5 important perks to negotiate at work beyond a salary

By now, you probably know that a salary is negotiable. But that's just one of the workplace policies and perks up for discussion. Whether it's explicitly said or not, things like flexible working arrangements, maternity leave, and even the projects you get to work on may not be set in stone.

Of course, this doesn't mean you should start making demands during first-round interviews or during week one of a new job. But if you're a valued team member, or starting a senior position, you have a lot more leeway.

"Employees at the start of their career may not have much leverage," says David Lewis, president and C.E.O. of OperationsInc, a Stamford, Conn.–based human resources outsourcing and consulting company. "But those with five or more years experience are often in a position to work with their employers to find solutions that make their job a better fit for their lifestyle."

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So get ready to speak up. Here are five things beyond your salary that you may be able to negotiate — and expert advice on the best way to approach each.

1. Flex time

Contrary to popular belief, many of us aren't working strict 9-to-5′s. Four out of five employees around the world with graduate degrees report having access to flexible working arrangements of some sort, according to a 2013 survey from nonprofit research group Catalyst.

Lest you think flex time is primarily of interest to working moms, the survey found that 50 percent of all workers without children at home declared flexible working arrangements "very or extremely important." "Compressed workweeks, reduced work schedules, job sharing, and staggered start and end times are no longer the exception to the rule," says Anna Beninger, Senior Research Associate at Catalyst who authored the report.

How to get it: First, figure out what exactly it is that you want — instead of asking for broad "flex time," you should ask for a specific modification, like working from home on Fridays, or leaving an hour early twice a week. Once you've narrowed that down, advises Beninger, "ask your supervisor or HR if there's an existing policy in place, or if they'd consider it."

Then, she advises, come up with a detailed plan of how you'd fulfill — or even exceed — your current responsibilities under the flex working arrangement, and present it to your supervisor orally or in writing (depending on your comfort level and relationship). If your supervisor is reluctant, consider suggesting a trial period: You would work the modified schedule for six to eight weeks, then make the arrangement more permanent if they're pleased with your contributions during that time.

2. Promotions and titles

Think you're only able to jump a spot on the org chart when it's time for your annual review? Think again. "If you've added value to your organization, even over a several-month period, you may be eligible for a promotion," says New York City–based career coach and counselor Lynn Berger. "If that's the case, you should pursue it," she adds. "The longer you wait to move to your next position, the longer it will take you to move toward your major career goals."

How to get it: Lay the groundwork by proving yourself a valuable employee (you can start with these tips straight from real bosses) and keeping an eye out for opportunities to ask for advancement. When you approach your manager to ask for consideration, you want to make a good case.

Another tip: Make allies in the workplace by being respectful, helpful, and friendly. "Look for a sponsor, which is someone above you within your organization who advocates for you," advises Beninger. "Research shows that people with sponsors have more success in their careers." An advocate within your company understands the politics of your workplace and may be able to help you prepare a customized plan for advancement — or at least put in a good word on your behalf when the opportunity arises.

3. Maternity and paternity leave

Of all industrialized nations, America continues to lag in pro-parent policies: Paid family leave for new parents isn't legally mandated, and the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 — which guarantees 12 weeks of unpaid leave — only covers employees at companies with more than 50 workers.

That may explain why just 16 percent of 250,000 HR professionals surveyed reported that their companies offered paid maternity or paternity leave beyond what is offered through short-term disability, according to a 2011 Society for Human Resource Management poll. Even so, there may still be wiggle room to get more time off after you have a child.

How to get it: "Though it's extremely rare to get more than three months — with the exception of some states — you may find that instead, you're able to negotiate a 'soft re-entry,'" says Claire Bissot, human resources business development manager at CBIZ. "After your child's birth, you might work just a few days a week, or arrange to work from home much of the time," she notes. "Just be sure to consult with your human resources manager to make sure that reduced hours, even for a short period of time, don't negatively impact benefits like health insurance."

Lewis, of OperationsInc, agrees: "In an age where everyone's available via email, it's easy to remain an integral part of your work team even if you can't physically be in the office." And, he adds, your chances may be best outside of the corporate world. "Size matters. Smaller companies are less worried about setting a precedent for all employees, so they're often more flexible."

4. Vacation time

The average U.S. worker in the private sector gets just ten days of paid vacation time and six paid holidays, according to The Center for Economic and Policy Research — but if you're an asset to your company or hold a higher-level position, you're well within your rights to ask for more time than you've been offered, says Lewis. "Keep in mind that you're most likely to be given extra vacation under unusual circumstances," he explains. "If you're getting married and want to take a honeymoon, for example, or you have a sick relative you need to care for."

How to get it: If there isn't an extenuating circumstance like a wedding or family emergency, your annual or biannual review is a good time to request extra vacation. Before you approach HR, be sure to check your ego at the door: "If you go in with the attitude that you need or expect a certain amount of extra time off — or worse, tell the manager that you will be taking it — then you're going to encounter resistance," cautions Lewis.

A tactful request that explains how you'll minimize the effect of your absence on the company ("I'd like to take two weeks off to deal with some family problems. I intend to check my email regularly and work with my colleagues to make sure my projects are managed during that time") is more likely to be honored — especially if you ask well in advance of when you hope to be out of the office.

5. Project placement

If you want to swim with the big fish, you need to spend time in deep water — which is why you can and should request to work on interesting projects that may be out of your (perceived) league or skill set, explains Berger, the New York career coach. In fact, research shows that the freedom to make choices about your work builds autonomy — one of the central tenants of workplace satisfaction.

How to get it: Unless it's an extremely sensitive or time-intensive project, you don't need to put your request in writing, says Berger — but be prepared to start the conversation with your supervisor and/or the project manager by telling them exactly how you can add value to both project and the organization as a whole. "Even if you don't get the go-ahead," she continues, "by asking to be considered you've taken a positive step toward controlling how you're perceived in your workplace."

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