When looking for a new job, the salary is often the deciding factor as to whether or not to accept an offer. However, money isn’t the only factor to consider in your job search. There are several non-salary benefits to be mindful of. 

Why are these other benefits important? They have the potential to provide you with a more pleasant experience on the job and a greater work-life balance, things that money doesn’t always provide. Before starting your new job search, consider how these benefits can work to your advantage.

1. Remote or Hybrid Schedules

Remote or hybrid working schedules have become more prevalent for many workers whose jobs can be performed offsite. Alternative work schedules are conducive for those with childcare and elder care responsibilities. 

Hybrid and remote work schedules are also popular among workers because it saves them the cost and hassle of commuting to and from the office daily. Working offsite for a few days to the entire workweek has also increased productivity and well-being. 

2. Flexible Schedules 

If remote or hybrid work isn’t possible, then negotiating for flexible working schedules is the next best thing. Depending on the type of position you have within an organization, you might be able to arrange a less structured work schedule. 

Instead of working from a specific start and end time, you could propose working shifts with the start and end times that you choose. You could also ask to work a shorter workweek, such as working four days a week for 10 hours a day. 

3. Starting Date

After you've accepted a job offer, companies give you a date when they’d like you to start. If that date doesn't work for you because of a prior commitment, try to negotiate a new start date that fits your schedule. 

You may need the extra time to relocate to your new job site, take a planned vacation, or make childcare arrangements. Being upfront with your new employer about the reason for a different start date is the best approach. 

4. Cell Phone Allowance 

For jobs that require you to be away from the office, or if you’re working a remote or hybrid job, you may have to use your personal cell phone to make and receive calls. It wouldn’t hurt to ask your future employer to chip in towards your bill. 

If paying a portion of your cell phone bill is a non-starter, then ask them to provide you with a company mobile phone that they cover the costs for. This also allows you to keep your personal cell phone information private. 

5. Relocation Costs

If you receive a job offer that means you have to relocate, ask if the company offers relocation assistance or reimbursement. Relocating from one location to another can cost thousands of dollars, and that includes housing and moving costs. 

Some companies will pay your relocation costs upfront while others will reimburse your out-of-pocket moving costs after you move. Either way, it’ll save you a ton of money you can use on other things.

6. Title

This isn’t a common area of negotiation, but it is a legitimate one, especially if you believe that the title of the job you’re offered doesn’t match your responsibilities. You just have to be cautious not to overreach and ask for too much.

For example, if your future job title indicates you’re a staff member but you have managerial duties, ask if the title can be adjusted to reflect that. It helps if you can back up your request with a rationale and suggestions for an alternate title. 

7. Commuter Benefits

Whether you drive to work, use a car service, or take public transit, it costs money to travel back and forth to work. If you drive, you may have to pay for parking. Commuter costs can quickly add up each week and month. 

If you have a long drive to and from the office, you can ask for mileage reimbursement; the same applies to parking fees. For those taking public transit or a car service, ask if the company offers discounts or partial refunds on those costs.

8. Education Expenses 

Pursuing a degree or taking classes for credit is a worthy endeavor that could help propel you up the corporate ladder. When accepting a job offer, verify what the organization’s policy is towards covering those costs. 

A partial or full refund of your tuition or upfront payment for your courses is possible. If you have student loans that you’re repaying, you might be able to obtain loan forgiveness, especially if your degree is directly connected to your work. 

9. Childcare Expenses

Anyone who has children in daycare knows firsthand how expensive it is. Since having quality childcare directly connects to the ability to work effectively, it’s worth discussing your needs during the negotiation process. 

Organizations may offer onsite daycare or have an arrangement with vetted childcare providers. They may also have programs to partially subsidize the cost of care or reimburse a percentage of the cost for employees.

10. Company Discounts

It’s not unusual for companies to offer employee discounts on their products and services. If there isn’t one offered, ask about receiving discounted pricing for yourself and the immediate members of your family. 

Company discounts have benefits for both you and the organization. Not only does it give you the chance to save money on goods and services, but it’s also a free advertisement for them. It’s an all-around win-win.  

11. Paid Time Off

Vacation, sick, and personal time off are generally offered as part of a full-time employment package. How much of each type of time off you receive and how quickly you’re able to access it depends on the company and might be adjusted.

An increase in time off might be negotiable, especially if you have a need for it due to non-work obligations. You can also request to have access to your paid time off earlier than the standard waiting period.  

12. Business Travel Benefits 

For careers involving airplane travel, ask if you can keep the benefits that come along with it, such as hotel loyalty points or frequent flier miles. If the company allows you to keep those benefits, you can use them for your personal trips. 

Other points of negotiation include booking stays at nicer hotels, upgrading on flights to business class instead of economy class, and other perks such as accessing the airport lounges, priority boarding, preferential baggage handling, and early check-ins.  

13. Office Seating 

When accepting a job offer, you may not think about where you’re going to be seated, but it’s something that’s worth considering. You can ask what type of seating plan is in place. Will you be assigned to work in a cubicle or an office?

Where you’re assigned to sit in an office can make the difference in how productive you are. If you’re seated in a cubicle in a large room of workers, it can be hard to concentrate on your work. Ask for a space that benefits your work. 

14. Retirement Benefits

Employers may have retirement plans in which they’ll match a certain percentage of the amount you contribute to the plan. The type of retirement plans that are offered and the amount that’s matched varies from company to company.

If planning for your retirement is a priority for you, inquire about having a different retirement plan option, or ask for a higher matching rate than the standard one. You can also ask if your account can be fully vested at an earlier date, giving you full ownership over your funds. 

Inspiration Link: