When you’re looking at taking a new job you always look at salary, job role, vacation time and benefits. Whether or not extended medical and dental are offered always seems to be a big selling feature that helps you decide to take the job, but do you actually use them? At SNTF, we’re here to help you get the most out of your extended benefits.
After your probationary period when your benefits kick in, make sure you have a really good look at them. At a basic level, you will know what you have for your dental and medical but what are the other perks that you can be using?
Many benefits packages include RMT which is Registered Massage Therapy. If you’re on a computer or stationary most of the day, this is a great benefit to get usage out of. RMT targets problem areas, such as your neck, shoulders, back, or whatever is bothering you, with a deep tissue massage. This will work out any kinks and knots you may have from work that are causing you pain or making your body uncomfortable.
Fashion Jobs can be stressful. You are usually juggling many different things at once. Taking on stress is a lot and the pressure will eventually build up. Many companies will offer therapy through your benefits. Therapy is there for you not only if you are going through trauma or loss, but also as someone to talk to about your daily life stresses. By taking advantage of this benefit, you will feel more at ease in your day to day job, and help you be more productive in the long run.
If you are on your feet all day or have found the way you sit has altered your posture, many benefits offer chiropractor or orthotics coverage. If you can take advantage of either one of these benefits, it is great! A chiropractor can help adjust your body so it all aligns. This will help you feel more centered and productive because your body won’t feel ‘off’. Orthopedics will then help to keep your body aligned after seeing a chiropractor. This is more beneficial if you are on your feet all day.
Some benefit packages focus heavily on health and wellness. This means they could include a naturopath. If you are unsure what naturopathy is, it is an alternative way to treat patients with natural remedies and solutions rather than using strong drugs. These doctors help with conditions such as weight loss, fertility, digestive health and more. This is a great option to use if you want to try another approach to your health and wellness.
When you are accepting a new job or you are loving the one you’re in, make sure to take a good look at your benefits package. There are so many hidden gems that you are paying into that just go to waste. If your benefits aren’t used one year, they don’t roll over to the next. Make the most of your benefits – they are yours after all!
Photo courtesy of: Pexels via Negative Space
By: Megan Renaud, Vancouver, @meganbrigette