Medical coverage
Most companies allow employees to pick the health coverage plans they want. When looking at health, dental and vision, consider what's included and excluded with each plan—there may be some overlap. Bear in mind whether the benefits apply to family members too.
Employee contributions for insurance are often taken right out of paychecks. You spend the money before taxes, which saves you more in the long run. Pay attention to deductibles—the amount you pay at the doctor's office before insurance kicks in. Desirable Deal: Iowa Student Loan employees contribute from $8 to $64 per month for health and just $1 per month for dental and vision.
Tuition assistance
Many companies encourage employees to stay on the cutting edge by paying for classes. This is a great perk if you want to pursue higher career goals. Even if you don't put the credits toward a degree, you can still apply the information and skills.
Desirable Deal: Iowa Health System covers 85 percent of employees' educational expenses for employee growth and development.
Paid time off
Employees usually get some combination of sick leave, mental health days, vacation time, holidays and sabbaticals to keep them happy and motivated. When looking at jobs, take note of how days off are allotted. Many companies give employees a bank of personal days in addition to holidays. Pay attention if days off carry over from year to year. And if you're thinking about having children, be sure to note the family leave policy.
Desirable Deal: Principal Financial Group offers a variety of leave of absence arrangements. For example, employees can work part-time for up to 12 weeks and still receive full-time benefits.
Retirement savings
"In today's market, the most important thing is what kind of retirement plan [you] have," says Jeff Sullivan, benefits coordinator of the Iowa Health System. Savings assistance is an effective way to build a foundation for your future. Again, this money is set aside before taxes, and many companies contribute to or even match the amount you put in.
Desirable Deal: August Home Publishing puts three percent of an employee's income into a 401(k). The company matches 100 percent of that three percent and half of additional contributions (up to 5 percent of the employee's salary).
Life insurance
"We have a lot of young employees who sign up for health, dental and vision, but they don't even look at life insurance," Sullivan says. If you're planning on building a family, it's an option you should consider.
Desirable Deal: Meredith Corporation employees receive two times their salary in life insurance but can purchase supplemental and family coverage with payroll deductions.
