November 2023, the Norfolk Women’s Marketing Network met at Fuel Studios for our very first ‘empower’ event. The network is built around three main pillars, empowering, connecting and learning. The panel was made up of Lucy Feavearyear of Mustard HR, C-J Green of BraveGoose Ltd, Dickon Ireland of Fountain Partnership and Rebecca Headden of R13 Recruitment Ltd, to discuss ‘Negotiating the job terms you want’.
In our recent panel discussion, the discussion shed light on the nuances of negotiating job terms and the importance of being proactive in ensuring fair compensation.
In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, job terms are no longer limited to just salary and working hours. The dynamics have shifted, and employees are encouraged to actively negotiate their terms to align with their evolving needs and the changing dynamics of the workplace.
The Gender Pay Gap
The discussion began with a crucial issue that still persists in many workplaces – the gender pay gap. The revelation that women, due to this pay gap, are essentially working for free is a stark reminder of the inequities that persist. The panellists emphasised the need for individuals to be aware of their worth and to engage in open conversations about compensation, especially when faced with disparities.
Understanding What Job Terms are in Today’s Context
The panel conversation then discussed the evolving nature of job terms. In the post-pandemic era, job terms have become more complex, encompassing flexible work hours, remote work options, and additional perks like budget allowances and exchangeable benefits within the company.
Salary and Bonuses
Negotiating the base salary is a common practice. Candidates may research industry standards and company norms to ensure they are being compensated fairly.
Performance bonuses and sign-on bonuses are also negotiable terms.
Flexible Work Arrangements
With the rise of remote work, negotiating flexible work hours or the option for a hybrid work model has become increasingly common.
Requesting remote work options or a compressed workweek (e.g. four 10-hour days) can be discussed.
Negotiating support for a home office setup, including equipment, technology, and internet connectivity, has become relevant with the increased prevalence of remote work.
Benefits and Perks
Health insurance, dental plans, and other benefits can be negotiated. Some individuals may prioritise certain benefits over others.
Additional perks, such as gym memberships, wellness programs, or commuter benefits, can also be part of the negotiation.
Paid Time Off
Negotiating additional vacation days, paid time off (PTO), or personal days beyond the standard offering is a consideration for many employees.
Professional Development and Training
Negotiating opportunities for professional development, including access to training programs, workshops, or conferences, can be important for career growth.
Job Title and Responsibilities
Discussing the job title and the associated responsibilities can be relevant, especially if there’s a discrepancy between the initial offer and the candidate’s skills and experience.
Retirement Plans
Terms related to retirement plans, such as additional employee contributions with employer matching, can be discussed during negotiations.
When to Negotiate (Timing is Key)
One of the crucial aspects discussed was the timing of negotiations. While the obvious time is during job interviews or when considering a new role, the panellists stressed the importance of being aware of the organisation’s overall situation.
Negotiating during times of organisational upheaval or layoffs may not provide the results you want and it may come off as untasteful. Understanding the company’s position and trends in compensation adjustments can enhance the effectiveness of negotiations.
Here is a template you can use:
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I trust this message finds you well. I’ve been reflecting on my role and considering ways to enhance my contribution to the team. I believe there may be some opportunities to discuss my current job terms to better align them with my evolving professional goals and the changing dynamics of our workplace.
I value the work we do here and appreciate the support provided so far. I believe that by making a few adjustments to my job terms, I can contribute even more effectively to our team’s success. I would like to propose a meeting to discuss the following areas:
Compensation:
I’ve been researching industry standards and considering my contributions to the team. I would like to discuss the possibility of adjusting my compensation to reflect my skills and responsibilities.
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Given the increasing trend towards flexible work arrangements, I would like to explore options for adjusting my work hours or considering a hybrid work model. This flexibility, I believe, would contribute to a better work-life balance and increased productivity.
Professional Development:
I am eager to enhance my skills further and contribute more strategically to our projects. I’d like to discuss opportunities for professional development, including potential training programs or workshops that could benefit both me and the team.
I believe that by addressing these areas, I can not only contribute more effectively but also align my professional growth with the team’s objectives. I am open to your insights and suggestions and look forward to a constructive discussion.
Could we schedule a meeting at your earliest convenience to delve into these topics? I appreciate your time and consideration.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Why you should negotiate Job Terms
Moreover, the panellists encouraged everyone to pick their battles wisely, focusing on what truly matters to them. Don’t just fight for different job terms for the sake of it, make sure you know why you are doing it so you can find a resolution.
Fair Compensation
It’s not uncommon for new starters to be compensated more for their roles than longer-serving employees. Sometimes, companies and organisations can raise their existing staff salaries in line with inflation, whereas they offer more competitive roles for new starters to attract better talent.
Negotiating salary, ensures that you’re being compensated fairly for their skills, experience, and contributions to the organisation. It helps in avoiding disparities and ensures that your compensation aligns with industry standards.
Professional Growth
Negotiating job terms provides an opportunity for you to discuss and plan for their professional growth. This can include considerations for promotions, career advancements, and acquiring new skills through training and development programs.
Work-Life Balance
Post-pandemic employees focus a lot more on the ‘life’ half of ‘work-life’. Negotiating flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or adjusted work hours, allows you to achieve a flexibility which can contribute to improved well-being and job satisfaction.
This may also be an opportunity to align professional roles with personal goals. Whether it’s pursuing further education, participating in volunteering opportunities, or taking on mentoring roles, negotiating terms helps customise the job to meet your aspirations.
Increased Motivation and Job Satisfaction
Knowing that one’s contributions and efforts are recognised and appropriately rewarded fosters a sense of motivation and job satisfaction. Being heard and valued can contribute to a positive work environment where you feel valued.
Addressing Changing Circumstances
Women often only address their job terms when they are returning from maternity leave, but you should always be working with the job terms you are happy with and that they align with your circumstances.
The panel stressed that these changes don’t have to be in your personal life, you could be responding to shifts in the organisation’s structure or changes in your job role.
The Art of Negotiation
Moving on to the practical aspects of negotiation, the panellists shared valuable tips. Preparation emerged as a key theme – understanding one’s value, researching industry standards, and being clear about personal priorities. The importance of framing negotiations as a win-win situation, where both the employee and the employer benefit, was emphasised.
Approaching a negotiation conversation, especially with superiors, can be daunting. The panel highlighted the importance of honesty and transparency. Acknowledging the discomfort and expressing the need to navigate the conversation together can create a more open and constructive dialogue. Additionally, timing negotiations during performance reviews or pre-scheduled meetings can provide a structured environment for such discussions.
Top tips
- Practise your speech, with friends, family, in front of the mirror.
- Be honest and transparent, if you are uncomfortable about talking about something, tell who you are talking with.
- Take time to think about something and don’t answer or act on impulse. If you are given a compromise but you don’t know how you feel about it, that is okay. Ask for time to think about it.
- Take in notes. It’s okay to take notes into a meeting to help you make your point, or to make sure you don’t miss anything.
- Be prepared to wait. It’s common that your manager might not have the authority to change your job terms in one meeting, they may have to ask HR or their manager.
Being Flexible
The panel concluded by stressing the significance of flexibility. Sometimes, a ‘no’ is not a rejection but a delay. Understanding that circumstances change and leaving the door open for future discussions can be a strategic move. The experts advised having a plan in place, with alternatives considered if negotiations do not pan out as desired.
The evolving nature of job terms requires individuals to be proactive, informed, and strategic in negotiating fair compensation and work conditions. By embracing transparency, preparing effectively, and approaching negotiations with a collaborative mindset, employees can contribute to creating a work environment that aligns with their professional and personal aspirations.
