January 03, 2023
As a young professional, you may be under the impression that you are powerless when it comes to negotiating job benefits. However, this is not the case! In fact, there are several benefits that you can negotiate for yourself, ranging from flexible working hours to remote working arrangements and even pay increases. If you are unsure about how to get started, don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this blog post, we will discuss the types of benefits you can negotiate, negotiation methods, when to negotiate, and more!
When it comes to negotiating job benefits, the most important thing is to be clear about what you want. Think about what would make your life better or easier and use that as a starting point for your negotiation. Some benefits that you can negotiate include:
Once you’ve determined what benefits you would like to negotiate for, it is important to find an effective negotiation method. If you are dealing with a large organization or management team, consider using the “win-win” approach. This means that both parties should come away feeling they have achieved something beneficial from the process. An example of this is when you are negotiating for a pay increase: you may be willing to accept a smaller raise if it comes with additional benefits like extra PTO days.
Alternatively, if you are dealing with a small company or individual, the “give and take” approach may be more effective. Here, both parties should come away feeling they have made a fair exchange. An example of this is when you are negotiating for a pay rise – you could offer to take on extra responsibilities in exchange for the increased salary, so it’s more of a promotion than just a pay raise.
Whichever approach you take, it’s important to come prepared with facts and figures to help you make your case. Research similar job roles and salaries to ensure that what you ask is reasonable; be open to compromise and not afraid to discuss different options with your employer; focus on solutions rather than problems – talk about how the benefits you are asking for can improve the company’s bottom line.
When it comes to deciding when to negotiate, timing is key. It’s best to avoid negotiating during times of stress or crisis, such as when an employer is facing financial difficulties, or a deadline is looming. Instead, try to pick a time when both parties are in a calm and relaxed frame of mind.
But that doesn’t tell you when you should negotiate, so what’s the answer? Well, ideally, you should start negotiating before signing any contracts or agreements if you are new to an organization. However, most organizations will also be open to negotiating after you have joined. This typically happens during performance reviews, but you can always request to discuss benefits sooner. Make sure to do your research and know what is reasonable within the company before making a request.
Finally, it is important to be prepared for any potential rejections or counteroffers. It is common for employers to suggest alternative solutions or set limits on certain requests. If this happens, it is important to remain calm and stay open to the possibility of compromise. We often recommend going into negotiations knowing what your absolute musts are and what you are willing to flex on. If you cannot receive your “musts,” then it may be time to move on to find a role with an organization that can meet it. Going in with this in mind can help make negotiations easier and reduce any potential frustration or disappointment.
Negotiating job benefits can seem intimidating, but with enough preparation and a bit of knowledge, you can be successful. Remember that if done properly, both parties should come away feeling satisfied with their agreement. Good luck!
Written by Krishaun Burns, Let’s Detroit
