Beyond Salary: What to Negotiate When Accepting a Job Offer in Germany
Let’s face it: many of us focus exclusively on salary when we get a job offer. But compensation is about so much more than just the number on your paycheck. In fact, many of my clients come to me after realizing they left valuable perks and benefits on the table simply because they didn’t know what to ask for.
If you’re unsure about the difference between sharing salary expectations and actual negotiation, I encourage you to read my blog post Sharing Salary Expectations Is Not Negotiation: Breaking a Common Mistake. It’s a critical step to mastering the art of negotiation.
If you are currently actively searching for a job you may wanna read this blog post as well: Why You Should Never Promise a Starting Date to a New Employer.
Real Talk: The Client’s Story
Here’s what I’ve noticed. When clients first come to me, they often tell me, “I negotiated my salary, so I think I’m good.” But when we dig deeper, we discover they’ve overlooked an entire world of benefits and perks that could make their lives easier, more enjoyable, and—yes—more financially secure.
Take one of my clients as an example. After landing a new job, they came to me to discuss whether they should negotiate the offer further. When I asked about the benefits, they admitted they hadn’t considered asking for anything beyond salary. “I didn’t know I could,” they said. But you absolutely can, and you should.
Here’s the thing: by "offer," the client meant solely the salary expectations they had shared earlier in the hiring process. But salary expectations are not the same as an offer package. Salary is just one part of the total compensation package, which often includes benefits, perks, and additional forms of compensation. Limiting negotiations to salary alone means you’re overlooking potentially valuable opportunities to enhance your overall compensation and work experience. The true offer package is a comprehensive agreement that can and should be negotiated in its entirety.
Why You Should Negotiate More Than Just Salary
In Germany, employers offer a variety of perks and benefits that can significantly increase the value of your compensation package. Failing to negotiate these extras could mean missing out on thousands of euros in value each year. Beyond the financial aspect, perks can improve your quality of life, support your career growth, and provide greater flexibility.
Common Perks to Negotiate in Germany
If you’re accepting a new job in Germany, here’s what you should consider negotiating in addition to your salary:
Vacation Days: By law, employees in Germany are entitled to a minimum of 20 vacation days (based on a 5-day workweek), but many companies offer 25-30 days. Don’t hesitate to ask for more.
Flexible Working Arrangements: Remote work or hybrid models are increasingly common. Discuss the possibility of working from home a few days a week or having flexible hours.
Professional Development: Ask for funding for certifications, courses, or conferences. Many companies have budgets for employee development but won’t offer unless you ask.
Relocation Support: If you’re moving for the job, negotiate a relocation package to cover expenses like moving costs or temporary housing.
Commuting Allowance: Many employers offer subsidized public transportation tickets or mileage reimbursement for driving to work.
Bonuses: Discuss annual performance bonuses, sign-on bonuses, or retention bonuses.
Pension Contributions: Some companies offer to contribute to private pension plans (bAV) in addition to the statutory pension.
Childcare Assistance: Family-friendly benefits like subsidized daycare or flexible schedules for parents can be a significant perk.
Health and Wellness Benefits: Gym memberships, wellness programs, or even private health insurance upgrades can often be negotiated.
Equity or Stock Options: If you’re joining a startup or a growing company, consider negotiating equity as part of your compensation package.
Technology or Equipment: Negotiate for a company laptop, phone, or any other equipment you’ll need to perform your
Not sure how to approach this conversation? Book a free, no-strings-attached session with me, and we’ll craft a strategy to help you negotiate with confidence.
How to Negotiate Beyond Salary
Start Early:
Bring up perks and benefits during the final stages of the interview process, ideally after you’ve discussed salary.
Prioritize What Matters to You:
Identify which benefits align with your lifestyle and goals. For example, if you have a long commute, a transportation allowance might be more valuable than a gym membership.
Ask Questions:
During interviews, ask about the full compensation package. Questions like “Does the company have a professional development budget?” or “What’s your policy on remote work?” can open the door to further negotiation.
Be Prepared to Justify Your Requests:
Explain why a particular perk is important to you and how it benefits both you and the company.
Be Flexible:
If the employer can’t meet your salary expectations, ask for additional benefits to make up the difference.
The Client’s Outcome: A Comprehensive Package
Remember the client I mentioned earlier? Here’s how their story ended. After our coaching session, they went back to the employer and negotiated:
An additional 5 vacation days
A hybrid working model with 2 days remote per week
A €3,000 professional development budget
A subsidized public transport ticket
These extras added significant value to their compensation package—not just financially but also in terms of work-life balance and career growth. By thinking beyond salary, they set themselves up for long-term success and satisfaction.
Conclusion: Build a Life You Love
Negotiating a job offer is about more than just your paycheck. By taking the time to understand the full range of benefits available in Germany and advocating for what matters most to you, you can create a compensation package that truly supports your goals.
Ready to break free from limiting beliefs about negotiation? Book a free, no-strings-attached session with me today, and let’s build a plan to help you secure the job offer you deserve.
Not yet ready to book a call, but would like to ask a question? Email or WhatsApp me.
Until our next breakthrough!
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