What Kind of Company Work Benefits Are Better Than a High Salary?

When considering job offers, many candidates focus primarily on the salary, often overlooking the myriad benefits that can significantly enhance their quality of life. In the competitive job market, companies in the United States often attract talent by offering more than just a high salary. Let's explore some of the top benefits:

Good Health Care

While a high salary is undoubtedly important, the quality and accessibility of health insurance can be even more valuable in the long run. In the U.S., healthcare systems can be confusing and bureaucratic, with multiple insurance plans and pharmacies. For instance, my wife recently changed jobs and faced several challenges with her healthcare insurance plan. Her previous insurance plan changed in January, yet her recent doctors still received billing from the old plan. My wife's new company, while offering better coverage, experienced delays in her coverage being added to their system and navigating through a specialty pharmacy for her Multiple Sclerosis (MS) medication, which is only available through a specialty pharmacy. The co-payment assistance for her medication added to her monthly expenses, making it difficult for her to manage without heavy financial strain.

The complexity of health insurance plans in the U.S. can be overwhelming. Each company offers different plans with varying levels of coverage, and some coverage is not known until you are already on the plan. For example, specialty pharmacy plans were not transparent until my wife needed to access the medication. This lack of transparency and timely coverage can lead to significant challenges and financial hardships, especially for conditions that require continuous treatment.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Time Off (PTO) is another crucial benefit that can greatly improve both personal and professional well-being. Unlike traditional vacation time, PTO often includes sick leave, making it easier for employees to manage personal health issues while maintaining job security. However, companies in the U.S. have varying PTO policies, and the minimum standard often remains at two weeks.

My wife recently had to reduce her PTO from two weeks to three weeks, which was a significant adjustment for her. While some companies allow for flexible PTO from day one, others require new employees to start at the bottom of their allowance. Some companies in the U.S. differentiate between PTO and vacation time, whereas others combine the two. For example, my current company offers both PTO and sick time, but in the last two years, my wife did not need to use either, as working from home (WFH) allowed her to manage her workload effectively without taking time off.

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is a critical aspect of job satisfaction and enjoyment. In the U.S., companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of reasonable working hours and flexible work arrangements. At my current company, the team adheres to a 40-hour workweek with a focus on billable time. While extra work is sometimes required for production deployments, the team generally maintains reasonable hours, avoiding extended working hours.

Trusting employees to manage their time effectively without micromanagement can lead to higher morale and productivity. However, some outdated company policies can hinder this progress. For example, my company's policy requires a doctor's note for absences exceeding a day, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Virtual consultations are now more common, but the requirement for a doctor's note remains a point of frustration for many employees.

In conclusion, while a high salary is important, the benefits provided by a company can significantly impact an individual's overall well-being. Health care coverage, PTO, and a genuine work-life balance are just a few of the factors that set one job opportunity apart from another. Candidates should consider these elements in addition to salary when evaluating job offers, as they can contribute greatly to a happier and more fulfilling career.