Looking for a new job? Three things to consider before signing a new contract.

The job search process is accompanied with unknowns and things to consider. 

• Do I like the role? 

• Is the salary good enough or aligned with the market rate? 

• What is the vacation and additional training allowance? 

• When to start? 

• And many more. 

It is also worth considering the location of the role and the facilities. Depending on your preference and circumstances these factors also play a role during the search process and in the role itself. Work is often a multitude of factors. The consideration points go beyond the day-to-day work activities and salary. Especially when office presence requirements are increasing. 

Here are three things to consider when looking for your next job: 

1. Location and transportation

Location is a key factor in deciding to sign a contract for a new role or not. Especially if the role is not fully remote (work from home). Job seekers may ask themselves - How easy or convenient is to get there? How much travel time and cost are required? Transport involves not only public transport but, in many cases, owning a car. Expenses pile up quickly - travel cards, tickets, lunch, fuel, maintenance, insurance etc. The home budget suffers heavily by transportation costs.

Often saving on travel time is beneficial because it can free up time for other activities. For example, if travelling requires one hour each way, this equals to two hours a day, or ten hours each week. Ten hours is significant and can be used for sports, family time, hobbies or just relaxing.

Another crucial factor is transport disruptions due to strike, weather conditions or other unexpected events. This could further complicate things on personal and professional level. Unforeseen circumstances could have an impact, if for example, there are no alternative travel arrangements. 

In addition, some roles require additional travel for visiting clients, on other business, events, and may involve overnight stay. This also adds up to the daily commute to the office. Depending on your life circumstances and preferences, it is worth considering, the location of the role, the travel time required, and transportation.

2. Facilities in the workplace

Often companies offer workplace facilities and perks such as game rooms, places to relax and socialise, partially or fully subsidised canteen and others. Places to relax on lunch break is an important consideration for many professionals. This may save money by not having to buy lunch or at least reduce the food cost expenditure at work if partial food supplement is offered. Common rooms, canteen, or places to unwind could allow for networking and socialising which could also benefit the overall happiness at work and an opportunity to increase your knowledge about the company and the distinct roles and people who work there. 

According to Financial Times¹ “Research shows lawyers care as much about what their workplace is like as they do about pay.” Financial Times also wrote that “City of London law firms are moving offices at an unprecedented rate as they battle to lure staff with premises boasting yoga studies, nail bars and beehives.” 

The demand in workplace facilities is growing and sought after by professionals and offered by employers. If you are actively looking for a role it is worth thinking about what you may need in the workplace and researching more on what companies offer to make a better decision about your next job search. 

3. Facilities around the workplace

Spending all your time in the office is not particularly good. Especially if the weather is good or you need time to think, walk and unwind. If the company is not based in a campus or larger office building with green spaces and retail outlets around, you may consider what other facilities are located around the office. For example, are there places to buy food – if there is no canteen or outlet inside the office. Is there a café, or a small park to unwind during lunch, or after work.

Further consideration is perhaps a nearby shopping centre to go on your way home and buy food or other items. This may eliminate the need to spend additional time on weekends. In certain cases, the work office could be in a business park outside of a city. If there is nothing nearby you may have to take a detour on your way home if you need to buy something or do a bigger shopping for the day or week. 

References:
1. London’s top law firms lure staff to offices with yoga and beekeeping | ft.com, https://www.ft.com/content/95da048a-270f-4dad-8ae9-bba1339a0e79