Things you ought to negotiate
for in job offer
By
People Team, February 1, 2022
By Jasmine Otieno
The first consideration for many people when reviewing a new job offer is usually the salary. But a job entails other issues other than money, which many people rarely consider negotiating.
Negotiating might seem uncomfortable, but it sure is worth the discomfort as this is your best chance to increase your salary and improve the conditions of your new job. Once you have accepted a job, you lose your leveraging power.
But how often do people actually jump to sign the employment contract before reviewing the terms of employment? “I ask about working hours and days.
Does it include weekends? Do they offer medical insurance? Do they compensate for overtime? Termination terms and conditions… is it contract based? Are there any other allowances?” says Vanessa Georgia.
She shares how it’s important to negotiate before starting a new job so that you weigh your options and also have a clear picture of what you are getting into.
“Is it something you are comfortable with? Are the conditions suitable and fair? It also helps with budgeting and planning both time wise and money wise. That way, you avoid future conflicts with your employer. At the end of the day it’s not just about the salary at the end of the month. You need to be comfortable all round,” she says.
Jael Raul, a front desk receptionist, agrees that she has found negotiating job perks rather uncomfortable, so most of the time it ends at the money offers.
“I wish I had as much courage to actually negotiate for more. I normally assume it is all cut out with the position and job, so eventually all this will be communicated on terms and conditions, or verbally by management. My working hours right now are really tight. I barely have time for my actual life. And the salary is just not worth all the work. I constantly feel like I will quit my job anytime soon. And if I get another opportunity, I definitely will have to negotiate for more and ask more questions to be sure it’s what I want,” intimates Jael.
Working hours, target A positive working environment is something that you deserve and should be a priority when looking into a new opportunity. Human Resource Manager, Winnie Miseda shares that there is a lot on the negotiation cards that you can always pull once the offer is on the table. First, working hours…
“If your work is not that involving and in the essential sector that solely needs your presence, you can always negotiate and maybe work from home or be exempted. Make sure it is appended in your contract just in case there are changes in organisation structure, you are safe. Secondly, target. You can always discuss with management to work on an agreeable target, which can be adjusted as time goes by. This will always give the employee a reason to feel safe and willing to work, will drive the passion and will also give credit to an organisation for taking consideration to its employee and wanting the best for them,” shares Winnie.
The other thing you can negotiate is job description. Winnie shares how a company can either reduce or add roles into your job description. You agree on your best interests alongside skills that will base your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
These can be reviewed time to time depending on your performance. “Ensure you KPIs are met. Never joke around with this area; it works alongside your targets,” she says.
Another key thing to consider is leave days. One can negotiate with the company on how to work on this. You can take days in quarters, bi-annuals or annually, depending on nature of your work and company policy guided by the Employment Act.
Some companies do not pay unused leave days or carry employees to carry them forward to the next year. So, you have to have an arrangement on how to work it out such that your absence does not affect operations.
For instance, you can have maybe four days in each quarter. Or take uninterrupted 14 days in the third quarter.
“Unless it’s paternity or maternity, the rest you can negotiate. Also, sick leave depending on the extent of your illness. If fit emotionally, but maybe physically unfit to work for long hours, you can always agree on number of hours to work. Maybe work few hours physically in the office or from home,” she adds.
Other things you can negotiate include moving costs, if you are relocating to a new town or city, professional development, education opportunities, mentoring opportunities, promotion, medical cover and other health and wellness benefits, childcare cost, severance package, retirement package among others.
Other considerations While it is important to get the best deal, it is also best to know the things you can negotiate for. The most helpful information usually comes from current or past employees.
“Ask employees if they were able to negotiate and what types of things they have seen other employees negotiate,” the expert says.
However, do not attempt to ask for more money or any items on your list before you have received an offer.
“It may result in your elimination as a candidate. You can’t officially start negotiating until you have an offer. An offer is either a verbal or written statement that sounds something like “we are prepared to extend an offer…” and then salary details will usually be revealed.
Once you have received an offer, show your enthusiasm for the job and ask how long you have to evaluate the offer,” Winnie explains.
Once you have the offer, Winnie says you hold some power. The company wants you on their team. They’ve invested time in whittling down the candidate pool and selecting you.
But don’t let this go to your head. Be willing to compromise. Prioritise your list of negotiable items and write down what is acceptable and what would not be acceptable.