Top job benefits to negotiate besides salary

You’ve earned the offer, and that deserves a moment of pride. Before you accept, though, here’s the move that can turn a good job into a truly great one: negotiating the benefits you deserve.

Many people skip this step because it feels uncomfortable, yet most employers expect it. And while salary gets all the attention, some of the most rewarding perks cost your company very little and can transform your work life.

Don’t shy away from asking for what will help you thrive. This blog post is full of benefits to consider as you finalise your offer.

Types of employee benefits

Most companies offer an employee benefits package to help them attract top talent. But did you know there are different types of benefits in the workplace?

Statutory benefits

Your company must provide these benefits by law, and they vary by country. These benefits are in place to protect you from financial risks resulting from personal circumstances, e.g. long-term sickness. 

Statutory benefits include paid annual leave, a workplace pension, maternity or paternity leave, and statutory sick pay. 

Fringe benefits

These are also known as ‘optional benefits’. They can relate to finance, health and wellbeing or lifestyle, and vary from company to company. 

Common fringe benefits include enhanced pension schemes, mental health support programmes, gym memberships, flexible working hours, childcare support and company cars. 

We’ll go into more detail about different fringe benefits later in the blog. For now, let’s think about how to decide which benefits to negotiate. 

Know what’s important to you

Before you even begin the interview process, it’s essential to develop a clear understanding of which benefits will genuinely enhance your work–life balance. 

Take the time to reflect on what you personally need. That could be flexible hours, remote-work options, professional development support, or enhanced wellbeing benefits. This will allow you to approach each stage of the hiring process with intention. 

When you know in advance what matters most to you, you’re far better equipped to advocate for yourself and negotiate confidently.

It’s also helpful to research typical industry and country standards, so you can benchmark what’s reasonable to expect. This knowledge sets realistic expectations and gives you valuable leverage during negotiations, ensuring the offer you accept aligns with your professional goals and lifestyle priorities.

Job benefits you should consider negotiating 

A better title

Let’s be honest - some job titles don’t fully reflect the depth of responsibility or skill involved. This can affect how people perceive your role on a  professional profile. 

While it may not be realistic to aim for a C-suite title in a support position, there are often more accurate and dignified alternatives. For example, a title like “Corporate Executive Assistant” can better capture the scope and complexity of the work, without misrepresenting the role.

If you feel your current title doesn’t do your role justice, it’s reasonable to request a title adjustment. Choose something that more accurately reflects your day-to-day responsibilities. 

This will help you feel more aligned with your role. It can also make a meaningful difference for future job searches. 

Additional annual leave

If your company’s standard vacation allowance is two weeks per year, there’s no harm in asking whether three weeks might be possible. 

You can request an accelerated increase to your vacation allowance, even if it’s earlier than the usual company policy. If you’re worried about how to frame this conversation, focus on your long-term commitment. You can also talk about how sustained rest would be productive for your role. 

Relocation expenses

If you’re relocating a significant distance to take on a new role, it’s appropriate to ask about relocation support. Many companies have established relocation packages with clear allowances. Others may handle these situations on a case-by-case basis. 

Bringing it up early helps you to understand how the company combats the financial and logistical burden of moving.

Be sure to clarify and negotiate all relocation details before you accept the job offer. Once you sign a contract, you may need to adhere to the company’s standard policies, which could limit your options. 

Having these discussions upfront protects you from unexpected expenses. It also helps you transition into your new role with confidence and peace of mind.

Watch our video for more advice about what to check when signing a contract

Signing bonus

Bonuses are an often overlooked part of a compensation package, yet they are absolutely something you can negotiate. A signing bonus is a one-time payment that works as an incentive to accept the job offer. They are most common in competitive industries such as tech or financial services.

It provides an additional lump sum upfront, offering meaningful financial support as you transition into your new role. 

In some cases, employers have more flexibility with signing bonuses than with salary adjustments. This is largely because a one-time payment doesn’t affect internal pay equity within a team or department.

A well-negotiated signing bonus can help bridge the gap if the company can’t meet your desired salary increase. 

Severance package

While it’s unpleasant to consider the prospect of redundancy, the reality is that some industries can be unpredictable. Organisational changes can happen without warning. 

With that in mind, it may be wise to ask whether your company can write a guaranteed severance package into your contract, as an added layer of security should the unexpected occur.

Raising this topic at the start of a new role might feel uncomfortable. But there is nothing negative about taking steps to protect yourself. 

Ensuring you have a safety net in place demonstrates foresight, professionalism, and an understanding of the broader employment landscape. All of these contribute to a more confident and secure start in your new position.

