CGI, a major IT sector employer in Finland, has successfully achieved its goal of closing the gender pay gap through its pay equality project. The wage gap between men and women is now only four cents, with a verifiable explanation. This significant reduction was achieved through identifying reasons for wage differences and addressing them through actions such as allocating salary budgets and considering individuals on family leave in salary increases.
The EU recently approved a directive on salary transparency, which will be incorporated into national legislation by 2026. While the ultimate impact on Finland is still uncertain, CGI’s experience highlights the importance of addressing pay gaps in the workplace through transparency, budget allocation, and consideration of factors like family leave in salary decisions.
CGI’s Finnish company began working on closing the gender pay gap over three years ago by engaging in a detailed process of job classification and salary transparency. Initially, the pay gap was about 15 cents, but through diligent efforts, it has been significantly reduced. The company’s HR director, Saara Lindfors, emphasizes that while there are still challenges in achieving pay equality, real action and deliberate efforts can make a difference.
Looking ahead to the future of pay equality discussions in Finland and beyond, CGI’s experience serves as an example of what can be achieved when companies take proactive steps to address wage disparities. As the EU continues to work towards a more equitable society, companies like CGI will play a crucial role in achieving this goal by promoting transparency and fairness in their employment practices.