The Case for Posting Salaries in Job Ads

A local employer recently published their job ads, which were automatically picked up and promoted through our job board aggregator. Hours later, we received five different inquiries related to compensation information for these jobs. We also shared the postings with an ideal employee candidate who said they wouldn’t even look at them if they did not include salary information.

The majority of job seekers now expect to find compensation information in job postings. Soon, our Ontario government will expect to too.

The legal landscape in Ontario

The Working for Workers Four Act 2024 (Bill 149) has reached “Royal Assent” which means that legislative changes and their requirements, which include pay transparency in Ontario, have been adopted by our House of Parliament. Details are available here, in the Compensation Range Section, 8.2.

Some provisions of the Act are already in force and others will be in force three months following Royal Assent (June 21, 2024).

The power of transparency

Knowledge is power. When job seekers have access to clear and upfront information about the compensation offered for a position, they’re better equipped to make informed decisions about their careers. It removes the guesswork, reduces uncertainty, and allows candidates to assess whether a job aligns with their financial needs and aspirations.

Transparency also fosters trust between employers and job seekers. It signals a commitment to openness, signaling that an organization values fairness in its practices. This can have a positive impact on employer branding, helping to attract top talent who are drawn to organizations that prioritize honesty and integrity.

It’s not only in the best interest of job seekers but also benefits employers in several ways:

• Efficiency: Including salary information upfront can streamline the hiring process and save time.
• Equity: Transparency helps combat wage gaps and promotes pay equity by ensuring candidates can negotiate from a position of knowledge.
• Competitive advantage: Employers can gain a competitive edge in the talent market (which largely still favours the job seeker).
  
  

Leading by example

While the practice of posting salaries in job postings may not yet be widespread, there are more and more notable examples of employers who have embraced this approach.

As Ontario’s workforce continues to evolve, the case for posting salaries in job listings becomes increasingly compelling. By championing transparency, organizations can foster trust, attract top talent, and build a more equitable and inclusive workplace. While it may take time for the general public to understand the legislative changes, employers have the opportunity to lead by example and embrace salary transparency as a best practice in recruitment. In doing so, they not only empower job seekers but also set the stage for a more transparent and thriving labor market in Ontario.