Can You Negotiate Workplace Benefits?

This content is sponsored by MOAA Insurance Plans for officers transitioning out of active service.

In the military, benefits are straightforward. Not so in the civilian workplace; every company has varying flexibility for negotiation.

While smaller companies tend to have more room to negotiate salary, be aware the benefit package a civilian employer offers can be worth as much as 30% of your compensation.* Even if you’re working with a recruiter, know what you can ask and be clear about what you want.

What to Expect

Benefit packages typically feature four areas, which are often standardized and non-negotiable. However, much depends on the job level you’re seeking, transparency norms, and the size of the firm:

Health insurance. Coverage can change—dramatically. Companies often renegotiate packages with insurance carriers every few years.
What if you are laid off through no fault of your own? If you resign? Unless terms are included in your contract, an employer doesn’t have to pay.
Life insurance. Often a multiple of your salary, employer life insurance only protects you while employed with the firm.
While pensions are rare, most firms offer 401(k) or other savings vehicles.

Areas Often Open to Negotiation

A hiring manager or department head may negotiate if he or she has authority in the area. Also, employers may be willing to deal if you are a good “fit” for the company. What CAN you negotiate?

Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation and sick time, remote work privileges and vehicle allowances, among others. Start date is a common item.
Your job title influences future opportunities.
Training opportunities. Consider where you want to be in 10 years and negotiate toward that.
From sign-on and relocation, to stock options and performance targets, bonus options are fair game.

TIP: What not to do? Neglect to get it in writing. Don’t sign any contract that doesn’t include details of what you’ve negotiated. And — do not think you can’t. You’ve never had more power than right before you say “yes” to an offer.

Create a Benefits Package You Control

Being able to negotiate a robust benefit package is important, but there are other considerations when deciding where to get your health and life insurance benefits. Employer plans can be easy to enroll in, but what happens when you decide to change jobs? Many of those types of benefits you won’t be able to take along with you.

As a MOAA member, you have the power to create a health and life insurance benefits package independent of any employer. These benefits are stable and go with you regardless of where you decide to work. The MOAA MEDIPLUS® TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan complements your retiree TRICARE benefits for covered doctor, hospital, and prescription drug costs. And MOAA offers a variety of life insurance plans that are good options to help replace your SGLI coverage. The Active Service Group Term Life Insurance Plan even offers coverage without any medical exam if you enroll within 270 days of leaving active service. You and your spouse are guaranteed acceptance. To learn more, visit moaainsurance.com/transition. Or if you’d prefer a benefit consultation, call 1-800-247-2192 to learn about your coverage options.