These days, landing a new job doesn’t only come with a new salary. More and more employers are realising that providing additional benefits can make a business a more desirable workplace and improve company culture. A survey conducted in 2018 by Willis Towers Watson revealed that 78% of people would be more likely to stay in their job if there was a good benefits programme. These sentiments were echoed in a 2020 study by MetLife when the outcome indicated that 69% of employees would be more loyal to an employer who offered more perks. 

But just because people love perks, doesn’t mean that workplaces have to offer them. ‘According to South African labour law, the only “benefits” an employee is entitled to are UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) contributions, SDL (Skills Development Levy) and COIDA (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act),’ explains Silke Rathbone, principal partner at Labour Excel. ‘Everything else is completely up to the company.’ 

Some SA companies pride themselves on offering out-of-this-world benefits to their staff, ranging from all-expenses-paid travel packages, to free gadgets and event tickets, to extra paid time off. But the sad reality is that many corporations can’t afford to pay more than an employee’s basic salary and are trying to keep their cost-to-company as low as possible in order for the business to survive and thrive. 

In fact, this has become even more challenging since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which saw the national and global economy take an enormous knock. It resulted in thousands of businesses closing up shop – some temporarily and some permanently – and left over 600 000 people unemployed and many more on reduced hours. This is why Silke advises that ‘if you find a job in this climate and it offers perks – take it!’ 

Despite benefits not really being a requirement, it never hurts to try and negotiate some before accepting a new position. This is especially true  if you’ve been headhunted or referred by an industry peer. There could also be room for negotiating in your current contract. While there are no guarantees that you will get what you ask for, not doing so could see you missing out on forging the contract of your dreams. Here are six benefits you can try to negotiate before making a change or a commitment. 

Medical cover

Many corporations across the country offer their staff medical-aid benefits. In these cases, the company will contribute towards medical cover, reducing a worker’s monthly bills. ‘This is a huge benefit – especially during a pandemic,’ says Silke. ‘Over the last year, we have all realised how much medical bills can devastate your finances, and the last thing you want to worry about when you are really sick is how you are going to pay them!’ 

Training and development

Most companies want to hire people who are interested in upskilling and honing their craft as this shows both enthusiasm and ambition. ‘At your next interview or performance review, ask the company if they invest in training and, if so, what type of training,’ advises Silke. ‘Some businesses pay for employee development and have them sign a work-back agreement so that the company is able to benefit from the training.’

Flexibility and working from home

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the world went into lockdown, many companies were forced to continue operations remotely. And while plenty of business leaders worried that this would lead to poor performance, a recent study revealed that people working from home are 47% more productive than their office-bound colleagues. ‘Depending on the type of role, you can try to negotiate some flexibility. This will be granted at the company’s discretion,’ says Silke.

Provident or retirement fund

According to the 2020 10X Investments’ Retirement Reality Report, as many as 50% of South Africans don’t have a retirement plan in place. This, and the fact that saving money can be an enormous challenge, can lead to a financial crisis in your old age. ‘A provident or retirement fund is also a benefit that you want, as it helps you to put away money so that you don’t have to struggle after turning 65,’ says Silke.

Data and petrol allowance

Many employees today have to use their personal items, such as their phones or cars, to do the work, or pay for services, such as airtime, data and petrol, using their own money. ‘If you are applying for a job that requires remote or after-hour work or a lot of calls or travelling, then this is a benefit that could be negotiated in an interview,’ suggests Silke.  

Parking access

People who commute daily by car into the city will know too well that trying to find free or low-cost, safe parking that isn’t kilometres away from the office is a total nightmare. ‘People often forget what a big benefit parking access is,’ says Silke. ‘I would advise employees to look where the office is located, try to find out what parking per month would cost and then try to negotiate this as part of their package.’  

Words: Helen Wallace | Photography: Pexels