5 ways expat women in Czechia can advocate for equal pay

• Czech women surpass men in tertiary education by 6 percent, yet this doesn’t lead to improved remuneration. The wage gap widens to 25 percent among university-educated individuals.
• Noticeable wage gap variations exist across age groups, with the most notable (at 23.7 percent) found between ages 45 and 49. This is when many women re-enter the workforce post-parental leave, handling increased household responsibilities.
• The most significant differences remain between the managers’ and legislators’ sectors. Men outnumber women and earn over CZK 16,000 more per month, according to 2022 median income data.
• Specialists, encompassing medical and teaching roles where women dominate, also witness a substantial gap of CZK 11,940 disadvantaging women.

Initiate a discussion with your boss: If you suspect unequal pay, start by having a conversation with your supervisor. Avoid pressure and ask questions about the company’s reward system, the basis for employee remuneration, and how you can achieve higher wages. Follow up via email to create a written record that can serve as evidence. If issues persist, involve the HR department or higher management. If evidence of unfair remuneration exists, consider consulting an ombudsman or lawyer.
Seek assistance from state organizations: On the state level, seek help from organizations such as the State Work Inspection (Státní inspekce práce), which can initiate company investigations. You can remain anonymous or reveal your identity. The Ombudsman’s office, known for neutrality and equal treatment, is another avenue for assistance. Additionally, organizations like Rovná odměna offer consulting services.
Utilize resources to assess Your salary: Various resources can help determine if you receive fair compensation. Research published by HR/business consultants, statistics from the Czech Statistical Office, and job offers on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights. Utilizing the wage calculator on the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs website is another effective method.
Negotiate salary during appropriate times: Optimal times to request a raise in Czechia include annual evaluations, where accomplishments and future goals are discussed. Be prepared to articulate your contributions and successes. Another opportune moment is during a promotion when new responsibilities may warrant a salary re-evaluation.
Research company values before joining: Ensure the organization values equality before accepting a job. Check online references on platforms like LinkedIn or Atmoskop, a service for anonymous feedback. Seek input from people who may have worked in the company, but be mindful of subjectivity. Many companies declare their values, diversity, equality, and inclusion statements on their websites, while others have become Equal-Salary Certified.