Economic times are tough, and bonuses are tougher
We're obviously not going through the best of economic times and we've officially been in a recession for a year now, so extra perks that I've been used to at work for the past couple years are not something that I expected to continue this time around. Fortunately they did, which makes me incredibly happy as an employee, but also as a shareholder in the company.
Christmas bonuses seem to be one of those things that people preface with "remember when..." and others wish that they'd ever received one. I honestly don't know of anybody besides current co-workers that get a Christmas bonus anymore, and I really don't blame the companies for not giving them. Bonuses are like paid vacation... they don't make sense. You're getting paid to not work (with paid vacation) or for not doing anything extra (with bonuses) and I understand why it may be hard to justify giving employees "free" money, especially now.
It's nice to work for a company that recognizes and appreciates the morale of its employees. I have to admit, my workplace is already better than any that I've ever been in and probably everyone I know that doesn't work here. We have a totally laid-back atmosphere and still get shit done. We get food catered for lunch on a regular basis, and we have two foosball tables. In my opinion, a relaxed workplace where everyone gets along and works well together is a huge perk and advantage that not many other jobs can offer.
Receiving a bonus this year was something that was unexpected for me. I had assumed (for a number of reasons) that we would not be getting any this year and had conditioned myself to not expect it. Seeing a second pay stub show up on my desk was a very pleasant surprise and will definitely make holiday shopping and debt reduction easier this year. It also makes me better appreciate the company I work for and how it treats its employees. I'm very appreciative of any form of giving, especially since this economy makes it so much easier to do away with unnecessary spending and even if the government did wind up taking nearly half of it.
Christmas bonuses seem to be one of those things that people preface with "remember when..." and others wish that they'd ever received one. I honestly don't know of anybody besides current co-workers that get a Christmas bonus anymore, and I really don't blame the companies for not giving them. Bonuses are like paid vacation... they don't make sense. You're getting paid to not work (with paid vacation) or for not doing anything extra (with bonuses) and I understand why it may be hard to justify giving employees "free" money, especially now.
It's nice to work for a company that recognizes and appreciates the morale of its employees. I have to admit, my workplace is already better than any that I've ever been in and probably everyone I know that doesn't work here. We have a totally laid-back atmosphere and still get shit done. We get food catered for lunch on a regular basis, and we have two foosball tables. In my opinion, a relaxed workplace where everyone gets along and works well together is a huge perk and advantage that not many other jobs can offer.
Receiving a bonus this year was something that was unexpected for me. I had assumed (for a number of reasons) that we would not be getting any this year and had conditioned myself to not expect it. Seeing a second pay stub show up on my desk was a very pleasant surprise and will definitely make holiday shopping and debt reduction easier this year. It also makes me better appreciate the company I work for and how it treats its employees. I'm very appreciative of any form of giving, especially since this economy makes it so much easier to do away with unnecessary spending and even if the government did wind up taking nearly half of it.
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