In negotiating new employment or a raise or bonus, most employees think about how much will I be paid. While all employees would like to receive a large compensation package, or a significant raise or bonus, that doesn’t always happen. The reasons vary. However, some employers who are not willing to increase your salary or give you a bonus, may be willing to offer you other perks or benefits that would be beneficial to you, your family and your life.
Here are some examples of items that employees have asked for and received or are simply offered by some employers:
· Work from home arrangements
· Flexible work hours
· Unlimited vacation
· Medical, dental and vision coverage
· 401K matching contributions
· Student loan reimbursement
· Payments for train and/or Metro-cards
· EZ-Pass reimbursement or reimbursement for tolls
· Gym membership
· Extended (paid or unpaid) maternity or paternity leave
· Life coaching services
· Laundry services
· Travel stipend or discounts
· Car service
· Passes to amusement parks
· Payment for egg freezing or IVF
· Admission to sport events
· Time off to attend school and/or tuition reimbursement
The list above is not exclusive, but a sampling of negotiation points. Many companies offer or may be willing to extend these types of benefits in an effort to attract and retain employees.
Employees should determine what benefits/perks would make them happier at the workplace so that they can request those items in their next compensation meeting.
Employees should keep in mind that there is a right way to request such benefits and that employers are more likely to offer additional benefits/perks to employees who have proven their value.
Employers offer such benefits/perks in an effort to keep its employees positive and productive and to avoid employees from being disgruntled and distracted at work.
For employees, many of the above perks, are another way to alleviate some of their daily life burdens and to increase their compensation.