What Can You Negotiate in Your Executive Compensation Package?

Debra Boggs
7 days ago
3 min read

One thing we can say for sure in these uncertain times is that the job market isn't boring. Many senior leaders are still landing offers, while others are getting the pink slip.

Whether you're preparing to start a new role or feel like you might be on your way out the door, this edition has expert advice to help you navigate what's next.

In our most recent article for the Forbes Business Council, "Negotiating Your Executive Compensation: Tips To Maximize Your Final Offer," co-authored by Debra Boggs and Norma Dávila, PhD, we covered many of the things that can often be on the table through effective negotiation tactics.

Below is an excerpt from that article listing the common areas beyond base salary that make up executive compensation.

Core Compensation

• Sign-on Bonus: Recuperate any bonuses or deferred income left on the table if you leave your current employer.

• Performance Bonus: Be sure to have a clearly defined bonus structure in place before signing your employment agreement, as the bonus typically makes up a large portion of executive compensation. Also ask the company for the bonus payout history for the past five years.

• Stock Options: This can vary widely depending on company size and maturity, so be sure you understand the vesting schedule and potential payout.

Exit Terms

• Severance: Ensure you have, at a minimum, enough runway to focus on your next opportunity if the relationship with your new employer were to change for reasons unrelated to your performance. This can include a change in ownership, a new CEO, a restructure, etc.

• Outplacement Services: Advocate for the individualized support you would need to move forward in your career as part of your severance package.

• Noncompete Agreements: Protect your ability to work after you leave the organization and propose any changes to the agreement before you sign it.

Structure, Flexibility, and Wellness

• Work Schedule, Location, and Travel: Agree on working arrangements and establish how much you will travel.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Establish how much, how often and for what purposes you will be entitled to receive pay when you are not working.

• Executive Healthcare and Wellness Plans: Determine the level and scope of coverage, including variations for dependents, as well as the start date of your plans.

Relocation and Perks

• Relocation Costs for You and Your Family: Seek upfront payment or reimbursement for moving expenses, housing services, acculturation support and extended family guidance.

• Membership Fees: Transfer payment of your social and professional memberships to your new employer, who will benefit from the relationships and contacts that you develop.

• Executive-Level Professional Development and Education: Find out if you will be able to pursue advanced degrees or enroll in prestigious programs that provide credentials and connections.

• Thought Leadership: Make sure that you will be able to reinforce your professional brand and position your potential employer as an industry leader.

• Other Perks: Identify what is most important for you (e.g., company car, premium travel arrangements, or legal and financial advice) and let go of what is less important.

Are you leaving money on the table?

If so, we can help. Schedule a call to learn more.

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Want more expert advice ahead of a potential layoff?

Michelle Merritt and Norma Dávila, PhD, covered this topic on a recent LinkedIn Live where they dove into the warning signs to watch out for and what you can do to stay one step ahead if a downsize, layoff, or termination is headed your way.

Click below to watch the full video on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=PLV8M3edVl70y5K4&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8BKxJ_NZHvmIipWMXVPXUNHzLQpL2wDnQoxU-g4_dN_H6tD1KvSobZqqQgco7noc_UPSBO&v=DQHjB2yzdaU&feature=youtu.be

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