10 Perks To Ask For When a Raise Isn’t an Option
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Ashleigh Ray
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If you take a look at recent headlines, you’ll see that while inflation may be slowing, many workers across the nation have found that the cost of their expenses has outpaced their income in 2023. This has led some workers to make a change to bring in more income.
You’ve put in the blood, sweat and tears, so to speak, at your current job, but, unfortunately, no pay raise is on the horizon — or anywhere in sight. The solution is to ask for something that’s also valuable but doesn’t come in the form of additional pay.
To help inspire you, here are 10 perks to ask for when a raise isn’t an option, according to FlexJobs — plus, how to get your employer to agree to them.
Greater Schedule Flexibility
More flexibility in your schedule or location may be an option if you’ve proven yourself as a responsible and reliable employee, said FlexJobs. For example, you may want to start work earlier or later or work from home two or three days per week.
Think about how beginning your workday earlier or later or working from home will affect your co-workers before requesting this perk. This will help you address your manager’s concerns, should they arise.
Flexible Vacation Time
According to FlexJobs, more flexible vacation time can mean a variety of scheduling options. For example, taking vacation time in increments or having the option of some long weekends.
Think about how you’d like to use your vacation time, and then consider how your ideal situation would work for your employer. If it seems viable, approach your manager.
Home Office Stipends
If you work from home, you may be able to negotiate a stipend for your home office expenses.
According to FlexJobs, the stipend could be for common expenses, like your standing computer desk or ergonomic chair. Or it could be for less common ones, such as plants for your office or a lamp for additional lighting.
Make a list of what you need and the cost before approaching your manager.
Professional Development Support
FlexJobs said that one way you can set the groundwork for a raise next year is to complete some professional development. According to the GBR Year in Review Survey, of those who are planning a major job change in 2024, 17.23% of respondents are planning to get further education or training in the new year.
To do this, research industry certifications and classes that would be relevant to your professional development goals and decide what you’d like to pursue. Then, present your plans to your manager and ask if the company will pay for part or all of the cost.
Updated Job Title
FlexJobs said if you have researched standard industry titles, you might have discovered that your job title is not a match for your current duties and career level. It also pointed out that when you apply for a new job, your title will determine if you get an interview and also the pay rate you will be offered.
Find jobs that have duties that are close to (or the same as) yours via job boards and LinkedIn. Then use that as proof that your job title needs to be updated to more closely match your current responsibilities.
Membership Dues
If you want to join a membership that relates to your profession, think of how joining and participating can help you benefit the company you work for, such as staying on top of the latest rules and regulations. Then, pitch this information to your manager, asking for the company to pay your membership dues.
Opportunities for Mentorships
According to FlexJobs, participating in a mentorship is a valuable pursuit in many different ways, including getting personalized feedback and guidance from an experienced professional in your field.
Discuss the possibility of a mentorship program with your manager. You could also volunteer to be a mentor for someone else, which could help you develop leadership skills.
New Challenges
Before your next annual review, think about skills you could learn or become more proficient in suggested FlexJobs. Then, ask your manager if you can take on some assignments that will help you do just that.
Internal Networking
If you’re interested in advancing beyond your current job position or moving to another department someday, discuss your interests with your current manager. Your manager may introduce you to a manager from another department you are interested in or allow you to sit in on upper-level planning meetings in your own department to gain insight.
Volunteer Support
If you’re passionate about a specific nonprofit, consider pitching volunteering as a solo or team activity to your manager, suggested FlexJobs. The desire to give back is admirable and your manager will likely appreciate you for it. Plus, you (or you and your team) may be granted time away from work to volunteer.
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