realize you’re making a lot less than they are. This can be important data. 

This is even more true around your coworkers. If you know how much they are making, then you can have a clearer idea of where you fall in the ranks, which is ultimately helpful for you. It can give you leverage to ask for more. It can embolden you to look for other jobs. It can give you an idea of just how much you are valued in your place of work. But employers don’t always like that kind of talk… for that reason. Knowledge is power, and if it doesn’t serve you, you might be scared of it.