# Slap in the face or ungrateful **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 21, 2012, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731 "2012-12-21T12:55:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Black\_Bisector](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ce73a5/32.png) [@Black\_Bisector](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Black_Bisector)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/41 "2012-12-22T02:55:09Z")
Wow! I just checked and I did get one this year! We hadn’t for the past 3 years, so that’s a lovely unexpected gift! Wootz! (And I don’t celebrate Christmas, so no one else is getting it! 😛 ) ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/42 "2012-12-22T03:00:35Z")
I agree with the majority sentiment. If we get bonuses, it’s because we had a good year. Sometimes the year has been good, sometimes not so much. There were a few years we all knew we were lucky as a non-profit to still have our doors open and that no one was laid off. No bonuses, none expected. We got bonuses this year, we’re doing pretty well right now, and the Board approved a little something extra. Mine was just under 1/2 a paycheck’s worth. I’m happy. I would also not be surprised if it was nothing, and still grateful for this job. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/43 "2012-12-22T03:08:40Z")
> [@lorene](#): > > I do. > Even if you are disappointed that that is all you get, you’re going to throw it in the face of the person who gives it to you (who, most likely, was not the person who made the decision that that’s what people will get this year)? No. But I sure understand people feeling that the people who profit from _their_ work are shitting on them. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/44 "2012-12-22T05:15:37Z")
> [@Cub\_Mistress](#): > > Not where I work. The admin asisstant sends out texts soliciting cash for the boss of my office and the owner of the company. You only get to sign the card if you contribute, and the boss opens her card in from of the staff and reads each name. Anyone whose name is not on the card has a tough few weeks in store for her. That’s complete and utter crap, but I suspect you already knew that. ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/45 "2012-12-22T07:30:54Z")
In the 70s I worked for a company that gave Christmas bonuses based solely on years worked there. IIRC, after about 30 years it topped out at some thousands of dollars. For 1 year the bonus was ten dollars. Before withholding. ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/46 "2012-12-22T08:17:52Z")
> [@Cub\_Mistress](#): > > Not where I work. The admin asisstant sends out texts soliciting cash for the boss of my office and the owner of the company. You only get to sign the card if you contribute, and the boss opens her card in from of the staff and reads each name. Anyone whose name is not on the card has a tough few weeks in store for her. So if I give them my ten cents, my name still goes on the card? Bitches. ---
**Author:** ![regor62](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce7236/32.png) [@regor62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/regor62)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/47 "2012-12-22T08:19:36Z")
Good stuff you said. We are unionized but I’m not sure that should matter, either you respect your employee’s or not, and as far as their profits go and although I don’t have real figures I know they had large profits this year ( doubled their last year sales alone) I guess I just feel that you should not expect any Gratitude if you don’t show any real respect ---
**Author:** ![regor62](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce7236/32.png) [@regor62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/regor62)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/48 "2012-12-22T08:21:26Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Are you new? Bonuses might be based on years of service. My first year at my current employer, I got around that for Christmas; considering we got nothing at my previous employer I thought that was pretty good. After working there for several years, this year I got about 1/3 of a current paycheck. I have worked for the company for 12 years and should have mentioned that, sorry. ---
**Author:** ![regor62](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce7236/32.png) [@regor62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/regor62)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/49 "2012-12-22T08:29:04Z")
> [@digs](#): > > I don’t get a Christmas bonus. Wait, I think we got one back in Ought-Eight because we’d just landed a big client. So I’d be happy with anything, and realize that it’s money the boss didn’t have to give me. > > Especially if it’s cash, hand-stuffed into an envelope. That takes some extra effort and thought. > > But the real issue is “Is $30 a trifle compared to what they’ve given other years?” > If you’re new, ask around.\* If \*you can do so without becoming the next topic of gossip: “Can you believe Reggie? Complaining about his bonus! Probably thinks he should’ve gotten more than the rest of us.” “Yeah, guess 30 smackers ain’t good enough for him.” The quote was funny, The thing with my work place is that management try’s to make us believe they care thoughout the year in different way but it’s all talk always just talk and let me just say that all that talk rarely involes a thank you or job well done which if you ask most people thats all they really want. We were given a gift card in a plain envelope with no message of any kind we didn’t even know the value of the card until we used it. $30.00 ---
