When choosing a new job, of course the salary offered is an
important part of whether you accept the job or not, but
increasingly it is the add-on benefits that employers are using
to lure you to their organizations that may be the final
deciding factor as to whether you accept the job or not.

When thinking about a job, considering the salary and the employee benefits
offered by an employer is important. Many benefits play a
critical role in the lives of employees and their families by
assisting in health needs, future financial security, needed
absences from work, and more. Benefits may include programs like
paid time off, medical insurance, dental insurance, disability,
life insurance, retirement benefits, family leave, education and
training programs, bonuses, commissions, and stock options.

If a company doesn’t provide medical or dental insurance, you
may have to pay for these health benefits out of your own
pocket. This cost could increase if you have additional family
members to support. If a company doesn’t pay you for sick days
when you are unable to work, you simply give up your salary for
those days. If you have paid sick leave, you would receive the
same salary whether you worked or not (within company limits).

If the company you work for does not provide benefits, you will
be responsible for paying for the medical services you receive.
Benefits are useful not only for the programs they provide, but
also for the money they can save you in the long run.

Questions to ask about employee benefits

When thinking of accepting any job, take some time to find out
about the benefits. A specific job may offer benefits that are
important to you; these benefits could make things easier, less
expensive, or just give you peace of mind. Some questions to
keep in mind when considering a job offer include:

* What benefit programs does the employer offer? * Are the
programs offered important and helpful to you?

* What percent of benefit costs does the employer pay for?

* What benefit costs are you responsible for paying?

* Is the workplace family-friendly? For example, does the
company offer family benefit programs, is it open to working
around family issues, and/or is it supportive of family needs?

* Is there room for flexibility in working hours?

* When do you have to sign up for different benefit programs?

Are you able to sign up for benefit programs when you first
start working, is there a waiting period, or can you only sign
up for benefits at certain times during the year?

Look out for enlightened companies that give ‘fun’ benefits too
- a day off on your birthday, free lunches and staff day trips
away! Interested in this subject? Try this link for more of the same