Episode•May 14, 2024•18 min

Unpacking Total Rewards: A Deep Dive with Expert LeChez Solages | Ep. 323

Today, we're thrilled to have LeChez Solages join us to discuss a vital yet often overlooked aspect of career progression: understanding total rewards. LeChez, who also co-hosts the Your Corporate IQ podcast, brings a wealth of knowledge about negotiating job offers and strategizing career moves. Today, she’s here to help us look beyond the salary and consider the complete package, including work environment, benefits, bonuses, and even stock options. So, if you're currently navigating job offers or planning your next career move, turn up the volume—this episode is packed with invaluable insights to ensure you make well-informed decisions that align with both your financial goals and lifestyle needs. Get ready to expand your understanding of what truly constitutes a rewarding job offer! About Our Guest LeChez Solages is a Talent Acquisition Strategist, DEI Global Leader, and Career Coach with over 10 years of corporate experience. LeChez has helped Fortune 500 companies such as Marriott International, Volvo Group, and Robert Half International achieve their talent acquisition and DEI initiative goals. She advocates for sustainable DEI hiring and career development programs supported by mentorship and sponsorship. She strives to amplify Black voices and serve her community with corporate navigation coaching. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Towson University and currently resides in the DC metropolitan area. LeChez served on the board for Carlisle Young Professionals and is a graduate of the Leadership Cumberland Fellow Program. Connect with LeChez Website: https://yourcorporateiq.com LinkedIn: LeChez Solages Connect with Tiffany Website: https://www.moneytalkwitht.com Facebook: Money Talk With Tiff Twitter: @moneytalkwitht Instagram: @moneytalkwitht LinkedIn: Tiffany Grant YouTube: Money Talk With Tiff Pinterest: @moneytalkwitht TikTok: @moneytalkwitht Timestamps [00:00] Consider salary, lifestyle, and willingness to adapt. [05:35] Conduct research on potential employers for confidence. [08:12] Remote, hybrid, onsite work arrangements in pandemic. [11:11] Recruiters face challenges with stock and bonuses. [14:55] Podcast covers career advice and negotiation tips. [16:40] Expresses gratitude and promises comprehensive show notes. Key Points Discussed 1. Understanding Total Rewards: - LeChez explains that total rewards encompass not just the salary but also the scope of work, work environment and culture, work arrangements (remote, hybrid, onsite), medical benefits, and other perks such as bonuses and stock options. 2. Evaluating the Entire Offer Package: - Importance of not focusing solely on salary. - Importance of understanding all components of the offer to meet both basic and lifestyle...

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Key Takeaways

Total rewards extend far beyond salary and include scope of work, culture, work arrangements, medical benefits, bonuses, and stock options.

Salary is only one component; evaluate the entire package to avoid leaving money on the table.

Understanding both basic needs and lifestyle requirements helps determine if an offer truly meets your goals.

Research employers thoroughly before and during the interview process to assess culture and values alignment.

Conduct Google searches on company initiatives, especially DEI efforts, and prepare informed questions.

Informational interviews with current employees provide real insight into whether the environment fits your personality and work style.

Work arrangements (remote, hybrid, onsite) significantly impact flexibility in negotiating other offer components.

Remote roles often allow more flexibility on salary or benefits; onsite roles typically require stronger overall packages.

Know your personal requirements—some thrive with office separation while others prefer remote freedom.

Track bonuses, stock options, vacation payouts, and timing to avoid financial losses during job transitions.

Understand bonus cycles and negotiate start dates to capture pending payouts.

At minimum, a new offer should match or exceed your current total compensation package.

Self-awareness (via MBTI or personal reflection) is foundational to evaluating offers and negotiating effectively.

Identify whether you thrive in small/family-like companies or large corporate structures.

Knowing your skills, values, and preferred environments builds confidence for salary and total-rewards conversations.

Intro

In this episode, Tiffany explores the concept of total rewards with career coach and talent strategist LeChez Solages, helping listeners look beyond salary when evaluating job offers.

LeChez Solages is a Talent Acquisition Strategist, DEI Global Leader, and Career Coach with over 10 years of corporate experience at companies including Marriott International and Volvo Group. She co-hosts the Your Corporate IQ podcast and provides corporate navigation coaching.

Unpacking Total Rewards: A Deep Dive with Expert LeChez Solages | Ep. 323

Key Takeaways

Intro

– Defining Total Rewards

– Salary Analysis and Lifestyle Considerations

– Evaluating Culture and Environment Fit

– Work Arrangements and Additional Perks

– Negotiation Timing and Avoiding Losses

– Resources and Coaching from Your Corporate IQ

Resources

Topics