Your employment contract might list a salary, pension, and holiday days — but many employers offer additional benefits that employees never claim. These hidden perks can be worth £500-2,000+ per year. Check alongside your salary sacrifice options for maximum value.
Benefits Most People Forget About
- Eye test vouchers: If you use a screen at work, your employer MUST pay for regular eye tests. Many also contribute towards glasses
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Free counselling, legal advice, and financial guidance — usually 24/7 phone line
- Death in service benefit: Often 3-4x your salary paid to your family. Free life insurance you didn't know you had
- Enhanced sick pay: Many employers pay more than statutory — check your contract
- Professional development budget: Training courses, conferences, certifications paid by employer
- Employee discount platforms: Perkbox, Reward Gateway, etc. — discounts on shopping, dining, cinema
- Season ticket loans: Interest-free loans for annual travel passes, saving you monthly premium prices
- Private medical insurance: Some employers include this but employees never register
- Gym membership subsidies: Corporate rates often 20-50% cheaper than individual
- Volunteer days: Paid time off to volunteer — extra holidays essentially
How to Find Your Full Benefits Package
Start with your employee handbook or intranet. If nothing's there, email HR and ask for a complete benefits summary. Many companies have dedicated benefits portals that employees forget to log into after onboarding. Set a calendar reminder to review your benefits every January.
Making the Most of Employee Discounts
Employee discount platforms often include big savings on everyday purchases. Look for discounted supermarket gift cards (typically 3-5% off), cinema tickets, holidays, and tech purchases. Some offer cashback on insurance, broadband, and mobile contracts too. These savings compound — £50/month in discounts is £600/year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do part-time employees get the same benefits?
Most benefits apply to all employees regardless of hours. Some (like enhanced pension contributions) may be pro-rated. Part-time workers have the same legal rights to benefits as full-time staff.
Can I negotiate for better benefits instead of a higher salary?
Absolutely. Extra holiday days, flexible working, professional development budget, or enhanced pension contributions can be more valuable than a salary increase (and may cost your employer less).
Do I lose benefits if I'm on maternity/paternity leave?
Most contractual benefits continue during maternity and paternity leave, including pension contributions from your employer. Check your specific terms, but the law protects most of your entitlements.
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