Final answer:
The correct course of action would be to keep the information about the pay raise confidential. Discussing pay rates and raises should be based on formal negotiations with your employer, where you present researched data and start with a higher salary rate while also considering the entire compensation package.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you overhear a conversation about company-wide pay raises while servicing computer equipment, the professional and ethical response would be keep the information confidential. Revealing this information to others could compromise your position and potentially violate company policies or privacy expectations. In the business world, discretion is often valued, especially when dealing with sensitive information. Communication about pay raises is typically a formal process, handled directly by management or human resources departments to ensure equity and to prevent misinformation from spreading within the company.
When you are up for a negotiation about your salary or terms of employment, it is important to present your research and come prepared with data from sources like salary.com to back up your requests. If you feel that you deserve a raise, you should not rely solely on overhearing conversations but rather build a case based on your performance and contributions to the company. During negotiations, it is advisable to start with a higher salary rate, while being open to flexibility depending on the employer's counter-offer and the overall compensation package including benefits.