The global pandemic has affected the UK’s job market hugely, with many Brits considering whether their career choices are still right for them. A recent survey by CIPD (the professional body for HR and people development) found that increased job insecurity, a disruption in work life balance, and concerns about returning to the physical office, were all causes for concern for workers in the post-pandemic work landscape.
Because of this, many might be considering a new job, to help shore up those doubts over job security and achieve a better work/life balance when compared to previous roles that the pandemic has rendered stale.
Whilst a higher salary and control over hours worked usually take precedence in the decision making process, those seeking a secure, satisfying career should also consider the benefits on offer from their new company, as these can make a huge difference to your overall experience of a job.
With that in mind, here are 15 employee benefits you should look for when considering a job offer.
FLEXITIME
Flexitime has never been more important for employees and employers alike, as companies try to anticipate the changing demands of a post-pandemic world and staff look to juggle new domestic challenges presented by COVID.
Giving you more autonomy over your working hours can be particularly beneficial to working parents juggling childcare commitments, with the most common forms of flexitime allowing employees to use flexitime to take occasional days off work or leave early on school days.
Flexitime can be an excellent way to ensure you get a good work-life balance. If flexitime is not offered as standard, you could consider requesting flexitime before you accept the offer.
Read: 5 ways to encourage a productive flexible working environment
CHILDCARE
Speaking of childcare, some companies will include help with taking care of children as part of your contract, which can be hugely beneficial to working parents. Accordingly, it may help to look for roles that offer on-site childcare or a creche, or vouchers that help cover the costs of nurseries or childminding services. This can make a big difference to the finances of a working family.
TRAINING
Professional progression and development are essential factors in any job. Any company that is invested in your training and future is certainly worth consideration, as you can evolve your skillset and prospects whilst making money. You should assess what training is provided within the role before accepting, to see if they meet your expectations and align with your plans for the future.
Some businesses also offer the chance for paid time off work to pursue professional development, such as training or work experience.
Read: 5 remote working professions for personal development
COMPANY CULTURE
The culture of a company can make all the difference in the quality of your time there. Anyone who has worked in an office with a stressful, unpleasant company culture will know that it is not a sustainable way to work.
Instead, prior to accepting (or even applying for) a new job, try to get an idea of the company’s culture by looking at its core values and ethos.
You can also see what current and former employees have to say about a company using resources like Glassdoor and Google reviews. It is always important to take anything you read online with a pinch of salt, but reviews can do a lot to help you get a feel for the company culture.
FITNESS SCHEMES
Many companies offer fitness schemes to help their employees reach their full potential inside and outside of work. You could consider whether a business provides cycle to work schemes, subsidised gym membership, or other health and fitness benefits.
You could also consider what kind of benefits an employer offers that will benefit your mental health. Mental health in the workplace is a serious consideration, and any company that encourages – and preferably, finances – good mental health practices within the workplace should be prioritised over those that don’t.
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE
Private health insurance can help you get the care you need when wait times through traditional channels are higher. This can be especially useful for anyone with pre-existing conditions or with needs that aren’t being fully met by services offered by the NHS.
You should ensure that the company you are considering is offering the best private health insurance possible. You can get an idea of what a good insurance policy looks like by checking out My Health Pal, a comparison site that lists all major players in private health insurance and their benefits.
PENSION
An employee pension is now a legal requirement in the UK. It may help to look for employers who offer above the minimum pension requirement, rather than simply doing the bare minimum required by them within the law.
While your retirement may feel a long way off, it is crucial to consider the future from an early age. An employer that matches your pension contributions can ensure that you can retire comfortably when the time comes.
COMPANY CAR
If you have to travel for work or live a long distance from your company’s office, a company car can be incredibly beneficial. You should consider your options carefully and ensure that the vehicle they are offering you is suitable for your needs. It is worth noting that you will be taxed for the use of a company car.
On the subject, you should enquire of your potential new employer whether they offer similar perks for public transport, such as bus passes and travel cards for trains. This would demonstrate a commitment to environmental considerations that a company car perhaps doesn’t.
REFERRAL BONUSES
Referral bonuses are paid by employers to employees that recommend friends or family for a role in the business, should they be hired. This can be an attractive bonus, with many companies offering large cash rewards for anyone that refers a successful candidate to the company. This can also be a great way to expand your reach within the business, and earn a little extra money, too.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Working for a business that promotes a full and vibrant social life can help you bond with your co-workers and increase your social circle. You could consider the different ways that the business promotes social gatherings outside of work time, such as corporate retreats and company meals, as an example of a company that encourages such bonding between staff.
ADDITIONAL ANNUAL LEAVE
Every company has to offer a core number of annual leave days. This is 20 days plus eight bank holidays for full-time workers and pro-rata for anyone working part-time. It may help to consider a business that offers a higher-than-average holiday entitlement.
This can show that they are serious about ensuring their employees achieve a decent work-life balance. Some companies also offer additional annual leave entitlement for years spent in their employment, such as an additional day per year of service.
CHARITABLE DONATIONS
Many businesses offer the opportunity to make charitable donations in the form of salary sacrifice. This means that you don’t pay tax on your charitable donations and can give back to the charities close to your heart with minimal effort.
TIME OFF FOR VOLUNTEERING
You could consider if the company you’re applying to will allow you time off during the week to volunteer for a charity or a cause that you care deeply about. This is becoming a popular benefit that companies offer, as it boosts their reputation and allows individuals to pursue interests without cutting into their leisure time.
LIFE INSURANCE
Life insurance can be a tremendous asset to working parents or those with loved ones they want to provide for in the event of their death. You should consider the options available and the policy that a business offers for life insurance to ensure that it is appropriate to your needs.
FINANCIAL ADVICE
Many businesses now offer free financial advice and planning, either in-house or a referral to an independent financial advisor. This can be helpful no matter your age, as you can get free advice on how to plan for a family, buy a home or prepare for retirement.
THE BOTTOM LINE
There are countless benefits that your employer could offer you. It is essential to know your needs and ensure that the benefits provided by a company will be helpful to you. While excellent company benefits cannot always indicate that the business will suit you, it can be a great sign that the business is invested in their people and are willing to put their money where their mouth is.