ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

TikToker Aydan Al-Saad Wants Gen Z to Talk Openly About Salaries; Here's why That Matters

Embark on Aydan Al-Saad's wage transparency revolution, dismantling income taboos and sparking conversations to bridge the pay gap.
PUBLISHED JAN 6, 2024
TikTok | Getty Images
TikTok | Getty Images

In the bustling streets of Cardiff, plasterer Macaulay Preece found himself unexpectedly sharing his annual earnings with TikTok influencer Aydan Al-Saad. This encounter was no ordinary exchange but part of Al-Saad's mission to remove the cloak of secrecy surrounding salaries and to talk about income transparency. Through his viral videos, the TikToker seeks to encourage transparency around earnings, believing it to be a crucial step towards achieving equal pay.

Pexels | Photo by Pixabay
Pexels | Photo by Pixabay

Al-Saad approached Macaulay Preece, a 23-year-old plasterer, and popped the question about his earnings that many would shy away from. In a surprisingly candid response, Macaulay revealed that he could make anything between $6,300 to $25,200 a year, depending on the job or contracts, and that clarity was what Al-Saad was hoping for.

Aydan's approach aligns with a growing trend among the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, who are more inclined to share salary information. According to a 2022 YouGov survey, 42% of Gen Z in the US have willingly shared their income details, fostering a culture of openness that can empower individuals in their professional journey.

Pexels | Photo by Ksenia Chernaya
Pexels | Photo by Ksenia Chernaya

While Al-Saad's street interviews garner millions of views, the push for pay transparency is not limited to social media. Companies like tech firm Rock are embracing the concept by creating a pay transparency "wall." Its founder Rob Dance believes that transparency empowers employees, providing them with a clear understanding of their position and potential for growth. Rob Dance expressed, "It's more than a policy, it's a commitment to fairness and equity in the workplace." This commitment extends beyond Rock's internal practices, as the company plans to publish all roles and salary bands.

Pexels | Photo by Ruslan Burlaka
Pexels | Photo by Ruslan Burlaka

Among individuals from diverse professions who shared their earnings and perspectives, was Sara Redwood, a food bank administrator, who emphasized the value of meaningful work. She stated that her net pay last month was $1700, and she sleeps peacefully knowing she isn't doing anything against her values. On the other hand, Paul Davies, a bus driver with 22 years of experience, challenged the fairness of his $37,800 annual wage, considering the responsibilities and challenges bus drivers face. Nasrah Asghar, an audiologist, highlighted the rewarding nature of her commission-based job, where annual earnings can reach $63,000.

Al-Saad believes that the reluctance to discuss money has contributed to an unhealthy relationship with finances since money is seen as a taboo. His street conversations aim to dismantle this taboo, allowing individuals to assess if they are being compensated fairly.

Pexels | Photo by Lê Minh
Pexels | Photo by Lê Minh

Beyond individual revelations, Al-Saad's mission also addresses broader societal issues. The gender pay gap remains a persistent problem, with the Fawcett Society projecting that it won't close until 2051. The CEO of the Fawcett Society advocates for pay transparency as a crucial step in empowering women to challenge unequal pay. Al-Saad's own journey began as a response to witnessing gender and race pay gaps during his HR career, and his unconventional approach to breaking wage taboos is more than just a series of viral videos. It's a movement towards openness, equality, and empowering individuals to know their worth. Aydan continues to spark conversations on the streets, one revelation at a time, as he hopes to inspire change and challenge the norms that keep pay figures hidden in the shadows.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
While all the Sharks were out, Mark Cuban saw the potential in "Garage Celebrations."
7 hours ago
The loss was ironic as the retired teacher coulnd't get a phrase commonly used in classrooms.
9 hours ago
The recalls were issued for a range of products including tires, air conditioners and power banks.
10 hours ago
The guest who got the item as a gift from a neighbor had little to no idea about its significance.
12 hours ago
Harrison got a good deal for the fossil although it wasn't what he had thought.
1 day ago
The player, Beth Barbee left everyone in the dust with her impressive puzzle solving skills.
1 day ago
Given her celebrity status, Harrison cut her some slack in the negotiations.
1 day ago
The deal ultimately fell apart as the seller, Scotty was looking to get $375,000.
2 days ago
The guest was blown away by the six-figure appraisal for his father's John Falter illustration.
2 days ago
Harvey just couldn't believe that the contestant could come up with an answer like that.
3 days ago
Antoinette's win was even more special because she needed a car more than anything at that point.
3 days ago
The player, Catrice Sandt, nearly blew the Bonus Round puzzle by saying too many words in the end.
4 days ago
The co-founders of Nature's Wild Berry left the Sharks in shock with their miraculous product.
4 days ago
The contestant named Whitney could barely control her emotions as she celebrated with Ryan Seacrest.
4 days ago
The player named Kathy Young missed out on the Showcase Showdown as she had to leave.
5 days ago
Harrison closed a mega deal by scooping up three post cards for the price of one.
5 days ago
The guest who brought his father's prized possesion, had already made up his mind.
5 days ago
Harvey got a genius solution to avoid asking an awkward question to Carson Kressley's family member.
6 days ago
The player could barely control her excitement as she had a near-perfect game on the show.
6 days ago
Harrison knew it was too good of a collection to let go, and he decided to raise the stakes.
7 days ago