10 benefits to push for when a pay raise isn’t on the table

Published Updated 2 Min Read

Employee having a discussion with manager
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Company budgets are tight as we head into a new year — but employees still want to be rewarded for a job well done. If salary negotiation isn’t an option, workers are preparing to ask for more employee benefits as a form of compensation.

Ninety-three percent of employers are concerned with retention, according to LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning report, signaling a willingness to meet employee demands when fiscally possible. When asked what keeps them up at night, employees responded that financial security, mental and physical wellness, job security and career advancement were some of their top concerns, according to a survey from consulting firm Mercer. To help employees get the conversation going, FlexJobs gathered 10 in-demand benefits and perks to request in lieu of salary increases.

More than nine out of 10 employees want flexible work options, according to Slack. What this looks like can vary based on job and industry, but it’s a great way to better manage obligations outside of work.

“Maybe it’s just having the opportunity to flex your hours a little bit; for example, you’re a  parent so mornings are particularly hectic for you,” Spencer says. “Asking for the ability to come in an hour later than everyone but leave an hour later than everyone — that could factor into greater schedule flexibility. It could also mean having the ability to work from home occasionally, maybe a set number of days a week, or just when the need arises.”

Lee Hafner
Editor

Lee joined the EBN team in 2022, and covers areas including caregiving, employee health and wellness, healthcare innovation, and company culture. She created EBN's popular Benefits in Action and … Read full bio


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