how to ask for more benefits at work

Ask for more money only when the company is financially stable or successful. If the company typically gives raises at the end of the fiscal year, meet right before that date. Time your request with a recent award or accomplishment so your manager is aware of your performance. Choose a day when your manager is relaxed and less busy.

Full Answer

Should you ask for better benefits if you're already on the job?

"You have more leverage when you're being interviewed and someone falls in love with you as a candidate," says Jamie Latiano Jacobs, the founder of the consulting firm Catalyst Strategy Solutions and former senior vice president of people and culture at Renovate America. If you're already on the job, you can still ask for better benefits.

How do you discuss benefits with a potential employer?

Wait until you have a job offer to discuss employee benefits, either with human resources or the person who is offering you the job. Next, take some time to review the benefit plans so you can make an educated decision based on the benefits information provided by your prospective employer. Review the benefits offered.

How to ask for more hours at work?

Here are some steps to follow to ask for more hours at work: 1. Prove your performance Prove yourself as a good worker. Complete your tasks well, and look for other opportunities to help your coworkers and improve the bottom line of the company.

What questions should I ask about my benefits plan?

In general, there are employee benefits questions you should ask about to ensure that your overall compensation plan is right for you and for your family. Also, ask specific questions based on your needs and on the criteria that are important to you. Does the employee pay for health insurance coverage?

How do I ask my boss for more benefits?

Request a Total Package.[See: 6 Crucial Benefits to Negotiate Besides Salary.]Be Strategic About Timing.Calculate the Value of Your Benefits.[See: 7 Companies With Perks That Will Totally Make You Jealous.]Always Ask for More Money, Too.[See: 10 Things They Don't Tell You About Your First Job.]More items...•

How do I ask for more benefits at a job offer?

Can you negotiate benefits when asking for a raise?Get the timing right. A good time to ask for a raise is during your annual review. ... Set realistic goals. A good time to ask for a raise is during your annual review. ... Determine your negotiable areas. ... Assess the value of the benefits. ... Outline your accomplishments.

Can you negotiate health benefits?

In theory, you could negotiate every part of your employee compensation package, including base salary, bonuses, stock options, health coverage, tuition reimbursement and severance [source: Salary.com].

What benefits should I ask for at work?

To help guide you, here's an overview of 15 common employee perks and benefits you might come across as you look for your next job:Health Insurance. ... Dental and Vision Insurance. ... Flexible Spending Account. ... Life Insurance. ... Disability Insurance. ... 401(k)s. ... Paid Time Off. ... Family and Medical Leave.More items...

What other benefits can I negotiate?

11 Benefits You Should Negotiate Other Than SalaryProfessional development. ... Phone allowance. ... Transportation reimbursement. ... Your title. ... Vacation time. ... Work from home/remote. ... Childcare reimbursement. ... Educational opportunities.More items...•

What benefits should I ask for?

Consider hiring bonuses, vacation time, retirement plans, sick leave, insurance, and other company benefits as open for negotiation as well. If you are planning to go back to school, tuition reimbursement may be just as important as health insurance.

What should I ask for in benefits package?

Questions to Ask About Employee BenefitsDoes the company offer health insurance?Will it cover members or my family as well as myself? ... How much of the premium costs do I have to pay for myself? ... Can I choose different levels of coverage? ... What kind of coverage is there for dental, vision and disability insurance?More items...

Can you ask for more money if you don't need insurance?

It's not tacky to ask for more money and it's not tacky to point out that you've saved the company far more than you're asking for. However, you may not get it. While it makes sense from an absolute total outlay of monies sense, it doesn't necessarily make sense from a budgeting standpoint.

Do employers expect you to negotiate?

But you should know that in almost every case, the company expects you to negotiate and it's in your best interest to give it a shot. In fact, a study by Salary.com found 84% of employers expect job applicants to negotiate salary during the interview stage.

What are the 4 major types of employee benefits?

There are four major types of employee benefits many employers offer: medical insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement plans. Below, we've loosely categorized these types of employee benefits and given a basic definition of each.

How do I ask for salary and benefits?

If you're asking about salary, use the word “compensation” rather than “money and ask for a range rather than a specific number. Likewise, if you want to find out about work-life balance, it may be more useful to approach the topic in terms of “office culture.”

When should I ask about benefits?

Wait until you have a job offer to discuss employee benefits, either with human resources or the person who is offering you the job. Next, take some time to review the benefit plans so you can make an educated decision based on the benefits information provided by your prospective employer.

What to ask for if you have a long commute?

“If you’ll have a long commute, there are plenty of benefits you should consider asking for. For instance, you could request that they provide you with an automobile to use. If they won’t do that, maybe they could add your car to the company insurance policy, cover a certain portion of your automobile expenses, or share the cost of a leased vehicle.” —Michael Rainey, a business instructor at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

What are the benefits of a new hire package?

