Getting a job offer is exciting, but the negotiation is far from over. A paycheck is only part of the picture when it comes to a fulfilling job. Companies today offer a wide range of perks designed to support your health, time, and professional growth. This is your opportunity to ask for the things that make your job better every day. Begin with these 25 examples of negotiable benefits when evaluating your next offer.
1. Signing Bonus
Asking for a signing bonus can give you a financial boost to help you with the transition into your new role. A signing bonus is a one-time lump sum payment that you receive when you sign your employment offer or contract. This extra payment can offset any bonuses that you may forfeit at your current position.
You can negotiate further to include additional tenure-based bonuses. These loyalty bonuses could be paid out annually, with increasing value for staying with the company in the long term.
2. Performance Bonuses
Negotiate for bonuses that are paid out in intervals. Depending on the role and company, these bonuses could be monthly, quarterly, or annually. There is considerable flexibility with this type of bonus, as it can be based on an endless number of metrics. Consider asking for a guaranteed minimum, which provides you with a certain level of security. Ask about potential bonus caps that could limit your earning potential.
3. Equity or Stock Options
If the company is a startup or a new business, it may not have the financial resources to pay up-front bonuses or competitive salaries. Requesting equity or stock options can be a way to mitigate these shortcomings. Similarly, a publicly traded company can be another opportunity to ask for stock options. If the company is successful, equity and stock can grow exponentially, resulting in greater long-term financial benefits than a straight salary.
4. 401(k) Match or Pension Contribution
Plan for your retirement by asking for 401(k) matching or pension contribution assistance. It’s also important to ask when those contributions will become vested so they are yours to keep. When a company matches your retirement contributions, it is like increasing your salary without increasing your tax liabilities. You also have the benefit of time on your side, allowing the contributions to grow through investments.
5. Health Insurance Premiums
If you have a family to care for, a company that assists with health insurance premiums can be beneficial. Some companies will cover all or a portion of their employees’ health insurance premiums. It’s also important to consider the quality of the health insurance provided. For example, ask if it includes dental and vision coverage. If you have specific health needs, ask about the coverage that meets your needs.
6. Company Profit-Sharing
Sometimes a company will encourage its employees to work hard through profit sharing. The company will regularly distribute a portion of the profits to the employees. This is a separate payout from bonuses or other forms of compensation.
7. Paid Time Off (PTO)
While the majority of companies give employees paid time off (PTO), the amount can vary greatly. Negotiate with the company about the amount of PTO you will receive. You could negotiate for increased PTO time the longer you work at the company. You can also negotiate several elements of your awarded PTO.
- When the PTO is awarded
- How PTO accrues
- How much time can you use in a single time
- Rollover or expiring PTO
- Limits on PTO
If a company offers unlimited PTO, clarify what this means. For some companies, this is a valuable benefit. Employees can effectively balance their personal and work lives. For other companies, this means the employees never take vacation time. This results in a toxic work environment where a provided benefit isn’t truly a benefit.
8. Paid Sick Leave
Clarify with the company the amount of paid sick leave they give employees. Confirm that it is separate and different from vacation time or other paid time off. Ask how sick leave is approved and tracked. Some companies have a complicated process and require documentation to approve sick time.
9. Parental Leave
If you have children or plan to have children in the future, negotiate for parental leave. This could be maternity or paternity time off that new parents can take immediately following the birth of their child. Ask about the length, pay rate, and eligibility. Then, ask about the parental leave time parents with children can take off. This time off can be invaluable when your children are sick or have activities that require your presence at home.
10. Education Reimbursement
Many industries require professionals to have a specific educational degree to progress in their careers. A company that invests in its employees will support career growth by supplementing educational pursuits. Ask if the company will pay for or pay a portion of the tuition for courses or certifications. If you have already obtained your degree, you may be eligible for student loan repayment assistance. Some companies will help employees pay down student debt with separate monthly, quarterly, or annual payments.
11. Remote Work Options
Many companies now offer remote work options as a benefit to attract top talent. Ask if the company allows remote or hybrid work. Working from home full-time or part-time can be a huge benefit for some lifestyles. This benefit is also useful for finding work with a company that is too far away to commute to on a regular basis. If your company agrees to hybrid or remote work, you can also ask about the company providing supplies or a supply reimbursement. For example, you will need a desk, chair, computer, and internet service to work from home.
12. Flexible Hours
The traditional 9-5 work schedule isn’t functional for everyone. If your lifestyle requires a different schedule, a company that allows or encourages flexible hours is invaluable. You could request different hours or a four-day work week. Progressive companies that value work/life balance are more likely to offer this benefit.
