Negotiation is a vital process when it comes to employment contracts. Most employers provide a standard contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the job, but an employee has a right to negotiate these terms. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to negotiate your employment contract.
Understand the Contract
Before entering into any negotiations, it is essential to read and understand the employment contract. Ensure that you comprehend every clause, understand the obligations, responsibilities, and benefits offered by the employer. Know the penalties or consequences of breaching the contract to avoid any legal tussles in the future.
Identify Non-Negotiables
Employment contracts have certain non-negotiable aspects. These could be the compensation package, health benefits, and hours of work. It’s essential to identify these items to prevent wasting time or compromising the negotiation process. Non-negotiables are fixed items that cannot be changed, and they may differ between companies or industries. Identifying these items also allows you to narrow down your negotiation strategy and focus on areas you can negotiate.
Research
Research is important in many aspects of life, and it’s no different when it comes to employment negotiation. It is beneficial to research the market standards for your position and pay scale. This allows you to know what is reasonable to expect from your employer; it helps to know the industry standards and norms to know when you’re being offered a fair deal or not. With this information, you can raise objections or negotiate for what you believe is a reasonable rate.
Prioritize the Negotiables
It’s crucial to prioritize the negotiable terms of the contract. Identify what matters most to you and focus on those items. It could be flexible working hours or extra vacation days. Prioritizing makes negotiation easier, and if the employer agrees to your priority items, you can decide if it’s worth continuing negotiations for other terms.
Pitch Your Proposal
Once you have identified the negotiables and prioritize them, create a proposal. The proposal should articulate the motivation behind the request, how it benefits the employer, and how it benefits you. Negotiating is a give-and-take process, and both parties must find a mutually beneficial agreement for the negotiations to be successful.
Remain Professional
Always ensure that the process remains professional; do not become confrontational or aggressive. Know when to agree to certain terms, and know when to walk away. If the employer refuses to budge on certain items, you must know when to accept the deal or walk away from it. Professionalism in negotiations allows you to maintain good relations with your employer, even if negotiations do not end up in agreement.
In conclusion, contract negotiation can be a daunting process, especially if you’re new to the workplace. However, with proper research, identifying non-negotiables, prioritizing, pitching your proposal, and remaining professional, an employee can negotiate terms of the employment contract to reflect their needs and preferences. Ultimately, negotiations can lead to a mutually beneficial agreement that benefits both parties.
