Living Wage

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Living Wage'

A theoretical wage level that allows the earner to afford adequate shelter, food and the other necessities of life. The living wage should be substantial enough to ensure that no more than 30% of it needs to be spent on housing. The goal of the living wage is to allow employees to earn enough income for a satisfactory standard of living.

Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Living Wage'

There are supporters and critics of the idea of a living wage and its effects on the economy. The critics argue that implementing a living wage establishes a wage floor, which will harm the economy. They believe that companies will choose not to hire the same number of employees at such high levels of pay. This creates higher unemployment, resulting in deadweight loss, as people who would work for less than a living wage are no longer offered employment.

Supporters of the living wage, on the other hand, argue that benefiting employees will also help the company.  If employees are more satisfied earning a living wage, there will be less employment turnover.  This reduces expensive recruitment and training costs for the firm. They also argue that the higher wage will boost morale. Employees with high morale are expected to have higher productivity, allowing the company to benefit from increased worker output.

Sign Up For Term of the Day!

Try Our Stock Simulator!

Test your trading skills!

Related Definitions

  1. Deadweight Loss

    The costs to ...
  2. Microeconomics

    The branch of ...
  3. Floor

    The lowest ...
  4. Frictional Unemployment

    Unemployment ...
  5. Limited Government

    A political ...
  6. Sticky Wage Theory

    An economic ...
  7. Minimum Wage

    The minimum ...
  8. National Average Wage Index - NAWI

    An index ...
  9. Golden Bungee

    A juicy ...
  10. Golden Boot

    An inducement or ...

Articles Of Interest

  1. The Minimum Wage: Does It Matter?

    Despite paying one of the highest minimum wages in the world, the minimum wage is a perpetual hot potato among politicians in the United States.
  2. Unions: Do They Help Or Hurt Workers?

    Learn the pros and cons of these organizations and how they fit into today's economy.
  3. Examining The Phillips Curve

    This model depicts an inverse relationship between unemployment and wage inflation, but is it accurate?
  4. Economic Indicators To Know

    The economy has a large impact on the market. Learn how to interpret the most important reports.
  5. 5 Common Misconceptions About ETFs

    The rise in these funds' popularity has contributed to misinformation about what they are and how they work. Learn more here.
  6. Introduction To Employee Stock Purchase Plans

    ESPPs offer a very straightforward method of allowing employees to participate in the overall profitability of their employers.
  7. Introduction To Incentive Stock Options

    Here are some basic highlights of how ISOs work and the ways they can be used.
  8. Beware Of Company Stock In Qualified Plans

    While this strategy does have a few advantages, it can also pose some substantial risks to employees.
  9. Introduction To Phantom Stock And SARs

    Phantom stock and stock appreciation rights reward employees with compensation tied to stock performance.
  10. The Layoff Payoff: A Severance Package

    If you must leave your job, go out fighting for the best benefits you can get.

comments powered by Disqus
Recommended
Loading, please wait...
Trading Center