13. Childcare Support or Onsite Daycare
Professionals who are parents will appreciate the benefits of childcare. Some companies understand that employees perform at their best when they don’t have to worry about their family or personal life. By providing on-site childcare services, parents benefit from reduced commute times and lower childcare costs. Then, they can check on and visit with their children during breaks. This creates better morale for employees.
14. Company Product or Service Discounts
Depending on the company, receiving the company’s product or service for free or at a significant discount could be a significant benefit. Negotiate this benefit into your employment offer. Define what product or service will be provided and at the cost. Have the company agree to a specific time period during which you can enjoy this benefit.
15. Company Car or Car Allowance
For positions that require you to travel or drive, asking for a company car or a car allowance can be beneficial. The company can provide a vehicle for you to use during work hours for work purposes. Alternatively, the company could provide travel reimbursements. This can be a significant benefit, especially as fuel costs rise.
16. Professional Development Budget
Professional development is about more than education. You may have all of the degrees you need, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to learn and grow in your career. Ask potential companies if they provide funds for employees to attend industry conferences, organizational memberships, or coaching. These activities are beneficial for refining skills, gaining deeper knowledge, or increasing your professional network.
17. Office Perks
While office snacks typically aren’t the deciding factor for accepting a position, they can contribute to your job offer analysis. Office perks, such as ergonomic furniture, snacks, and relaxation rooms, contribute to a more enjoyable work environment. These benefits are designed to be enjoyed by all employees, providing a clearer indication of how the company values its staff.
18. Title Negotiation
Having the right title can significantly increase your chances of success when seeking your next position. Certain titles and phrases have industry connotations and meanings. Negotiating for a different title can help you shape how other professionals in your industry see you. For example, supervisor and manager may have different meanings and negotiating for one over the other can create the impression of a more senior role. Having a more prestigious title will make it easier to look for a position that promotes you to the next level of your career or increases your salary.
19. Wellness Stipends or Gym Memberships
Modern companies recognize that healthy employees are more productive and have better morale while at work. To support this, they offer wellness programs or provide benefits that encourage employees to prioritize their physical and mental health. Negotiating for wellness benefits can reduce the cost of living by supplementing your health activities. The company could cover the cost of a gym membership, fitness classes, or a personal trainer. In some instances, the company may even have an on-site gym that employees can use.
20. Mental Health Support
Mental health has gained increased awareness in recent years. When individuals prioritize their mental health, they tend to be more creative, productive, and motivated. This has led companies to offer mental health support to their employees. This can take many forms, from therapy reimbursements to having an in-house counselor. Some companies may be willing to provide mental health vacation time.
21. Pet Care or Insurance
A unique benefit that some companies offer is to provide pet insurance for employees. This insurance coverage helps employees cover the cost of veterinary care for their pets. This type of benefit is perfect for pet lovers. Companies with this type of benefit are typically very pet-friendly, and you may be able to bring your pet to work with you. Companies that offer this perk recognize that having pets in the office can reduce stress and improve employee morale.
22. Corporate Credit Card
If your position requires traveling, entertaining clients, or making purchases, then negotiating for a company credit card is crucial. Having a company card allows you to make and track purchases easily. It also helps you avoid using personal funds for business purposes. A company credit card reduces the amount of administrative paperwork an employee has to prepare, allowing them to focus on their core responsibilities.
23. Charitable Giving Match
Giving back and helping those less fortunate is a priority for some individuals. Negotiating for the company to match charitable giving helps employees support charities that mean the most to them. Some companies will choose the charities for which they will match contributions. If you have a specific charity that you support, you could negotiate for that charity to be one of the officially supported charities by the company. Another possibility is to negotiate for the company to give charitable contributions instead of a bonus to the employee.
24. Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
If volunteering is something you’re passionate about, ask if the company is willing to offer you paid time off to volunteer. Sometimes a company will have a chosen charity that it supports. It may encourage employees to take off a certain number of days per year to volunteer with that charity.
25. Meal Allowance or Free Lunches
Buying lunch every day can become expensive. It can also require a significant amount of time. Providing a meal allowance or free lunches to employees simplifies their daily routine. Provided lunches can be a part of a larger employee wellness program. The lunches provided would be nutritious and delicious.
Negotiate Your Job Offer
Job offers are more than just a salary number. A strong job offer should support your financial goals, lifestyle, and professional development. Signing bonuses, childcare support, education reimbursement, and wellness benefits all contribute to long-term satisfaction. At BOS Staffing, we believe in helping job seekers find positions that match their full potential, not just their salary expectations.
Reach out today to find a role that meets your needs and reflects your values.
