Closing the Gap: Addressing Gender Pay Disparities and Remote Work Taxation, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article examines persistent gender pay gaps across industries and job levels and provides recommendations for organizational leaders to promote equitable compensation practices and work environments. Extensive research reveals unexplained pay disparities remain between women, particularly women of color, and white men even after controlling for factors like occupation, education and experience. The shift to remote work during the pandemic also inadvertently caused higher taxes for some women working from home. To address these issues, the article recommends evidence-based strategies for leaders such as conducting pay equity audits; ensuring transparent, objective compensation processes; banning pay secrecy; supporting caregiving; addressing remote work taxation; collecting demographic pay data; and promoting women and minorities into senior roles and fields like STEM where they are underrepresented. Tailoring these approaches within industries like technology, healthcare, education and government can advance equity and inclusion, as closing gender pay gaps requires ongoing commitment across all sectors to achieve truly just workplaces.