Talking about pay at work can be tricky, and something most of us haven’t had much practice in. Money is often seen as a private topic, and it’s easy to feel awkward or unsure about bringing it up.
But the truth is, we don’t need to always shy away from talking about pay – and there are ways to get better at it.
We've developed a resource to help you feel more confident having those conversations. We’ve gathered practical tips, real stories, and answers to common questions, so you don’t have to figure it out alone. You’ll find phrases to use, stats to back you up, and advice from other young women who’ve been there.
Check out the guide here:
How the guide was developed
Over 1,300 women across New Zealand shared their views about pay conversations at work – lending the voices of young women to the gender pay gap conversation.
The Let’s Talk Pay Survey was conducted in August 2025 by the YWCA Auckland, with support from the Ministry. The Let’s Talk Pay Survey Report summarises the survey data and focuses on six key insights:
- Confidence in navigating pay-related matters was low.
- Almost one third of respondents had never asked for a pay rise or negotiated their pay – despite wanting to.
- Almost half of the respondents did not feel appropriately involved in decisions about their pay.
- Taboo, secrecy, and fear were commonly cited barriers to talking about pay at work.
- Employers can help reduce these barriers through clear systems, safe spaces, and pay transparency in the workplace.
- Supportive managers can make a big difference to young women’s pay experiences.