Hi Reader,

We’ve known this for a while but here’s a recent article that further confirms it - employers have more leverage in the current labor market.

Companies are hiring more selectively, scaling back perks, and leveraging stricter return-to-office mandates to quietly shed staff (the so-called “quiet cutting” phenomenon).

And while the overall job creation numbers remain decent, many roles in tech, finance, and higher-level business management are harder to come by.

So what does this mean for you if you’re aiming for a competitive salary or hoping to maintain remote/hybrid flexibility?

1. Don't panic but do prepare

With the ratio of open positions to job seekers nearly back to 1:1, companies are less desperate to roll out red-carpet perks.

But that doesn’t mean all is lost.

In a more employer-friendly market, preparation is your best friend.

You can’t rely on a flurry of competing offers as leverage anymore; you’ll need to demonstrate value from day one.

A few adjustments to the negotiations playbook we’re advising clients to make in 2025:

• Be open to trade-offs: If companies are cutting some perks, can you negotiate others? Think: professional-development budgets, or specialized equipment for remote work.
• Time your requests: If you’re negotiating raises and promotions, start early and stay on top of it like you’re managing a project.
• Highlight tangible business impact: Show numbers, metrics, or stories of how you’ve saved past employers money, boosted sales, or improved efficiency. Employers want results and relevant experience, now more than ever.

2. Mind the "quiet cutting"

Stricter return-to-office demands aren’t always about productivity.

Sometimes, they’re a way to reduce headcount without formal layoffs.

If you value remote or hybrid setups, be ready to articulate why you’re still a strong performer—and offer solutions that maintain or exceed the productivity of in-office colleagues.

3. “Pet Poodle Perks” are disappearing so negotiate strategically

Your employer may have slashed the extra-lenient WFH policy or the “sick pet days” from last year.

But that doesn’t mean the conversation is off the table.

If certain perks are critical to your well-being, explore atypical forms of compensation: flexible hours, partial remote days, or even a one-time signing or retention bonus to make up for lost benefits.

Wrapping up

The shift back toward employer advantage doesn’t mean you have zero negotiation power.

Instead, it calls for a smart, well-thought-out strategy.

Show your value and adapt your priorities to match the new landscape.

And most importantly, plan ahead.

Don’t wait until you get an offer to start thinking about negotiations. Negotiations start as early as the online application.

Need help recalibrating your approach?

Reply to this email or grab a free consultation call with us.

We’ll walk you through real-world negotiation tactics that work in tougher markets.

Here’s to navigating a changing landscape with confidence!

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Thanks,

Gerta & Alex
Co-founders of YourNegotiations.com

P.S. If you find yourself second-guessing every word you say in a negotiation, check out our previous newsletter on three negotiation pitfalls—even seasoned pros sometimes slip up!