Understanding Open Salary Policies and Their Benefits

Matt Schembari, CEO of Lightforge Games, recently gave a talk at GDC about the benefits of open salary policies. He shared his company's approach to salary transparency and the positive impact it has had on their workplace. Schembari emphasized that the goal of an open salary policy is not to convince everyone to adopt it immediately, but to plant a seed and encourage discussion. After implementing an open salary policy at Lightforge, Schembari reported a significant increase in recruitment, with candidates citing the company's transparency as a major draw. The policy has also led to a more diverse hiring pool, with 42% of applicants identifying as women, transgender, non-binary, or other. Schembari noted that open salary policies can help combat structural inequalities and promote fairness in the workplace. He also acknowledged the challenges of implementing such a policy, including the need for difficult conversations and potential awkwardness. However, he believes that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks and encourages companies to consider adopting open salary policies.