**Author:** ![regor62](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce7236/32.png) [@regor62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/regor62)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 8:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/50 "2012-12-22T08:33:15Z")
> [@Dorjan](#): > > Do you not understand the definition of bonus? :rolleyes: I appreciate the gift. I don’t appreciate how they value me! ---
**Author:** ![stui\_magpie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stui_magpie/32/11010_2.png) [@stui\_magpie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stui_magpie)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 8:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/51 "2012-12-22T08:45:55Z")
Don’t get bonuses of any kind where I work. Might get a salary increase at performance review time, but don’t expect it. Closest thing we got was they put on a Xmas lunch yesterday for everyone for “free”. I got asked how many of my staff would go, I estimated 30 and got stung $15 per head deducted from my budget. I just told them all, I’ve paid for this, make sure you go and chow down which they all did. Funny that, giving them $15 in cash would have been considered insulting, giving them a free feed to the same value was considered nice. ---
**Author:** ![regor62](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce7236/32.png) [@regor62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/regor62)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/52 "2012-12-22T08:47:59Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > If they regularly provide a Christmas bonus then it’s a real asshole move not to have one, or just some minimal token. If there’s a real business reason they can’t afford it then they should let people know ahead of time, explain why, and do what they can to provide something. They don’t have to, but if they don’t they’ll pay for it in lost productivity. It seems that most responces are of the just be grateful kind, which is ok. I just think as to what your saying that if the company could just be a little more upfront about the issue. It matters alot to most employee’s at this time of year when gifts, bonus, what ever you want to call them are handed out. Just what is management thinking when they sit down to figure out how they will treat us at Christmas time, is there any real thought of thankfulness or consideration of the spirit of the season or is it just the account calculating the out come for tax time? ---
**Author:** ![regor62](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce7236/32.png) [@regor62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/regor62)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 9:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/53 "2012-12-22T09:01:14Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > I think it’s all about perspective and expectations. Some people think I’m wealthy and live in a mansion. I disagree. It all depends on what rung of the ladder you’re on. > > I don’t know what percentage of people actually get a bonus, but I bet it’s small. > > Your job is your job. You do a thing, you get paid x amount. To me, a bonus is a “thank you - go get yourself something nice that maybe you wouldn’t have”. > > I suppose it depends on what you make and what the company has. No, the company isn’t obligated to give you X for a bonus, but if they can afford it, I think they should. Happy employees are better employees, all things being equal. > I’ve always had a family owned company, or worked for one. Keeping employees happy, and showing them that you care about them and their families is never a bad thing in my book. > > If you make 50, or even 100k per year, you’re not rich. Yacht and jet payments are still tough up to 300k. > > 30 bucks is barely dinner for 4 at McDonalds, not a great steakhouse or lobsters for everyone. I’d be insulted. > > 500 is nice, and can be a nice weekend getaway, or a new head gasket on your Impala. > It’s certainly better than nothing. > > 1000 starts feeling nice at this income level. That’s a new washer and dryer or that riding mower your hubby has been wanting. Or it pays down a credit card some. You can fill the fridge, the basement freezer, and the pantry, AND get the kids a smartphone. It’s starting to help. > > 5 grand? It’s what I get, and I’ll sound like an ass, but all it gets me is another semester of college for Jr. at this point. Mrs. gets more, but won’t tell me how much. > It just goes to bills and whatever is broken this month. Car, HVAC, tree removal. Nothing romantic. For most lower income folks, this would be a life-changing amount, and I certainly realize that. > > I know for a fact though, that 1 or 2 grand to someone raising a family on 30-80k/year can be a godsend, and I’d like to see more folks get something like that. > > I managed to do it for 10 or 15 employees at my travel agencies on much less revenue than 75mil. Your a big person, I have more respect for you whom I don’t know then the people I work for. Just knowing you do the best you can means everything from $1.00 to $100,000 its the spirit in which you give it. Don’t hand out the same gift every year just because it’s what you did the year before, put some thought into it and make it somethng…(in the mind of the recipeiate). How you would it be if in stead of getting a $30 gift card every year you received the same teddy bear, year after year, you would need a big cave to keep them all in. