Counteroffers: A Complete Guide for Employees and Employers
10.04.2025
Have you ever been in a situation where you come across an enticing job opportunity (especially in the IT field, where recruiters find you attractive), gone through multiple selection rounds, received an offer, informed your current employer of your intention to leave, and then suddenly received an even more appealing counteroffer? What's the right course of action in such a scenario: accept the counteroffer or move on to new horizons?
In the IT field, these situations are quite common. A counteroffer is often a company’s go-to strategy for keeping a valuable employee, since finding a qualified replacement can be both time-consuming and expensive. Rather than take the risk, employers often offer a raise or better conditions to convince the employee to stay.
But is accepting a counteroffer always the right move? There are many factors both employers and employees need to consider before making that decision.
What Is a Counteroffer In Simple Terms?
A counteroffer is a proposal an employer makes to an employee who’s planning to leave for another company. It usually includes a salary increase, bonuses, additional perks, or better working conditions. The main goal is to retain a valuable team member.
While a counteroffer might seem very appealing at first, it doesn’t always solve the underlying issue. If your desire to leave is driven by deeper problems—like a toxic work environment or lack of career growth—a counteroffer is unlikely to fix things in the long run.
Types of Counteroffers
Employers typically use a few common types of counteroffers to try to retain key employees.
Financial Incentives
The employer might offer:
- A higher base salary or one-time bonuses
- Performance-based payouts tied to company goals or individual achievements
- Company stock options or shares, which can be attractive in a growing business
Career Advancement
One of the most effective ways to keep an employee is by offering professional growth opportunities. This could include:
- A promotion to a higher position with broader responsibilities and new opportunities
- New projects or tasks that help the employee develop new skills and gain experience
- Involvement in high-responsibility initiatives or international projects
Improved Working Conditions
The counteroffer might also involve better day-to-day working conditions, such as:
- Flexible working hours or the option to work remotely
- A reduction in overtime expectations
- A better workspace, upgraded equipment, or other resources to improve comfort and productivity
- Extra perks or benefits like health insurance or discounts on products and services
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Counteroffer: The Employee’s Perspective
Before accepting a counteroffer, it’s important for employees to understand not just the potential benefits, but also the possible downsides. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at who typically receives counteroffers and how to increase your chances of getting one.
Who Usually Gets a Counteroffer?
Counteroffers are often made to employees whose presence is genuinely valuable to the company. Here are some categories of professionals most likely to receive one:
- Experts with unique skillsSpecialists with rare knowledge or hard-to-replace expertise. Companies will try to keep them to avoid losing critical capabilities
- Key employees and leadersPeople who directly impact business outcomes or manage high-stakes projects. Their departure can seriously disrupt operations
- Experienced team members who know the internal processesLong-term employees who deeply understand how things work behind the scenes. Their knowledge helps ensure stability and efficiency
- Employees with access to sensitive or proprietary informationProfessionals who handle confidential data or hold competitive insights that the company doesn’t want to lose
- Staff with valuable business relationshipsThose who maintain strong ties with key partners or clients—connections that are hard to replace and vital for growth
- Irreplaceable employees in critical situationsTrusted and effective individuals the company can rely on during tough times. Their ability to handle pressure and solve problems makes them indispensable
How to Get a Counteroffer
If you're hoping to improve your working conditions without necessarily changing jobs, here’s how to position yourself:
- Know exactly what you want. Identify which aspects you’d like to improve—salary, responsibilities, work environment, or growth opportunities.
- Talk to your manager. Before you start looking for a new job, have an honest conversation with your supervisor about your goals and reasons for wanting change.
- Build a strong case. Gather specific examples of your achievements and contributions to show your value to the company.
- Be ready to justify your request.The more clearly and confidently you can explain your value, the more likely your employer will agree to better terms without you needing to leave.
- Use a counteroffer as a last resort. If your current employer doesn’t respond to your requests, an offer from another company may prompt them to make a counteroffer to keep you.
Counteroffers from the Employer’s Perspective
A counteroffer can be effective, but it’s important to weigh both the pros and the cons of this approach.
