When discussing employment conditions, the focus is often on base salary. While salary is important, employee benefits can be just as valuable. These benefits often determine how much you truly gain from your job, both financially and personally. In today’s competitive job market, employers use benefits as a strategic tool to attract and retain top talent.

Why are employee benefits important?

• Better work-life balance: Flexible hours and remote work help you balance career and personal life.
• Cost savings: Benefits like travel allowances and health insurance contributions increase your take-home pay.
• Long-term security: Good pension plans and extra vacation days improve your overall well-being and future stability.
• Career development: An education budget allows you to grow professionally and increase your market value.

30 Examples of employee benefits (with financial impact)

Here are some of the most common employee benefits, including real-life examples and estimated financial value:

1. Extra vacation days

• The legal minimum in the Netherlands is 20 vacation days per year. Many employers offer 25 to 30 days, which can be worth € 1,000 - € 1,500 annually. €1.000 – €1.500 aan vrije tijd waard kan zijn.

2. Flexible working hours

• Example: Work 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM instead of 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM—giving you more family or personal time.

3. Remote work allowance

• Since 2022, Dutch employers can provide a € 2.15 per day tax-free home office allowance. Working remotely two days a week can save you over € 200 per year. €200 netto.

4. Company car or travel reimbursement

• A lease car can save you € 300 - € 600 per month. A € 0.23 per km reimbursement can reduce commuting costs by € 200 - € 300 per month. €200 tot €300 per maand.

5. Employer-funded pension plan

• Een werkgever die 70% van je pensioenpremie betaalt, levert je al gauw €2.000 netto If an employer covers 70% of your pension contributions, it could save you € 2,000 net per year.

6. Bonus and profit sharing

• Many companies offer bonuses ranging from 5% to 10% of your annual salary, which, for a gross income of €50,000, can add up to €5,000 per year.

7. Annual education budget

• Companies often allocate € 1,000 - € 3,000 per year for training and courses—helping you increase your career prospects.

8. Paid leave for special circumstances

• Some employers offer paid care leave, which can preserve at least € 1,000 in salary.

9. Year-end bonus

• Some companies offer an 8.33% fixed year-end bonus in addition to salary.

10. Gym membership or fitness allowance

• Gym memberships cost € 35/month, which saves you € 420 annually

11. Health insurance contribution

• Werkgevers kunnen bijdragen aan je zorgverzekering, wat je snel €500 tot €1.000 per jaar bespaart.

12. Childcare allowance or on-site day care

• Companies may offer discounted day care, saving employees up to € 3,000 per year.

13. Company laptop, phone or tablet

• This benefit saves you € 500 - € 1,000 per year on technology expenses.

14. Tax-free bicycle purchase (bike plan)

• A € 1,500 bike can cost only € 900 after tax benefits.

15. Employee discounts on products or services

• Employees in retail or food industries may receive € 1,000 worth of annual discounts. €1.000 per jaar.

16. Free office meals or meal allowance

• A free office lunch can save € 100 per month = € 1,200 per year.

17. Sabbatical leave

• Some employers offer unpaid or partially paid leave after a certain tenure.

18. Home office setup reimbursement

• Companies may cover up to € 1,500 for office furniture and equipment. €1.500.

19. Company retreats and team events

• Some companies organize weekend retreats, which could be valued at € 500 per trip.

20. Higher holiday allowance

• Instead of the standard 8% vacation pay, some employers offer 9-10%, adding an extra € 500 annually to an average salary.

21. Paid study leave

• Allows employees to take paid time off for education—This will earn you at least €1,000 in time off, depending on the duration.

22. Volunteering leave

• Some companies offer paid leave for charity work, saving personal vacation days.

23. Wellness or relaxation allowance

• Some employers cover massages or yoga, which could be worth € 500 per year.

24. Mental health programs

• Employers may provide coaching or therapy, valued at € 1,000 per year.

25. Lease e-bike or scooter

• Employers may fully fund an e-bike worth € 2,000 over 3 years.

26. Employee stock and equity options

• Employees at profitable companies may earn € 5,000+ per year from stock options.

27. Overtime compensation

• Paid overtime or time-for-time arrangements can add € 2,000 in extra earnings per year.

28. Free parking or public transport pass

• A NS Business Card can save you up to € 2,000 per year.

29. Extended notice period

• Offers job security in case of layoffs or company restructuring.

30. Relocation allowance

• Companies may offer € 5,000 - € 10,000 to cover moving expenses.

 

Conclusion

Secondary employment benefits are more than just perks; they often make up a substantial part of your total compensation. Be sure to factor these benefits into your negotiations and use them to enhance your work-life balance, financial situation, and personal growth.

A professional salary report can help highlight and maximise these benefits when negotiating. Take charge of your career and make the most of your employment package!