The pandemic changed how many companies view remote work. As the talent pool expanded, it meant businesses had to be concerned about where their employees are working as much as how they are working. Complying with state laws can make it more difficult to hire out-of-state talent. The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (EPEW), a Colorado law that cracks down on wage discrimination, has employers concerned about hiring workers from the Centennial State.
What is the EPEW?
The EPEW took effect on January 1 and the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act applies to businesses with at least one employee in Colorado. The EPEW outlines steps to help businesses achieve gender pay equity. Employers must disclose compensation and benefits in “each posting for each job.” The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment issued this Interpretive Notice & Formal Opinion (INFO #9) to help employers comply. However, rather than simply list salary and benefits in job postings, many employers are simply refusing to consider candidates from Colorado.
Are jobs really excluding candidates from Colorado?
ColoradoExcluded is a website created by Aaron Batilo to track companies that are refusing to post salary ranges to avoid violating the EPEW. IBM, Hallmark, and Shutterfly are just 3 well-known companies on the list that have job listings that exclude Colorado employees. While some of these companies may have updated their listings now, it’s worth examining whether your job listings would meet the standards of the EPEW, regardless of where the job will be done.
Employers, just post a salary range already
Posting salary range filters out those professionals who might decline an offer that was too low. You and job applicants can focus on the interview instead of worrying about the financial aspect of the arrangement. Let’s face it – regardless of what people say they want out of their career – many are in it for the salary, though your success is not defined by the money you make. Sharing salary ranges can ensure fair pay for new hires just as much as veterans in a field.
Take that detail out of consideration by posting the salary range. We could all use a little more trust these days.
