Work perks you should negotiate

Generally, we are so focused on the net salary we are going to get in a job that we often fail to focus on what may be equally, if not more tempting in the job package- the additional benefits or perks that come with it. So make sure to look for some of these rewarding incentives before settling for that job of your dreams.

Working hours

Flexible work hours are probably the primary benefit you want to consider when taking up a job. Whether or not you'll be given the freedom to tweak your hours around according to what's suitable for you, while still within the office guidelines, can go a long way to boosting your productivity and even motivating you to work. Check up with the HR department if work-from-home is a feasible option.

Education loans

Student benefits or help with finishing a degree can be something you can negotiate if you're midway through grad-school, or are a part-time student. Given other benefits are fewer compared to the industry standards, you may discuss with your employers if there's room for fitting this into the package.

Paid time off

If work-life balance matters to you, you may want to spare substantial weightage to negotiate for this once you're hired. Many companies will highlight the hefty salary they offer, and not allow such benefits. But see if you can bring them to cut a portion from here and there, and add it into the time-off that you take.

Commuting costs

If you live far away from your work-place, you may ask for a host of benefits such as getting an automobile for the to-and-fro commute, adding your car to the company insurance policy, or having the company cover a certain portion of your vehicle expenses.

Regarding the whole matter, Shadman Ul Karim, currently working at a multinational tobacco manufacturing company says, "Have a clear breakdown and understanding of the offered benefits and how to actually leverage them while in the job. If you're hired by a big-shot organisation, be prepared to hear that they have all their packages and benefits pre-structured with almost no room for negotiations. But you could always go ahead and ask; otherwise you will never know what better opportunities you may be missing out on."