But a new hire package typically comes with other benefits woven in—many of which are up for negotiation, as well. Paid time off, parental leave, commuter benefits, professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement—the list goes on. There are so many things you can consider when assessing an offer, and understanding the full range ...

What to do if you don't ask for tuition reimbursement?

“If tuition reimbursement for graduate or other programs is important to you, ask about it, and tell the employer why it matters to you. Remember: The worst they can do is say no. But if you don’t ask for it, you’ll never know what the answer is. Plus, if you’ve researched the company to familiarize yourself with their values and understand what benefits they offer, you should be able to make a strong case for yourself.” —Matthew Burr, an HR consultant who previously owned a business

What is non monetary benefit?

“Sometimes, non-monetary benefits can translate into greater value than a simple raise can. For example, negotiating for a more senior-level title or office is an obvious way to create non-monetary value for yourself. Plus, your ability to innovate and create bilateral benefits might impress the prospective employer, as well.” —Michael Rainey

Can you ask about stock options?

“You can always ask about stock options or other long-term incentives if you’re at the management level. Many companies reserve some of these benefits for certain levels, but it never hurts to ask if it hasn’t come up.” —Tiffani Murray

Is it reasonable to work from home?

“Working from home is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s a completely reasonable ask for most jobs . Just be sure to negotiate for it appropriately. Don’t just drop in out of nowhere and ask your boss if you can work from home every Friday; make the ask after you’ve finished a great project, or frame it in a way that benefits the company.

Can you negotiate a sign on bonus?

You can negotiate for a sign-on bonus or relocation bonus when you first accept an offer, and you can also negotiate for other kinds of bonuses—ones you earn if you excel at your job.” —Claire Bissot, the managing director of HR services at the financial services and business consulting firm CBIZ. 17.

How long can you have health insurance after leaving a job?

Employer-provided insurance plans can have waiting periods of up to 90 days. 4  So, if you're leaving one job for another, you may need interim coverage. If you’re leaving a covered employer, you can opt to continue your health care coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).

Is a salary enough to pay for an employee benefit plan?

A great salary isn't always going to be enough to compensate for an employee benefit plan that doesn't offer what you need. In general, there are employee benefits questions you should ask about to ensure that your overall compensation plan is right for you and for your family. Also, ask specific questions based on your needs and on ...

What to ask your employer for commuting?

If you have a long commute, you can ask your employer to assist with your commuting costs. For example, you can ask for toll, parking, gas or mileage reimbursement if you drive. If your position involves a lot of travel, a company car might be something you can request.

Why are benefits important?

Benefits are important because they answer personal needs and therefore increase your job satisfaction. They can improve your mood and motivation. You might find your position more gratifying when, for instance, your schedule is in harmony with your lifestyle or when you receive incentives that motivate you.

What is the difference between a retirement plan and a pension plan?

The difference between a retirement plan and a pension plan is that the employee pays for the retirement plan. In contrast, it is the employer who subsidizes the pension plan. You can ask your employer what type of plan they provide and how much they will contribute. The most common retirement plan is the 401 (k).

How long does an interim health insurance plan last?

For example, you should know when your plan takes effect so that you can subscribe to an interim plan during the waiting period that can last up to 90 days.

What are some examples of health benefits?

Some companies offer these benefits to encourage you to get better health habits. Another example of a health benefit is a monetary bonus to take a flu shot.

When to assess a job offer in 2021?

February 25, 2021. When you assess a job offer, it is essential to review the new hire package in its entirety. It often comes with many other perks than the salary. A good understanding of all the possibilities can help you pick a compensation plan that suits you and your family.

Can you ask for a relocation bonus?

You can also ask for a relocation bonus to help cover relocation expenses. If they don't offer relocation bonuses, you may ask if they propose corporate housing or if they can contribute to your monthly rent.

What are the benefits of a job?

Some commonly offered job benefits include: Insurance coverage for medical and dental care. Life insurance policies. Disability insurance.

How long do you have to wait to get unemployment benefits?

Typically, the maximum waiting period is 90 days , meaning you might have to wait a full three months on the job before you're able to access your benefits. Comparatively, some employers have established shorter waiting periods, and others may not require a waiting period at all.

What are some examples of employer sponsored benefits?

For example, if you have a child, spouse or another dependent, you'll want to pay attention to what benefits your potential employer might offer them as a part of your package.

What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a new career?

Employee benefits are one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new career. The type of insurance, paid time off and retirement benefits you're offered during the hiring process can greatly influence how satisfied you'll be in your new position. In order to make the most informed decision possible, ...

What are the benefits of education and training?

Educational and training benefits can be incredibly enticing for candidates seeking careers that support their professional development and advancement. Though most organizations offer professional development opportunities, they're typically geared toward training you for the role they want you to serve in.

Is an employer's salary considered an employee benefit?

