Gemotions

The email sat in the unread pile, a digital Post-it note of potential annoyance. Mark knew it was from HR; the subject line, “Salary Transparency Initiative,” was a dead giveaway. He clicked it open, a slight sigh escaping his lips. He'd seen this coming.

His eyes scanned the document, the usual jargon about fairness and open communication washing over him. Then, the table. He saw the junior associate, Sarah’s, salary. A number that was…higher than his. He blinked once, then twice, then just closed the tab. His coffee was getting cold.

He went back to his spreadsheet, the colors and numbers swimming into focus. The deadline for the Q3 report was looming, and at least that needed his immediate attention. He ran his hand through his hair, a gesture that felt more out of habit than anything else.