When companies cut costs and take away employee perks, there are several steps you can take to try to get them back or find other rewarding but less expensive alternatives. If you’ve recently lost your perks, here’s how you can take control and work towards a positive outcome.
First, it’s important to manage your emotions. Losing perks can trigger a response similar to any personal loss. Being aware of the stages of grief鈥攄enial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance鈥攃an help you stay composed and choose the right time to talk to your employer.
Initially, you might feel shock and disbelief. Denial can act as a defense mechanism. As reality sets in, you might feel anger and frustration. It’s crucial to recognize these emotions and not let them cloud your judgment. Exercise can help clear your mind and prepare you to create an action plan. With a clear plan, you can move to the bargaining stage, where you negotiate with management to reverse or delay the loss of perks.
You don’t have to go through depression or acceptance if you take control of your next steps. With your emotions in check, you can focus on productive actions to get your perks back or find alternatives.
Here are some steps you can take:
1. Communicate with Management: Start by talking to your supervisor, manager, or HR to understand why the perks were removed. Ask for clarification and discuss possible alternatives that could lessen the impact on employees.
2. Negotiate Alternatives: Suggest less costly alternatives that still provide value. For example, instead of eliminating gym memberships, propose a discounted corporate rate or wellness initiatives like yoga and meditation sessions. If remote working is affected, suggest a hybrid model and use collaboration tools to improve productivity.
3. Seek External Perks: Look for benefits available through industry discounts or professional associations.
4. Seek Collective Action: If many employees are affected, consider forming a group to approach management together. A united front can be more persuasive.
5. Focus on Compensation: Use this opportunity to negotiate a salary increase or additional compensation to offset the loss of perks. Highlight your contributions and the value you bring to the company.
6. Improve Skills and Marketability: Enhance your skills through professional development, workshops, or certifications. This can make you more valuable in the job market and open up better opportunities.
7. Consider Alternative Employment: If the loss of perks significantly affects your job satisfaction, explore other job opportunities that align with your career goals and offer the desired benefits.
In summary, losing perks can be tough, but understanding the emotional stages and taking proactive steps can help you manage the situation. Each case is unique, so tailor your approach based on your relationship with your employer, company policies, and economic conditions. If your efforts don’t succeed, consider personal finance strategies to manage the impact, such as budgeting or reducing expenses.
