Why Do You Keep Your Salary Secret?

The reason most private companies keep payroll secret is two-fold. One, to protect the privacy of (many) individuals who would not want it made public. Two, to try to avoid the inevitable morale damage that occurs when I find out John is making a little more than I am (and I'm not that impressed with what I know of John's performance.)

I know wherein I speak. I was a controller for 20 years in a manufacturing company with hundreds of employees. I kept the pay stuff secret. I and very few others had the salary PR info and I had to keep my own emotions in check about the people who were paid more than me. If everyone had known what I knew, it would have been a grumpy bunch. After all there's only one "highest."

Daniel David of NM 8:39PM July 24, 2008