Table of contents
The English word „benefit“ refers to company-specific advantages that the company offers the employee in the course of employment.
A fair salary is not a benefit
These days, it's no longer about paying a fair salary—hopefully, all employers have already realized that. Your time is valuable, and you should be fairly compensated for it.
Imagine you're playing a favorite game with your friends, and the others get a fair share of the coins/drops they collect. Only you don't, because you didn't negotiate well or you're simply disadvantaged. This might work a few times, but when your motivation wanes, it'll start to get incredibly annoying.
Therefore, we won't discuss salary in detail in this article. Nevertheless, once again: Your salary must be fair!
Benefits that companies can offer you
This list is not exhaustive (= not complete), as benefits can arise and be offered in a variety of ways.
One of our most creative employees, the artificial intelligence from our neighborhood, helped us with this list:
- Flexible working hours: Employees have the opportunity to organize their working hours flexibly within certain frameworks in order to achieve a better work-life balance and fulfill personal obligations. In our view, this is an absolute must in today's world, because only those who are flexible (also called agile) can adapt quickly to situations and still complete their work satisfactorily. In a job interview, we would advise you to ask whether and to what extent the company is flexible.
- Home office optionsThe option to work from home allows employees more flexibility and often saves them valuable commuting time, which can lead to a better work-life balance and increased productivity. The COVID pandemic has been a completely new experience for many people. Lockdowns, restrictions of all kinds, masks, vaccinations, and, above all, uncertainty have shaped our daily lives. However, at least one positive aspect can be highlighted: Home office has become a standard practice in companies, at the latest with the lockdowns.
It's important for companies to understand that employees are largely significantly more productive and even work more when they're working from home. We believe it's important to strike a balance between working from home and working on-site, because being completely isolated from colleagues isn't ideal either. It's important: Yes, we love gaming, and it probably won't be noticed if you indulge in a round of LOL or FIFA during your lunch break, but it's important that your employers trust you in this regard. That should be appreciated and respected. - Company pension scheme: Companies offer their employees the opportunity to plan for the future by offering occupational pension plans where the employer covers part of the contributions. Even if this benefit may not seem important now, it can be very important for your life in the future. Be happy if an employer offers you this benefit.
- Further training opportunities: Companies invest in the professional development of their employees by offering training courses, seminars, and workshops to expand their skills and knowledge and improve their career prospects. This area is a true treasure trove, especially for junior employees or career changers. Even if you weren't the most eager to learn at school or during your apprenticeship, you'll greatly appreciate the knowledge you gain. It increases your market value, just like a professional footballer, and your own satisfaction, too. You can develop further in your field, learn about interesting aspects, and take control of your career. The market value of an employee depends on both hard and soft skills, and can only bear fruit when combined.
- Health promotion: Companies value the health of their employees and therefore offer health promotion programs such as fitness classes, ergonomic workstations, or health checkups. Health is the most important aspect of our lives – we only have one, and we must protect it! So be happy if your quest provider offers you this benefit.
- Childcare: Companies support employees with children by offering on-site childcare options or subsidizing external childcare facilities. Happy parents, happy company—right?
- Mentoring programs: Through mentoring programs, employees are supported and guided by experienced colleagues or managers to promote their professional development and strengthen their skills. If a mentoring program exists, look forward to it and embrace it with open arms. As a mentee, you have the opportunity to learn from an experienced person, receive feedback, and gain support within the company. If the mentor does a good job, you can make huge career strides in a much shorter time. Tip: Thank this person every now and then. A small gift (e.g., a Merci chocolate*) is a nice gesture and will be very well received.
- Employee share program: Companies allow their employees to purchase company shares, allowing them to participate financially in the company's success and provide long-term motivation. We take it!
- Employee events: Companies regularly organize team events, company outings, or company celebrations to strengthen the working atmosphere, foster team spirit, and offer employees an opportunity to connect and relax. Work doesn't always have to be work. Having fun and achieving goals together is also part of it. If you have a company that offers these benefits: Go for it!
- Sabbatical option: Employees have the opportunity to take extended time off from work to pursue personal goals, travel, or focus on family or their own projects. Taking a study leave or sabbatical is a great way to clear your head or devote yourself to your own projects. If you have the opportunity, find a suitable time and travel.
- Company car or mobility allowance: Companies provide their employees with company cars or subsidize public transportation or travel expenses to make their commute easier. A mobility allowance or a company car that you can also use privately are truly great benefits. They save money and show you that your employer really cares. If this benefit isn't mentioned in the job posting, mention it during your interview—just be sure not to give the impression that you're only interested because of the benefits.
- Company restaurant or meal vouchers: Companies offer their employees on-site catering options, whether in the form of a company restaurant or by providing meal vouchers, to encourage healthy eating. It's an epic benefit, and one you'll gladly accept. You save money and have one less thing to worry about ("What am I going to eat today?"). The Esport Connect editorial team is keeping their fingers crossed that the food tastes good, too.
- Insurance benefits: Companies often offer their employees additional insurance benefits such as private health insurance, accident insurance, or occupational disability insurance to ensure their well-being and safety. We're happy to accept them. Better safe than sorry.
- Workation: Companies enable their employees to be in another location while working, whether in another country, another city, or a relaxing environment, to experience an inspiring work atmosphere and new perspectives while completing their tasks.
Working where others go on vacation? That's exactly what workation (working + vacation) brings together. It's a nice perk, but one you can't use every day. Still, it's nice to be able to see new places without taking a vacation. For example, you could stay with a clan mate in another country and explore the place together in the evenings. Sure, you'll also play games, but rumor has it that the city or area you're currently in is also beautiful.
Our conclusion on benefits:
Benefits are very valuable and should never be ignored. Ask about existing benefits and suggest new ones at your current company.
A little tip from us: An introductory conversation is important, and you shouldn't just ask about the benefits, as that can make it seem like that's all you care about. Approach the interview gently and ask other questions as well.
To all companies: Please stop writing that you have a fresh fruit basket – we want real benefits!
