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If You Can’t Get a Big Raise, Here’s How to Get More From Benefits

If You Can’t Get a Big Raise, Here’s How to Get More From Benefits

Update: 2024-10-16
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Digest

This podcast delves into the challenges faced by workers and companies in the current economic climate, particularly regarding healthcare costs and compensation. The first segment highlights the shrinking pay bump for job switchers and the importance of negotiating total compensation, including benefits, during job interviews. The second segment emphasizes the need to consider the total compensation package, including healthcare plans, PTO, tuition reimbursement, and other perks, when evaluating job offers. The third segment explores the challenges faced by job seekers in navigating higher healthcare costs and the importance of asking specific questions about benefits, including coverage, costs, and options. The final segment examines the dilemma faced by companies in balancing the rising cost of benefits with the need to attract and retain employees, highlighting the challenges of passing on higher costs to employees and the potential impact on employer attractiveness.

Outlines

00:00:32
Paychecks and Benefits: Navigating the Current Economic Landscape

This segment discusses the impact of rising healthcare costs and stagnant wages on workers' paychecks. It highlights the shrinking pay bump for job switchers and the importance of negotiating total compensation, including benefits, during job interviews.

00:01:15
Negotiating Benefits: Beyond the Salary

This segment delves into the importance of asking detailed questions about benefits during job interviews. It emphasizes the need to consider the total compensation package, including healthcare plans, PTO, tuition reimbursement, and other perks.

00:01:52
Job Seekers and Healthcare Costs: A Balancing Act

This segment explores the challenges faced by job seekers in navigating higher healthcare costs. It discusses the importance of asking specific questions about benefits, including coverage, costs, and options, and the potential for negotiating sign-on bonuses to offset these costs.

00:06:57
Companies and Benefits: A Balancing Act

This segment examines the dilemma faced by companies in balancing the rising cost of benefits with the need to attract and retain employees. It highlights the challenges of passing on higher costs to employees and the potential impact on employer attractiveness.

Keywords

Total Compensation


The overall value of an employee's compensation, including salary, benefits, and perks. It encompasses all forms of remuneration received by an employee for their work.

Healthcare Costs


The expenses associated with medical care, including insurance premiums, deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket expenses. These costs have been rising steadily in recent years, impacting individuals and employers alike.

Job Switching Pay Bump


The increase in salary that job switchers typically receive when moving to a new position. This pay bump has been shrinking in recent years, making job switching less attractive for some workers.

Benefits Negotiation


The process of discussing and negotiating the terms of an employee's benefits package during job interviews or salary reviews. This includes healthcare plans, PTO, tuition reimbursement, and other perks.

Sign-On Bonus


A lump-sum payment offered to new employees as an incentive to join a company. It can be used to offset higher healthcare costs or other expenses associated with a new job.

Q&A

  • What are some key factors impacting workers' paychecks in the current economic climate?

    Rising healthcare costs and less generous raises are putting a squeeze on workers' paychecks. The pay bump for job switchers has also shrunk, making it less attractive to change jobs for a higher salary.

  • Why is it important to consider benefits beyond just salary when negotiating a job offer?

    Benefits can significantly impact an employee's overall compensation package. It's crucial to ask detailed questions about healthcare plans, PTO, tuition reimbursement, and other perks to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the total compensation package.

  • What are some specific questions job seekers should ask about benefits during interviews?

    Job seekers should ask about coverage, costs, and options for healthcare plans. They should also inquire about other perks like PTO, tuition reimbursement, and stipends for home offices.

  • How are companies navigating the challenges of rising healthcare costs and attracting workers?

    Companies are facing a dilemma in balancing the rising cost of benefits with the need to attract and retain employees. They are wary of passing on higher costs to employees, as it can affect their ability to compete for talent.

Show Notes

The cost of employer-provided health insurance, which rose 7% in 2024 for the second straight year, is expected to rise again next year and outpace less-generous raises. Wall Street Journal reporter Ray A. Smith joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss questions to ask about your benefits package to potentially lessen the squeeze on your paycheck.




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If You Can’t Get a Big Raise, Here’s How to Get More From Benefits

If You Can’t Get a Big Raise, Here’s How to Get More From Benefits

The Wall Street Journal