Reasons for Making a Counteroffer
There are several reasons an employer might decide to make a counteroffer:
- Difficulty finding a replacementWhen an employee decides to leave—especially one with unique skills or experience—finding a suitable replacement can be tough. Employers know it’s unlikely they’ll fill the role quickly, so offering something extra to keep the employee, even temporarily, may be the best option
- High cost of hiring a new employeeHiring is not only time-consuming but expensive. Job ads, recruiters, interviews, and training all come with a price tag. In many cases, retaining the current employee is simply more cost-effective
- Buying timeA counteroffer gives the company time to plan for the transition and begin searching for a replacement without losing a key team member right away. It helps reduce risk and minimize the impact of turnover
Advantages of a Counteroffer
Some of the key benefits include:
- Retaining a valuable employeeIf an employee’s departure would negatively impact the company, a counteroffer can help keep them on board—especially when finding a replacement would be difficult or time-consuming
- Extra time to hire a replacementMaking a counteroffer can buy the company time to search for a new hire without losing productivity, which is crucial for highly skilled or specialized roles
- Meeting the employee’s needsSometimes a raise, better work conditions, or clearer growth opportunities are enough to address the concerns that made the employee consider leaving in the first place
Disadvantages of a Counteroffer
But there are also some downsides:
- Lack of motivationIf someone is already job hunting, it may mean their needs have been ignored for a long time. It raises the question: why weren’t those improvements offered earlier? This may indicate deeper issues with motivation or recognition
- Trust issuesWhen an employee decides to stay only after receiving a counteroffer, it can strain the relationship with management. It may also create tension among colleagues—especially if concerns weren’t openly discussed beforehand
- Risk of manipulationOffering counteroffers too readily can set a precedent. Other employees might threaten to quit just to get better terms, leading to a cycle of manipulation
- Team dissatisfactionIf one employee receives a raise or special perks, others may begin demanding the same. If the company can’t adjust conditions for everyone, this can lead to frustration and higher turnover
- A temporary fixEven with improved terms, a counteroffer doesn’t always solve the root cause. If the real issue is lack of growth, conflict with management, or unfulfilling work, the employee may still end up leaving—it just takes a little longer
How to Prepare a Counteroffer
When an important employee decides to leave the company, it’s necessary to prepare a thoughtful and strategic counteroffer to try and retain them. Here are some tips to make the process more effective:
- Understand the reasons for leavingBefore offering anything, find out why the employee has decided to move on. The reasons could range from low salary and lack of career growth to team conflicts or personal matters. Understanding the real motivation will help you offer a solution that actually addresses the issue
- Evaluate the employee’s importance to the companyConsider how much their departure would impact the business. If the employee is irreplaceable or their exit would result in major costs or disruption, putting together a strong counteroffer becomes especially important
- Find out the employee’s expectationsAsk what the employee feels is missing in their current role. Maybe they want a higher salary, a clearer path for career growth, or a better work-life balance. Assess what you can realistically offer to meet those needs
- Offer opportunities for developmentIf the issue is a lack of career progression, consider offering new projects, upskilling opportunities, training, or a clear promotion path. Show the employee that the company is willing to invest in their professional growth
- Improve financial terms and working conditionsIf salary is the main issue, propose a raise, bonuses, or additional benefits such as health insurance, flexible working hours, or extra vacation days. Make sure your offer is competitive and aligned with current market standards
- Listen to the employee and respect their needsA counteroffer isn’t just a tactic to make someone stay—it’s also a chance to show that the company values them. Be open and honest in your communication. Listen to their concerns and tailor the offer to address their real problems
- Be prepared for a “no”Even the best counteroffer may not work, and the employee might still decide to leave. In that case, it’s important to accept their decision respectfully and maintain a good relationship. Don’t pressure them—especially if their reasons are personal or tied to unresolved internal conflicts
Should You Accept a Retention Offer?
Deciding whether or not to accept a counteroffer proposal is a big decision that requires careful thought. It’s important to look beyond salary and consider other factors, such as bonuses, career growth, and work-life balance.
