To ask for help with suitable response

[JazzyBBG]

Before I start let me say I know this is a first world problem and also there is a huge back story. Essentially things not going great at work, trying to force me to change my terms/hours etc for someone else's benefit which clearly I am refusing and a whole other heap of issues.

So have just been notified of my bonus, it's pretty poor in a year where I have delivered far more for the company than ever before in extremely challenging circumstances, it's less than previous years which have been a walk in the park in comparison. Whatever I say won't change the outcome now they have made that decision. They could have easily topped it up a bit and made it to a level where I wouldn't have questioned it, we're not talking massive bonuses here.

However as you guys are far more eloquent than me I'm wondering if someone can help me construct a reply to say thank you for telling me in a sarcastic way that won't get me in trouble?! I want it to be known I'm not happy but not give them the opportunity to lecture me that it won't change etc... thanks you clever people!

Why not just graciously accept the bonus, no matter what the figure or what previous years was?

@Nicknacky because they are taking the P in so many other areas, it's just another smack in the face really. I appreciate a bonus is never guaranteed but it's just another example of them wanting more and more from me and nothing in return. And yes I am looking for a new job!

Can you not just out together the facts

Thank you for the x bonus this year, however based on previous years I feel I have exceeded expectations in the following areas

X
Y
Z

I would like the opportunity to review the bonus awarded and discuss where you feel I haven’t met expectations

So what’s the reason for it being lower than previous years?

You won't get a bigger bonus if you say anything though.
And you may cause issues with next year.
There is no win for you here other than politely saying thank you and moving on.

It rankles, but you have to suck it up I think, sorry.

@Nicknacky relates to overall company performance so that is lower will be the official reason... but when you know the senior management team are not compromising their own then again another smack. It's just all very boys club.

So the company isn’t performing as well as previous years? Then it’s to be expected your bonus will be lower surely, despite your own efforts?

Don’t waste time thinking about the directors bonus, it won’t change anything.

@Nicknacky I know I know but it's all marginal in terms of overall performance just my bonus that isn't. And I know I shouldn't waste energy it's just another thing in a long chain of events. If I could leave tomorrow I would.

Just say as little as possible and focus on getting out. They know you're not happy already and they don't care, so replying in that vein will make no difference. A simple 'Thank you' with nothing else will cover you.

Just be thankful that you got a bonus, because it is just that A Bonus

Maybe the company hasn’t made as much profit as previous years, maybe after Brexit you will get no bonus as your job has gone, maybe getting notice of redundancy will put things into perspective!

Just be grateful for your bonus.

This is one reason why men receive bigger bonuses and promotions,. they ask for them instead of just being grateful.

I like the answer GreenTulips gave, they can always say no and you can always take your work ethic to a company that will appreciate it.

Yep I'm with @GreenTulips too.
You don't have to just say thank you if you feel you have been treated unfairly. You can ask for an explanation in a completely professional way.
"I would like the opportunity to discuss where I can improve based on your expectations of my role at the company" etc. And maybe you could genuinely use a sit-down to discuss the other issues you have been having. Good managers will appreciate your candour along with your ability to stick up with yourself.

Rather than word a pass-agg response to you feel you've vented a bit, why don't you put the effort instead into constructing a request for what you do want (pay review, training, different hours, exposure to new /different work?). If you're coming off the back of great individual results it's a v good time to ask - gives you an opportunity also to see whether they're serious about you.

@Butterymuffin that is my favoured response I just feel I'm letting myself down if I don't say anything. @GreenTulips response is also sensible and would be my normal recourse but unfortunately too much else going on and I am worried if I make it about bonus I could potentially shoot myself in the foot later if I need to raise a grievance etc as they are doing so many things wrong at the moment.