5 perks you should look for in your ideal job
Whether you are looking for your first job out of school, or you are looking for a better working environment, not every company is created equally. Some businesses tend to invest in their back-end and their top corporate candidates, while others choose to spread benefits around. If you are in the job market and looking to land a great gig, search for businesses that offer these five exciting job perks. Remember, the final number on your paycheck is essential, but finding a company that provides job perks that help you feel motivated is as imperative to your long-term happiness.
Training Opportunities
Look for companies that offer regular professional development opportunities as one of their job perks. Top talent is interested in learning more and expanding their area of expertise. A business that provides its employees the ability to develop their skills is an excellent company to work for. Look for a company that is willing to let you build on your skills, not only is it of minimal cost to the employer, but it will benefit both the employee and the employer in the long run.
Health Benefits
Look for companies that go above and beyond when it comes to the health benefits that they offer, and that means looking beyond the basic health insurance plan. Look for businesses that provide gym memberships, nutritional help, or holistic health benefits, like massage therapy and acupuncture. These are companies that are more forward-thinking and more willing to invest in their workforce. It says a lot about their values and how much they respect their employees.
Small Perks that Go a Long Way
Not every business can afford to pay top dollar for their talent, but many companies are beginning to take a page from the start-up book and are offering small perks that add up quickly and help to improve employee morale. A well-stocked snack pantry, free lunch options, and company-sponsored outings are just a few that are common in the start-up world. Not only do these little gestures help employees feel more valued, but they go a long way in building the culture of the office. It can also help forge a social setting that is comfortable and collaborative.
Frequent Reviews
Performance reviews are often tied to raises and additional job perks. If you feel like the company is undervaluing you as an employee regarding pay, but financial constraints prevent a higher starting salary, negotiate performance reviews on a more frequent basis. If your potential company offers performance reviews at the end of each year, consider arranging for a 6-month review. This will give you time to prove yourself to the company, and get more frequent face time with your superiors, which, if you do well, can help to elevate you up the corporate ladder more quickly.
Flexibility in your Work Day
Millennials work differently than the generation before them, and the advent of constant connection has made it possible to work from home. You can attempt to negotiate a work-from-home option a couple of days per week if the company seems open to the idea. Not only will this allow you to save on transportation costs, but it can help alleviate the humdrum nature of your day-to-day life. If you can get your work done at home, and you feel comfortable with the idea, consider asking for the perk. You would be surprised by how many companies are open to the idea, especially start-ups and those in the tech space.
Finding a great job that fits your personality, your goals and your monetary needs might feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but fear not. There are great companies out there that are sure to offer you the perks you are looking for, in a field that you are passionate about.