Reasons to Accept a Counteroffer:
- Higher salary and better conditions. Most stay offers include a pay raise or improved benefits (such as bonuses or insurance). This can help solve financial issues and boost your self-worth
- Career advancement opportunities. You might be offered a promotion, new projects, or training programs. This allows you to grow professionally without switching companies
- Stability and security. Staying with your current employer means avoiding the uncertainty and risks that often come with changing jobs. You also keep your established relationships with colleagues and management
- Recognition of your value. A counteroffer shows that your contributions are recognised and that the company is willing to invest in your future and career path
- Willingness to address other issues. If your employer is ready to resolve the issues that made you consider leaving (like workload or working conditions), a counteroffer could make your job enjoyable again
Reasons to Refuse a Counteroffer:
- Temporary fixes. Sometimes, the improvements offered are short-lived and only made to keep you from leaving. If the core problems aren’t addressed, things may go back to the way they were
- Unresolved issues. If team dynamics or workload remain the same, a salary bump won’t fix the root problems – and any improvement might only be temporary
- Missed opportunities. By accepting the counteroffer, you might miss out on better experiences, new challenges, or a healthier work environment at the other company – leading to regret
- Strained relationships with colleagues. Your decision to stay might affect how coworkers view you. Some may see it as manipulative or become envious of your improved conditions
- Loss of trust from leadership. Once you’ve signalled your intention to leave, your manager may begin to trust you less. That could cause issues down the line, especially during high-pressure situations
Case
We once had a candidate who accepted an offer but later changed their mind due to favourable terms at their current job. Three months later, the same candidate contacted our agency because they had left their company. It’s a clear example of how accepting a counteroffer can lead to a problematic job situation
We once had a candidate who accepted an offer but later changed their mind due to favourable terms at their current job. Three months later, the same candidate contacted our agency because they had left their company. It’s a clear example of how accepting a counteroffer can lead to a problematic job situation
What to Do If a Candidate Receives a Counteroffer
If a candidate you’re hoping to hire receives a counteroffer from their current employer, it’s important to stay calm and respond with confidence. Here are some steps that can help you handle the situation effectively:
- Understand the reasons for leaving—early on. Before a counteroffer even comes into play, make sure you know why the candidate wants to change jobs. Is it about salary, career growth, company culture? Understanding their motivation early will help you prepare and avoid surprises later
- Stay in touch. Maintain regular communication with the candidate all the way up to their start date. Staying connected builds trust and reduces the chance of them backing out at the last moment
- Discuss their doubts openly. If the candidate starts to hesitate after receiving a counteroffer, have an open and honest conversation about their concerns. This helps them make a thoughtful, informed decision
- Remind them why they wanted to leave. Go back to the reasons they initially decided to move on. Will those issues really be resolved if they stay? If not, gently highlight that accepting the counteroffer might only delay the same problems
- Show how valuable they are to you. Let the candidate know how important they are to your company, and how their skills will make a real impact. Explain that bringing someone else up to speed would require significant time and resources
- Improve your offer if needed. If the candidate is still unsure, consider making a stronger and a more competing offer –whether that’s a higher salary, better benefits, more flexibility, or performance-based bonuses
- Be prepared if they say no. If the candidate decides to stay with their current employer, remain professional and keep the relationship positive. You never know—they might become a strong candidate again in the future
In Summary
The final decision is for you to make, but here are a couple of considerations.
For candidates:
- If you value your current position, consider addressing your concerns through a straightforward conversation before contemplating a counteroffer
- Don't accept the counteroffer if you've already decided to leave the company. Repairing the rift in your relationship will be a challenging task
- You may consider the counteroffer if you possess exceptional talents and specialisation that serve as a compelling argument for accepting it. In this case, concerns about betrayal, layoffs, or trust issues are less relevant
For Employers:
- Address Employee Issues Proactively. Don't wait until an employee decides to leave. Regularly communicate with your team—discuss working conditions, career development, and salary expectations. This proactive approach can help you avoid counteroffer situations altogether
- If a Counteroffer Is Inevitable. If the employee has already made the decision to leave, prepare a thoughtful counteroffer that carefully takes their needs into account. Be open to discussing the terms and try to resolve the core issues
- Maintain Positive Relationships. Even if the employee decides to move on, aim to part on good terms. They might return to your company in the future—or recommend you to other talented professionals
Are you seeking to hire an IT-specialist? Our team of IT recruiters will find top talent for even the most niche positions. Reach out to us today! Fill out the form, and we will contact you as soon as possible.
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Alexandra Godunova
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