Rating jobs by their pay rates is relatively easy. More money equals a better offer. Things get more complicated when you consider benefits. With those, it’s not a matter of sheer amount. You have to consider the total combination of offerings.
It can be difficult to find the ideal benefits package. One study found that only 68% of workers felt satisfied with their benefits. That’s nearly a third of the workforce that wants something different than their current role can provide.
One major issue: the definition of a “good” benefits package varies from person to person. For pay, everyone is going to choose the higher amount, all other factors being equal. But for benefits, individual job seekers will have a preference for certain offerings.
One person might desperately require comprehensive health insurance. Others might not care about the health coverage, because they fall under a spouse’s plan. However, that worker has other concerns. For example, maybe they can only consider positions with a flexible schedule.
As a result, you need to think of benefits from a personal perspective. As you consider whether your current company is providing for your needs, look at your particular situation. Here are a few common benefits and when you should rate them highly and when you can prioritize other things:
The Top Benefits to Look for in A Job
Health Insurance
When It’s Important: You need health insurance. Even if you’re young and in good health, you’re one terrible accident away from financial ruin, unless you have adequate protection. So, if you don’t have access to health insurance through other avenues, it should become a priority as you weight benefit packages.
When It’s Not: If you have access to insurance through other means, you might not need coverage from your employer. Early in your career, you might be below the age limit for remaining on your parents’ plan. Or, later in life, a spouse might have a family plan that offers you protection as well.
Flexible Schedules
When It’s Important: Any time you have responsibilities outside of work that demand your attention, a flexible schedule becomes a major benefit. Children, elderly or sick relatives, even devotion to outside activities like church, charity, or building your own business — these priorities become easier to fulfill if you have a flex schedule at work.
When It’s Not: Everyone probably wants a flexible schedule. The key here is to prioritize. When should you make setting your own hours a deal-breaker and when should you put it in the “nice to have” category? If you don’t have other responsibilities and can focus most of your energy on your career, a flexible schedule becomes a luxury rather than a necessity.
Retirement Services
When It’s Important: Retirement help from your employer can be crucial. If you invest $1,000 today and earn a 7% return each year for 30 years, your initial amount will turn into more than $7,600 by the end of those three decades. Especially early in your career, getting concessions like 401(k) matches can give you the jump-start for your retirement planning needs.
When It’s Not: By the time you reach your late-career, you hopefully have a large nest egg stashed away. At that point, you might not need benefits like matching 401(k) funds. Of course, any added cash for retirement is useful. But if you have the funds you need already, you can prioritize other considerations.
Looking for Great Opportunities With Great Benefits? Hiregy Can Help!
Looking for the ideal compensation package for you? A top recruiter, like Hiregy, can direct you to companies ready to recognize your talent with the benefits program that suits you perfectly.
Contact Hiregy today to take your career to the next level.
