When it comes to getting a pay raise, you'll probably have to ask for it

Core Insights - Employers are often aware that they are underpaying some employees, but many only increase pay when directly asked by the employee or their manager [1] - Pay transparency laws are prompting employees to become more aware of pay disparities, leading to increased inquiries about compensation [2][3] Group 1: Pay Transparency - 16 states and the District of Columbia have enacted mandatory pay transparency laws requiring salary ranges in job postings, with another 10 states introducing related bills [3] - Pay transparency is revealing existing pay inconsistencies rather than creating new issues, as employees notice disparities when comparing their pay to job postings [4] Group 2: Employee Retention and Job Market - A significant number of employers report that unfair pay perceptions are causing talented employees to leave their jobs, with over a quarter of employers acknowledging this trend [5] - The current job market is challenging, leading to a phenomenon where employees are hesitant to complain about pay due to fears of job loss, with many clinging to their positions [6][7] - Pay growth for job-switchers has decreased, with the pay premium for changing employers reaching a record low, and the likelihood of finding a new job has diminished [7]