When an employee receives a job offer from another company, the current employer might respond with a counter offer to entice them to stay. This situation can be complex, involving emotions, career goals, and financial considerations. Here’s a closer look at counter offers, their implications, and how to navigate them effectively.

What is a Counter Offer?

A counter offer occurs when an employer attempts to retain an employee by matching or exceeding the terms of an external job offer. This can include salary increases, enhanced benefits, promotions, or adjustments to job responsibilities.
Reasons for Counter Offers

1. Retention : Good Health & Safety professionals are hard to find. Losing you could result in long lead times to recruitment a replacement and difficulties managing workload for your employer.

2. Short-Term Solutions: Employers may use counter offers as a solution to avoid the immediate challenges, for example if there is an audit due or pending enforcement action.

Pro's of Accepting a Counter Offer

• Immediate Financial Gain: Often, the most appealing aspect of a counter offer is a significant salary increase or better benefits, however there can be an offset meaning your employer will also expect more output from you in return.

• Familiar Environment: Staying in a known workplace can be a more comfortable option although relationships can often change once someone has considered a move elsewhere.

• Career Advancement: A counter offer may come with new responsibilities or promises for career progression, do make sure these are genuine as long-term evidence suggests many promises do not come to fruition.

Con’s of Accepting a Counter Offer

• Underlying Issues Remain: The original reasons for considering a new job—such as lack of growth or career opportunities or a poor work environment will often remain and will not be addressed by an increase in salary.

• Trust and Loyalty: if you were considering a new job because you felt undervalued, it should not take you to resign to get the appreciation you deserve. Accepting a counter offer can sometimes strain relationships with colleagues and management, who might see you as less committed.

• Future Job Security: Employers may perceive you as a flight risk after you have expressed interest in leaving, which could impact your standing during future evaluations or layoffs.

Steps to Take When Considering a Counter Offer

1. Evaluate Your Reasons for Leaving: Reflect on the motivations that prompted you to seek another job. Are these issues resolved by the counter offer?

2. Consider Your Long-Term Goals: Think about where you see your career heading. Does staying align with your aspirations? What was the original reason you updated CV and went into the interview process.

3. Weigh the Offers: Compare the counter offer against the new job offer not just in terms of salary, but also career growth, work-life balance, and company culture. Also be mindful of the future culture if you were to stay at your current employer.

4. Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, go with what feels right. If you have doubts about your employer’s intentions, it might be best to move on.
Conclusion

Counter offers can provide a tempting solution for both employees and employers. However, they require careful consideration and introspection. By understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks, employees can make informed decisions that align with their career goals and personal values.

Whether to accept a counter offer or pursue a new opportunity is a significant choice that should reflect both immediate needs and long-term aspirations.

Author: Nick Jones, Assured Safety Recruitment