Wage Gap

Definition

The difference in average earnings between demographic groups (typically analyzed by gender, race, or other protected classes). It's the statistical evidence that equal pay laws often aren't as equal as advertised.

Example Usage

Our pay equity audit revealed a 12% wage gap between men and women in similar roles—time to fix that.

Origin

Concept formalized in economic research from the 1950s+

Fun Fact

As of 2023, women in the U.S. earn approximately 84 cents for every dollar men earn, though this varies dramatically by race.

Source: Labor Economics and Equal Employment Opportunity Studies

Related Terms

Beginner

Comp and Benefits (C&B)

The department responsible for managing salaries, bonuses, health insurance, and all the perks that make you feel almost adequately paid for your work.

👥 Human Resources

Beginner

EAP

Employee Assistance Program—a confidential service offering counseling, legal advice, and wellness resources, theoretically showing the company cares about your mental health while spending minimal money on actual support. The corporate equivalent of thoughts and prayers.

👥 Human Resources

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requisition

The formal request to hire for an open position, requiring approval from multiple levels of management. The bureaucratic hurdle between 'we need someone' and actually posting a job.

👥 Human Resources

Beginner

orientation

The initial introduction of new employees to company policies, culture, and logistics—where the bathrooms are, how to submit timesheets, and why Carol from accounting gets territorial about the microwave. It's everything you need to know to not embarrass yourself on day one.

👥 Human Resources

Beginner