Grazia's recent survey into the modern woman's attitude in the workplace was certainly an eye opener.
While many women reported feeling more ambitious, the findings revealed that we still have a long way to go on the road to equal pay.
Despite 60% of women saying they are underpaid in their current role - with 57% believing their male colleagues are paid more - over half of women (52%) have never asked for a pay rise.
Something just doesn't add up here. It's all well and good having a discussion over equal pay, but what is the point if us gals aren't willing to stick up for ourselves and ask for what we deserve?
HuffPost editor-in-chief Carla Buzasi discussed the issue on ITV's Lorraine earlier this week.
"I was flabbergasted to hear that such a huge percentage had never asked for a pay rise or promotion, especially given the high number who feel they deserve it," she said. "There are many reasons why the wage gap still exists between men and women; that women were too afraid to ask for a pay increase shouldn't be one of them."
She added: "Women being ambitious is definitely something to be celebrated, so it's great to hear there are so many females passionate about getting ahead in the work place - but women need to become more confident about asking for what they deserve."
Annie Ashdown, HuffPost UK blogger and international author of bestseller ‘The Confidence Factor': 7 Secrets of Successful People, says that part of the problem lies in expectations around the female character.
"Sadly it is seen as socially acceptable for men to be assertive but not acceptable for women," explains
"In order to ask for a pay rise or promotion it’s essential to point out talents, abilities and skills - however many women were taught by their parents that doing so was showing off. As a result many women are reluctant to play up their strengths and are often passed over for promotion."
HuffPost UK Lifestyle are of the firm belief that 'if you don't ask, you don't get'. So we asked Annie to give us some top tips for women looking to ask for a pay rise (and/or) promotion:
- Practise, prepare, plan
- Spend time gathering facts and figures on salary trends in your field.
- Note down all your accomplishments from the past 6 -12 months and collate emails or notes of praise you've received for your work, so you can demonstrate the value you bring to the company.
- Ask for a face to face meeting stating it is to discuss your development.
- Take a list of clear goals to the meeting illustrating what your plans are to add value to the company in the next year.
- Daily for 7 days + take 5 minutes before sleep each night to visualise your ideal outcome, feel it, sense, it and step into it saying over and over ‘I can and I will’.
- On the morning of the meeting, upon awaking set your alarm for 5 minutes, breathing slowly and say ‘I am more than enough’ as a mantra.
Nicci Roscoe, Confidence, Self-Esteem & Image Expert, says that it is important not to give up, even in the face of rejection.
Writing in a recent HuffPost UK blog, she says: "If you ask for a pay rise and you get a 'yes' that is fabulous. If you are told 'no' then ask why and when will you be considered for one? Never take 'no' as final answer. If may be a few months down the line until you get the results you want but never give up."