Travel benefits you can keep

If your role requires frequent travel, it’s worth exploring the types of travel benefits you might be able to secure. These could include things like airline or hotel loyalty points, upgrades, or access to airport lounges. 

Negotiating for these perks as part of your contract can make frequent travel far more comfortable and even rewarding.

It’s also sensible to clarify how your company reimburses travel expenses. These include flights, accommodation, meals and transport. While it may feel like a small detail, securing these benefits early enhances your day-to-day experience. 

Transport reimbursement

Commuting to work can be a significant and often overlooked expense. It’s worth discussing with your employer the possibility of a monthly travel allowance to help offset these costs. 

This could cover public transportation, fuel, or even a parking spot close to the office, depending on your needs and the company’s policies.

Even if the company isn’t able to cover the full cost of your commute, many are willing to contribute a percentage. Addressing this upfront shows that you’re thinking practically about your role, while also requesting support that helps you manage your day-to-day expenses.

Tuition, training and professional development

Most of us want to feel challenged in our roles and continue developing our careers over time. One effective way to achieve this is through continuing education, whether it’s professional courses, certifications, or workshops that build new skills relevant to your work.

Many companies are supportive of these opportunities, especially when the training enhances your ability to contribute to your role and the organisation. Some firms offer assistance programs or government incentives. These may even help cover the costs of upskilling, making it more accessible for both you and your employer.

Take the time to explore all available options and consider negotiating an annual education or professional development allowance as part of your compensation package. This ensures you have a structured opportunity to grow your skills each year while also demonstrating your commitment to long-term career progression.

Flexible working hours and arrangements 

Remote working is becoming increasingly common, particularly for roles that don’t require constant on-site presence. If your position allows for it, you may be able to negotiate a hybrid arrangement, such as working from home two or three days per week.

It’s important to clarify any expectations upfront, including whether there is a minimum period you’ll need to spend in the office before transitioning to a remote schedule. Make sure your contract clearly states this timeline to avoid any misunderstandings.

A flexible remote-working arrangement can be one of the most valuable non-salary perks. It offers improved work–life balance, reduced commuting stress, and increased productivity, all of which can make a significant difference in your overall job satisfaction.

Negotiate an early review

This may sound like a boring one, but it can actually accelerate your first raise and your career growth. You know what you are capable of, so ask for a review of compensation and benefits in six months, and get it in writing.

You will want to prove your worth when you start. By negotiating early performance reviews, you can ask to have goals outlined for that review. This will give you set objectives to achieve and make sure you start your role successfully.

Additional sick leave

While statutory sick pay is a legal requirement, some companies offer additional sick pay as part of their benefits package. 

When negotiating a new role, it’s worth asking whether enhanced sick pay is available, and under what conditions. Having this benefit in place protects your financial stability during unexpected health issues. It also signals that the company values employee wellbeing. 

Clarifying these details upfront ensures you’re fully informed about your support options. This makes it easier to focus on your work without worrying about potential gaps in income.

Work and technology support

For remote or hybrid roles, companies may provide home office technology or stipends to cover the costs of equipment.

This could include a laptop, monitor, ergonomic chair, or other essentials. Some organisations may even offer the option of an upgraded office space rather than a standard cubicle.

Financial and investment perks

Fringe benefits often include financial incentives beyond salary. These include stock options, commissions on deals you bring in, school loan reimbursement, or discounts on company products and services. 

Negotiating these benefits can help secure long-term financial advantages and align your success with the company’s growth.

Insurance and wellness programs

Health and wellbeing are increasingly part of comprehensive benefits packages. You may be able to negotiate enhanced insurance coverage, including health, dental, vision, disability, or life insurance.

There are also options for long-term mental health support, wellness programs such as gym memberships, or additional paid personal days.

Family support 

Many companies provide support for employees with families or caregiving responsibilities. This can include child care options, parental leave, and time off for charity or community work. 

Negotiating flexible scheduling, additional paid leave, or allowances for family-related expenses can make a meaningful difference in your work–life balance.

Other fringe benefits

Some perks might seem smaller but can significantly enhance your day-to-day experience. These can include a company car or mileage reimbursement, wardrobe allowances (especially if you’re client-facing), a work phone, cafeteria allowances, or even special commissions for deals you bring in.

By breaking your package into these categories, you can clearly identify which fringe benefits are most valuable to you and negotiate them proactively. 

Often, these benefits provide far more long-term value than salary alone, and securing them upfront can make your new role more rewarding, both personally and professionally.

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