Northwestern Mutual: 6 Workplace Benefits Job Hunters Might Forget About When Considering a Job Offer

When considering a job offer, most people focus on salary and traditional benefits like health insurance. However, other perks like flexible working hours and tuition reimbursement can create a lot of value. Here are six workplace benefits job hunters often overlook when evaluating a job offer.

Tuition reimbursement 

Some employers may offer tuition reimbursement as a benefit for their employees. Reimbursement can be an excellent way for staff to continue their education and training while working full-time. Often, employees must meet certain requirements to qualify for this benefit, such as working for the company for a certain amount of time or taking courses related to the job, so check with HR for the specifics.

Paid time off (PTO) 

While Paid time off or PTO and sick days are a big part of any employment package, the amount you get and how you can use it varies from company to company. Job hunters should ask how much paid time off or PTO they’ll have and, depending on the answer, they may want to negotiate the number. For example, some employers set the number based on years of service but may have some flexibility for job hunters coming in with more experience.

Offering unlimited PTO as an employment benefit is a growing trend in the U.S. The policy, also called “unlimited vacation” or “flexible time off” allows employees to take as much time off as they want (within reason). Unlimited vacation policies are designed to promote work-life balance and to give employees more control over their time. If an employer offers unlimited PTO, prospective employees may want to ask about restrictions on the policy and ask existing employees how the policy works out in practice.

Range of insurance options

Employers often offer different health and dental plans to suit employees’ needs. Beyond this, potential employees may want to consider the added value of getting on an employer’s group life insurance policy, which can help provide employees with peace of mind that their families will have financial security if something were to happen. While group plans through work are a great benefit, many people find they need more coverage that what’s offered through work. Individual life insurance bought privately can help make up the difference.

Flexible working hours

In a post-pandemic world, offering employees flexible working hours, or the ability to work outside the traditional 9-to-5 schedule, is becoming an increasingly popular employment benefit. Flexible working hours can allow employees to manage their work-life balance better and can be particularly beneficial for employees with families or other big responsibilities. This benefit can lead to more employee satisfaction and motivation, and less stress around work in general.

Travel opportunities

Some jobs offer the opportunity for employees to attend a conference or take client meetings in other cities. In general, while working, meals and accommodations are covered. Many employees welcome the experience of visiting other states or countries while working and see it as a perk, and some even opt to tack a vacation onto the end or beginning of a work trip.

Retirement plans

Employees will want to consider what retirement options an employer offers. Many employers offer a 401(k) or other retirement savings plans for employees. Some employers may match a certain percentage of the employee contributions, and this amount should be taken into account when considering total compensation.

Considering the benefits

When looking for a job, many people focus on the salary and benefits that are most obvious. However, other workplace benefits can add value, especially for those looking to stay at a company for the long haul.