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7 Things You Can Negotiate at Work Besides Salary
For most of us, our salary is the single most important benefit we seek from work. But sometimes–for tax or other reasons–your employer may be more open to compensating you in other, less-traditional ways. If your company or boss has indicated they cannot give you a raise, here are some other negotiation points.
1. Retirement Benefits
People don’t go around town bragging about their awesome retirement plan, like they might when it comes to their salaries (not me mind you), but retirement benefits from your job might be the single most important factor in determining your post-work quality of life. A 401(k) match or something of the like is free money, and a huge benefit to anybody. Don’t assume a company won’t negotiate your retirement package simply because they have taken salary off the table. Companies could have a myriad of reasons for preferring to put their extra dollars (or stock) into your retirement fund rather than into your salary.
2. Work/Life Balance Benefits
Your employer may be able to offer you work a more flexible work schedule to accomodate you. Many people are now working 10 hours per day for 4 days a week rather than the old standard 8 hour 5 day week. You could also see if working from home one or two days a week is an option. Just be prepared to actually work in your home office and not treat those days as vacation time.
3. Fringe Benefits
I don’t need to belabor this point: there are as many fringe benefits as the imagination allows. If you negotiate mileage monies you didn’t previously receive–then that’s still extra money in your pocket. It’s like in baseball when the announcers say that old cliche: “a walk is as good as a hit.” Extra money is, for the most part, extra money. Sure it’s probably not as good as a raise (just like a walk really isn’t as good as a hit in most instances), but whether they classify those additional monies as “mileage” or “salary” shouldn’t really concern you so long as you increase your bottom line. It should be noted that some fringe benefits–such as increased vacation time–might be even more personally valuable to you than a raise. Please also note that fringe benefits can range from de minimis (gym membership) to substantial (health insurance).
4. Career Advancement
If you cannot negotiate a raise then perhaps you can have the company you work for agree to pay career advancement costs. These costs could include seminars in your field, continuing education classes, books/materials, and even college tuition costs. If you’ve been paying for these expenses without company assistance, then this is a great sneaky way to ask for a raise. An added bonus is that you’ll come across as driven and motivated rather than money-hungry or unmotivated.
5. New Supplies
If your company won’t invest in you then perhaps they’ll invest in themselves. Buying you a newer computer and an ergonomic chair won’t directly put more money in your wallet, but they may help cushion your anger towards your employer.
6. Increased Mentorship
If your employer says your skills are deficient in any way and that’s why you won’t be given a raise, then perhaps turn it around and ask if your employer will play more of a mentorship role. This is a gutsy thing to try, but if you feel you’re in a position to go for it then it’s something to consider. Remember, if they’re citing your work skills, then you may have bigger career worries then whether you’ll get a raise.
7. Just About Anything
Do you really find this answer that shocking? Hasn’t this blog taught you anything? If you want to negotiate different responsibilities at your job–then go for it. If you want to negotiate a parking space, then (within reason) go for it. The key is to make sure you’re going after what’s important to you. If salary is off the table then perhaps a better job title or different job responsibilities will help to fill that void. As is key in any negotiation, make sure you do your homework.
Conclusion
Negotiating with your employer is difficult. In most circumstances, you rely upon this person for your livelihood. At the same time, there is room for creativity. You can negotiate important benefits that do not fall under the rubric of money. Your bosses may even appreciate your creativity and ambition.
What have you negotiated besides salary with one of your employers, past or present?
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Why is it free? Because buying a car is something almost everyone has to do and I strongly believe the process is designed to confuse and take advantage of consumers. I'd like to level the playing field and give everyone a chance at a fair deal.
I think mentorship is really important. It’s one thing your manager will definitely NOT balk and be proud to assist!
Best, Sam
Agree with FS. Mentoring is hugely important, and you don’t get if you don’t ask.
Mentoring, understudies and succession plans in key positions are one aspect of organization life that curiously enough, is haphazardly managed at the place I work. Since it’s a relatively well-managed and efficient company, it could be fair to say that this condition exists at other companies.
I have to say my boss is great about this kind of stuff. She always lets me have time off when I need with no questions. She is also good to others on my team who have had kids. They have been able to change their hours no problem. I think benefits like these and flexibility often outweigh your salary and are much more valuable.
@FS and 101, mentoring is often and underlooked asset. And yeah, I’d wager a guess that succession plans are very difficult to find these days.
@Miss T, in many cases flexiblility can definitely be better than money….at least I’ve been trying to convince my employees of that
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I think most employers are reasonable if your requests are reasonable. But you won’t know till you ask!
You cover some good points here!
MC- Yeah, you never know what you get till you ask!
I stayed at my job for years solely because of the flexible work arrangement. Didn’t really care for the work, but loved the ability to work part time, and work from home. (There definitely wasn’t anything else about that job to brag about, unless being on call and staying up all night to fix computer programs is considered impressive.)
been there with the all night support sessions…sucks!
Beside salary, I will choose the mentorship to negotiate since it can be a good investment in future.