Know Your Worth in the Workplace

On Aug. 25, YES gathered women from our community who are paving the way for female professionals in Columbus. The Know Your Worth! Equal Pay and Salary Negotiation Fundamentals virtual panel featured Elizabeth Brown, President Pro Tempore of Columbus City Council, Angel Harris, Executive Director of Dress for Success Columbus, Katherine Knapke, Chief Operating Officer of the American Negotiation Institute and Marcy Ungar, Vice President of Human Resources for Hyperion Materials and Technologies. 

As trailblazers and leaders on the subject of asking for what you’re worth, they provided insights into navigating equal pay, salary negotiation and much more. Missed the virtual panel? We’ve recapped key takeaways from these professionals. 

You’re Setting the Stage When You Negotiate
Understanding that negotiation is more than just the salary is the key to success. Negotiation may include the dollar amount you’re paid but it can also encompass 401(k) match, health care benefits, paid time off and even the job title. Marcy recommends always negotiating your salary, regardless if the initial offer meets your standards. This demonstrates leadership qualities that can reap benefits long into your career.

Bias Exists in the Workplace
Elizabeth shared that workplaces should actively work to shed their bias about women. It’s important to note that the pay inequalities still exist between female and male professionals and is even worse for women of color. Hold your company accountable. The Columbus Commitment was created for companies to create gender equality in our workplaces. You can learn more about how your company can join this crucial initiative here. 

Build Your Support Community
Marcy encouraged all of us to build our “personal Board of Directors.” Surround yourself with people who are going to support you and challenge you. Networking will continue to be an important piece of building your community. Additionally, never discount the importance of a mentor and sponsor and why you need both. A mentor can help you build your career vision and advise you. A sponsor is going to advocate for you and give you any active network connections that you may need to achieve your vision.

Skill Up
Be open to stretch assignments or taking on new projects, Angel mentioned. This allows you to grow your expertise and gain new skills that may be applicable in your next career step or promotion. Don’t discount any leadership experience you may have, even if it seems unconventional. It could include volunteer opportunities or the weekly meal plan that you research, create and execute for yourself or family each week. You can find leadership qualities in those experiences.

At YES! Columbus, our mission is to empower women to succeed professionally and economically. Events like the Know Your Worth! panel is part of our ongoing commitment to that mission. YES members receive a free recording of this event. If you are not currently a member and are interested in joining our community for free access to event recordings, discounts and member meetups, click here to learn more and to join today!