Decoding Job Benefits: What to Seek in a Stellar Employee Package

Employee perks are often the deciding factor in taking a job. These benefits are the non-cash incentives offered by employers in addition to an employee’s regular salary. They can include everything from a free dental check-up to fully paid holidays. The extent of these incentives usually depends on the position you hold in the company.

That said, regardless of your position, you should always seek the best employee package, especially in the current UK job market. The job market is currently experiencing a labour shortage, with around 77% of businesses having difficulty finding staff. This employer's willingness to go that extra mile shows their staff they care and want to retain staff as long as possible. So, there’s no better time than now to look for a highly beneficial employee package, and here’s how you can do just that.

How to Find the Best Employee Package in the UK

Here are the steps you need to follow in order to grab the best employee package in the current UK job market.

1. Know your needs: Maybe you’re looking for a company that offers private health insurance or even a salary sacrifice scheme for used EVs to make your commute that much sweeter. You might be interested in a robust pension plan or just a flexible schedule to keep your work-life balance in harmony. It’s crucial to identify your personal needs first.
2. Do your homework: Start by using your above-identified priorities as keywords and crowdsource the companies that offer those benefits online. Glassdoor, Indeed, and LinkedIn can be your best friends during this phase of your job hunt.
3. Talk to current employees: On LinkedIn, you can find a list of all of your connections that are connected to someone currently working at the company you have picked. Reach out to these people to ask about the benefits the company in question is offering. This way, you’ll be able to assess the company’s culture and get a better feel for the company.
4. Look for a Job: Now that you have the list of companies offering the benefits you want, you want to highlight those offering jobs that match your expertise. Hop onto their websites to check out their job listings, or pay them a personal visit to drop off your CV. It may take time, but it’ll be worth the effort in the long run.
5. Ask the right questions: During the interview process, don’t be afraid to ask questions about benefits. Find out when benefits start, whether they meet your needs, and if there are options to customise the package.
6. Negotiate: If the benefits package is falling short of what you were hoping for, then negotiate. There’s no harm in asking if there’s some room to move. As the saying goes - If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
7. Look Beyond the Salary: Remember to think beyond salary. Yes, salary is important, but keep in mind that you need to look at the whole compensation package before you make your decision.

It’s important to remember that finding the right benefits package is a personal journey. What works for one person might not work for another. Take your time, understand what you need, and do thorough research.

How Can I Evaluate Employee Benefits in the UK?

When evaluating employee benefits in the UK, first consider the scope of the benefits package. Does it meet basic needs such as pension plans and paid time off? The potential for professional development is another primary consideration. Are there opportunities for learning and growth?

The stability and growth of the company are always important considerations. A leading or fast-growing company may offer more lucrative long-term benefits. Find out how likely the company is to promote from within. Some companies will offer more lucrative long-term benefits to those who are able to move up the company’s ranks faster.