Global Equal Pay

Matt Mullenweg shares his perspective on global compensation, advocating for equal pay regardless of location. He believes this approach is not just fair but represents the future of work, especially in a digital-first environment.

Key Points:

• Equal Pay Philosophy:

  • Same work deserves same pay regardless of location
  • Applies this principle across 90 countries with 750 employees
  • Started implementing this around 2012-2013

• Criticism of Tech Industry Standards:

  • Most big tech companies adjust pay based on location
  • Common justifications include cost of living and local market rates
  • Views this as inconsistent with true equality principles

• Moral Framework:

  • Draws parallel to historical pay discrimination:
    • Gender-based pay gaps
    • Racial pay differences
  • Believes global pay equality is an extension of these same moral principles

• Future of Work Perspective:

  • Value generation is location-independent
  • If someone can provide equal value to customers, they deserve equal compensation
  • Views this as particularly relevant for digital work

• Business Philosophy:

  • Creates competitive advantage against larger tech companies
  • Helps attract overlooked talent globally
  • Enables true remote-first culture where headquarters is "on the internet"

• Impact on Company Culture:

  • Promotes genuine equality beyond "virtue signaling"
  • Creates real opportunities for global talent
  • Ensures remote workers have equal influence and growth potential