Our ‘Christmas’ bonus is a performance incentive and considered part of our overall compensation package. The business did very well this year and as a result I got equivalent to 2 months salary…best I’ve ever had. Problem is, I just re-shingled the house and, after taxes (42%!), paid that off nicely, but with nothing left over for splurging.
I must say, it’s nice to have the credit line and credit card balances at 0 though.
I was pleasantly surprised when I got my bonus of $500 (gross of course). It was the best and biggest bonus I’ve ever recieved. Not to mention the fact that my boss also informed me (as it was my first bonus with this company) that it’s the least of the three bonuses the company gives each year. Least because it’s the first bonus of their fiscal year. We also get bonuses in April and again in August (after they year-end).
I love my company 
{{{{{Una}}}}}
This year, my boss handed out gift certificates to Borders Books and Music, in varying amounts to every employee, even to someone who had only worked there for two days. As a seven-year employee, I received $300.00’s worth. Very generous in my opinion. And most appreciated.
One particular employee, an eleven-year veteran, complained bitterly, arguing that this gesture was totally unacceptable. He was furious. “I’ve spoken to a number of people and nobody’s happy…everybody wants cash!! I’m going to talk to (boss’ name) and give him a piece of my mind…”
I told this employee that he could do whatever he wanted, do what he felt he needed to do, but not to expect a warm response. In fact, expect there not to ever be any Christmas bonuses in the future, for him or any other employee. “Your action today will have an impact on everyone who works here for years to come, so think of your fellow employee and tread carefully…”
What an ingrate.
Hey, that’s a great story, beatle. I hope I wasn’t overly bitter in my previous post–I actually have lots to be thankful for as a result of my decision that year.
Just to help confirm what appears to be an emerging trend, I also got two weeks pay as a bonus this year, in addition to a nice box of chocolates and a signed card. Furthermore, I’m pretty certain that the partners scraped the bonuses from their own earnings at the last minute–we aren’t a very wealthy firm. That’s just one more reason why I really love this place and the people I work with.
THespos:
**
Have I told you lately that I hate you?
**
OK, I like you again. 
My poor stepfather has worked for the same company for 22 years. This year, the company announced that it would be giving raises instead of Christmas bonuses. Everyone got excited . . . . until they saw the “raise.”
He got a raise of three cents per hour.
I work for a nonprofit and the $500 Christmas bonus was greatly appreciated. My company doesn’t have a bunch of cash so it meant a lot to me. We also get a $25 gift certificate to a local grocery store. Plus, my boss is very generous with comp time since she realizes that we work very hard for small raises and below average pay. I have been off work since this past Friday and won’t go back in till January.
No bonus for me this year. We did have a half-assed party, which was “all employees who aren’t working (I was) can show up and drink for free for three hrs” The only food was a leftover 6 foot sub from the day before.
I was so disgusted that I ordered pizzas for the other emplyees and paid for them myself. No bonuses, not even a Christmas card!
I may have to start thinking about getting back into the E-Tech field. I need the money!