By Anthony Patete, JD, MBA
Faculty Member, School of Business at American Public University
For many employees, salary is the largest concern when they change jobs or seek promotion. However, salary is not the only job perk you should negotiate.
If you cannot get the salary you want, then negotiate these perks. You just may get what you ask for and be perceived as a creative, innovative new employee.
- More vacation time or paid time off (PTO)
If you cannot negotiate a raise or higher salary, the next best thing is paid time off or vacation time. Not only does this benefit you, but it benefits the employer as they get a refreshed, energized employee. Often, this is equated with wages as it is taxable, but it is a benefit offered to the employee from the employer.
- Flex time (ability to work from home and at different hours)
Like paid time off, this perk allows you to “make your own hours” while still taking care of loved ones. There is no cost to management and productivity levels are not impacted. Unlike paid time off, management is not concerned with work coverage for that employee to make up any gaps.
- A better official title for your position
Along with job responsibility comes respect. Respect is something that is earned, not demanded. Titles denote respect that has been earned. For example, when was the last time you cancelled an appointment with a freshly minted VP?
- Commuting reimbursement
The saying goes: It is not what you make, but what you spend. If your employer is willing to reimburse you for your traveling expenses to and from work, now you can save that money for a rainy day. The same thought process applies to employer-sponsored healthcare benefits.
- A severance package
Let’s face it; longevity at jobs is a thing of the past. No longer do employees begin and end their career with one employer! The best time to negotiate a severance package is during the honeymoon phase of employment – the job-hiring process. Not only does this convey that you are a forward thinker, but that you take care of your responsibilities.
- Designated office space
Along with a title and the corner office comes a quiet work area and respect. Besides, this perk normally does not cost the employer anything, as there is always unused office space.
- Continued education tuition reimbursement
Not only does more education make an employee more valuable, but many professions today require continuing education. Make this perk part of a performance appraisal. It is an easy accomplishment to check off when you sit down with your boss for your review. Also, continuing education may bring better ideas and processes to the workforce and improve employer profitability.
Compensation of the labor force is always subject to negotiation and is always under review by management. This is often called an economic package (wages and benefits). Compensation takes many forms and includes both wage and non-wage compensation. Given employers’ desires for certainty or predictability in costs, management wants to know the cost of labor, including wages and benefits. If management can reduce costs, increase productivity and insure happy and content employees, then all parties meet their goals and you are likely to be hired. Therefore when negotiating for that new position, do not just think about wages, but consider non-wage perks that save the employer money.
About the Author
Anthony Patete is a faculty member at American Public University in the business school. He has been teaching law and business for more than 12 years online and on campus at various schools, and has been an administrator in post-secondary education. Dr. P, as his students affectionately call him, provides his students with seasoned instruction and career guidance.
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