Therefore, anything your employer offers you besides your salary or regular pay is considered an employee benefit. Since employer-sponsored benefits can improve an employee's quality of life and level of job satisfaction, they're an important part of the offer and negotiation process. Not only do great benefits often draw in competitive candidates, ...

Do employers have a waiting period for health insurance?

Many employers have established waiting periods for employees before they can start to receive benefits. These policies help employers offer health insurance coverage to new employees regularly without having to wait for yearly enrollment dates.

How to ask for a raise in a meeting?

Prepare a one to two page summary of your accomplishments, to highlight the reasons you have earned a salary increase. Then, during your meeting, you'll verbally ask for a raise. No need for a long statement.

What to do if your employer turns down your request for a raise?

In the case where your employer turns down your request for a raise, ask what you might do to qualify for a bump in salary. Work with your supervisor to establish specific objectives to enhance your performance and a timetable for reaching those goals.

What to do if your supervisor raises a legitimate performance issue?

If your supervisor raises a legitimate performance issue, discuss the steps you need to take to overcome the problem and a timeline for review. It is not uncommon for employers to use a salary freeze as a reason for refusing an increase, even though they may affirm that you might otherwise deserve a raise.

How to share your accomplishments with your boss?

Track Your Performance. Make sure that you keep a record of your daily and weekly accomplishments, and any data supporting these achievements. Even though you're doing a terrific job, your boss may still need reminding. Don't wait until you ask for the raise to share your accomplishments.

What happens if you get an offer from another company?

If you receive an offer from another company, your current employer may match or exceed that offer to keep you on staff. Of course, there is no guarantee that this will happen, and you should be prepared to change jobs if you pursue this strategy as a way to earn more money.

Should salary decisions be based on personal factors?

Salary decisions should be based on business motivations, not personal factors. Still, it's a smart idea to pick your moment to request a raise. If your company has annual performance reviews that are tied to raises, that's the best time to make your request.

What to do if you get a raise?

If you received a raise, send your manager a professional thank you letter showing your gratitude and appreciation and emphasizing the ways you plan to contribute to the team. Even if you do not get more money, send your manager a letter or an email thanking them for their time and consideration. Politely ask that they consider your salary request when making future budgeting decisions.

What to do if your manager rejects your request?

If your manager rejects your request, ask what you can do to get more money in the future. Discuss goals you can work toward that might qualify you for a raise, and set a timeline to reassess your performance and pay. If the company's budget prevents your manager from giving you more money, discuss alternative ways to increase your salary, such as working toward a promotion or job title change.

How to give a summary of accomplishments?

Give your manager the summary you made of your accomplishments and achievements. Summarize the document's main points while your manager reads it. Remind them of what you have done and what you can continue to do for the company . For example, tell your employer you can reduce their workload by taking responsibility for a certain project. Or share an idea you are excited about that might help improve sales or branding. Share your professional goals, as well, to show your manager you intend to stay with the company and continue producing high-quality work.

How to prepare for a meeting?

Prepare for your meeting by knowing what you want to say and practicing it with a friend, on video or in front of a mirror. Practice the conversation until you are comfortable and confident asking for more money.

When to ask about benefits?

A good rule of thumb is to wait to ask questions about benefits until you know you’re a serious candidate for the position, such as during the second or third round of interviews. Likewise, if the potential employer introduces the topic of benefits, that’s a good indication that it’s appropriate to ask clarifying questions to get more information ...

How long do you have to wait to enroll in a new health insurance plan?

A company may have a specific enrollment period or need criteria to determine when you are eligible. Some plans have a 30-day or 90-day waiting period .

How many employees are required to have health insurance?

If the employer has 50 or more employees, they are required to offer health care plans, but more than 75% of companies offer more than what is just required by law. Depending on the company, these benefits may include dental insurance, vision care and life insurance. Make sure to ask what exactly is offered and who can be covered under your plan.

How much do companies match 401(k)?

Ask how much the company match is and at what percentage. For example, at 4% of your monthly paycheck, the company might match 100% . However, at 5% of your monthly paycheck, they may only match 50% . Ask when that match becomes vested. If you leave the company before you’re fully vested, the company may withhold the match.

Do Your Research

Salary ranges can vary widely from employer to employer, but it’s still a good idea to get a sense of a reasonable salary for the job .

Prepare for Bias

In a perfect world, your skills and qualifications would be the only thing that mattered during a salary negotiation. But we don’t live in a perfect world. Everyone has bias and, unfortunately, this includes your employer.

Understand the Culture

Networking has value beyond helping you find job opportunities and get referrals to open positions. It can also help you get the dirt on how things work at a prospective employer.

Capitalize on the Right Moment

When it comes to salary negotiation, it’s important to choose your moment wisely. Some times are better than others for getting what you want.

Be Honest

In one survey, 39% of respondents said they’d lied about having another job offer to get a higher salary offer. 6 For obvious reasons, this is a bad idea.