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/54 "2012-12-22T10:53:18Z")
If you all pool your money you can hire a hitman and whack a few of the people in management. Hope they get the message for next year, eh? ---
**Author:** ![lorene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/65b543/32.png) [@lorene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lorene)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/55 "2012-12-22T14:25:58Z")
> [@regor62](#): > > Good stuff you said. We are unionized but I’m not sure that should matter, either you respect your employee’s or not, and as far as their profits go and although I don’t have real figures I know they had large profits this year ( doubled their last year sales alone) I guess I just feel that you should not expect any Gratitude if you don’t show any real respect I should have been clear in my scenario that all employees (union and non-union) got bonuses. It was just that the higher-ups knew they had to do something for non-union folks as it had been unequal for several years, in favor of those represented by unions. > [@regor62](#): > > The quote was funny, The thing with my work place is that management try’s to make us believe they care thoughout the year in different way but it’s all talk always just talk and let me just say that all that talk rarely involes a thank you or job well done which if you ask most people thats all they really want. We were given a gift card in a plain envelope with no message of any kind we didn’t even know the value of the card until we used it. $30.00 That’s a downfall I see a lot in my line of work. It boggles my mind that supervisors can’t manage to say “Thank you” on a daily basis to people. I’d say that’s Management 101, but it’s more like Remedial Management. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/56 "2012-12-22T18:24:27Z")
Whether it’s a real bonus or a slap in the face would depend mostly on what sort of bonus the bigwigs got. If the majority of the workers got under a hundred bucks, while the suits got tens of thousands of dollars, well, that’s a slap in the face. If the suits are forgoing their bonus this year, in order to make sure that the rank and file got SOME sort of bonus, then the rank and file should be grateful. ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/57 "2012-12-22T19:09:08Z")
The year I worked at Cracker Barrel, I got a card with a gift certificate. For $5. To Cracker Barrel. _That_ was a slap in the face Christmas bonus–I would honestly have rather gotten nothing, like the people a step below in the star system got. Basically, they were saying “Have an in-shift meal on us. You know what? It’s Christmas, go nuts and order something fancy like the country fried steak!” Gee, I feel appreciated as shit. But, it was still a step up from this year. We not only get no bonuses, I get the fun present of having to explain to my boss when we come back from the break why, when your employees get you a gift, it’s poor form to leave it sitting on the counter for two days. Comparatively, the $30 sounds pretty damn good. ---
**Author:** ![SpeedwayRyan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@SpeedwayRyan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpeedwayRyan)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731/58 "2012-12-23T00:57:51Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > I know for a fact though, that 1 or 2 grand to someone raising a family on 30-80k/year can be a godsend, and I’d like to see more folks get something like that. Yep, getting just a fraction of your family’s run-of-the-mill HVAC repair & tree removal money is like hitting the lottery to us wage-slaves struggling to raise a family on a measly $80k/year. It’s hard to choose a favorite part of that post, though. I kinda like “that’s not even top-notch steakhouse or lobster money – I’d be INSULTED by that amount of free money” and “maybe that’s enough for a major engine repair on your broken down poor-person Impala – let’s call that ‘BETTER THAN NOTHING’, I guess.” It’s hard to top “SOME (poor) people think I’m wealthy and live in a mansion, but it’s all relative,” though. It’s cool that you think people deserve bigger bonuses, but you took an interesting route getting there. You understand the plight of the $80k/year working poor, though, I’ll give you that. OK, gotta go try to get the Impala running to make it to work tomorrow! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slap-in-the-face-or-ungrateful/644731.md?page=2)