What’s more important: choosing money or greater self-fulfilment? An age-old question that’s up for fresh debate in the wake of the pandemic and the new remote-working standards that’ve taken the working world by storm.
In this article we look at a few physiological and security-driven incentives that are important to people job hunting in challenging times:
Read on as we examine whether money is really the only important factor when deciding what job you want.
Having a job you can rely on for financial stability is no small blessing — but is money the most important factor you should consider in every aspect of your role?
The answer to that question depends on what motivates you most, though we’re willing to wager money is one of the first factors that come to mind when deciding on your next job.
Many people choose salary over other incentives because we all need money to survive and meet our basic needs. And while every business owner is legally obliged to pay you a wage, it’s the companies that go a few steps further to ensure your security that are most appealing to the modern job market.
Receiving a regular, solid paycheck certainly helps you feel more secure in life — but it’s certainly not the only physiological or safety factor you should consider before jumping at a new job opportunity.
The best modern businesses should look to offer more intrinsic value from their incentive programmes — a fact brought into sharp focus during the events of 2020, where personal and financial security was a more pressing concern than ever before.
With this in mind, we can think of two key considerations (among many others) that you should look out for before signing on the dotted line:
In this section, we explore these key considerations and discuss what other perks you should look out for (besides money) that can support a more secure working environment. If you’re interested in exploring remote job opportunities that offer flexible work arrangements, consider checking out platforms like remote work, which specialize in connecting professionals with remote work opportunities.
While much of the working world is still able to work from home, vehicles still remain an essential part of everyday life. Public transport is unreliable even at the best of times, and owning or leasing a vehicle is still one of the most convenient options for commuters and daytrippers alike. However, with fuel prices still fluctuating wildly, racking up all those miles is a more difficult burden to bear than ever before.
As such, looking for companies that offer company cars and fuel allowances are an important factor to consider alongside your potential earnings when looking for a new job.
Equally, it’s important to find a business that has the necessary framework in place to stay financially sustainable while also maximising the individual benefits of having such a perk.
Enter fuel cards — a payment method synonymous with business-related travel, helping companies manage (and employees) manage vehicle costs more efficiently.
Not sure how to use a fuel card, or simply not convinced they offer many benefits to your prospective job? Here’s some more information on how they work and could help inform your move to a company offering company cars and allowances:
Note that company cars and fuel allowances are an incentive with careful consideration, but only if you get the impression businesses will be able to sustain such a perk over long periods, using tools that make the gesture more rewarding and sustainable.
Only a few years ago, flexible working was one of the most sought after work perks in the job market, but nearly 4 years down the line, it sits tall as a necessity rather than an add-on to the wages you receive.
Although for some, working from home is still preferable to the daily commute; for many others, having to endure strict work schedules in the confines of their bedroom makes striking a healthy balance between home and professional life almost impossible.
Modern businesses who have made successful transitions into a remote setup realise micromanaging peoples’ work lives away from the office isn’t sustainable. Applying for a job that endorses flexible working will greatly improve your welfare because you can put down the juggling pins and approach the day at your own pace. However, with remote work now the global standard — and companies increasingly hiring internationally — be aware that you’re likely to face stiffer competition for these positions.
It’s also a good idea to look out for roles that offer wellness days — this way you know you’re working for a company that puts its employees first and you can take advantage of much-needed rest, without worrying about losing money.
While money remains a pivotal and necessary factor in deciding your next career move, it shouldn’t be your sole focus. Sometimes in life there are things just as important as worrying about the next paycheck. Health is wealth, and while your spending power may play a part in your overall quality of life, it’s worth weighing up the broader aspects that can contribute to your overall well-being and happiness.