I know this is just an example but why shouldn't employee compensation and benefits be visible to coworkers?

If the knowledge is one-sided, then so is the ability to negotiate. This benefits nobody except the company which already had an advantageous position in negotiations.

“Benefits” info may include protected health info depending on the breadth. Like how much of your deductible you’ve used and how you answered the annual “do you smoke” question.

What benefits an employee is _eligible_ for - sure, no problem with that being public. What they chose and how they’re using them should be protected.

(Imagine finding out a coworker you thought was single is on the spouse+benefits plan!)

Privacy