Would you split the money?

[BridgertonLady]

If you referred a good friend for a job in your company, they got it and you were paid a fee of £5K would you keep it or split it 50/50?

I’m in this position now and I’m going to split it (friend has no idea about the fee) but I told a colleague and they were quite shocked.

My thoughts exactly. I'd take them for a drink to celebrate them getting the job.

I'd split it. I know my friends would too (it's something we've discussed in the past). However, we're all at a senior level now where we don't get referral fees (in my industry they tend only to be given to managers and below who refer a successful candidate).

I was actually referred by a friend (former colleague, which is how we became friends) for my current role but he's far too senior to get a referral fee. Being a referral is actually withheld information during our recruitment process as we don't want interviewers to have any potential bias in favour (or against!) the candidate. The referral will guarantee your c.v. is reviewed but after that, it's all down to the candidate to demonstrate how good they are if they get as far as interviews.

I don't think you are obliged, however I think I would, it's been a team effort. She got the job partly because of your reccomendation and you got the bonus because your friend was a good candidate.
Why not share and celebrate together.

I wouldn't split it 🤗

DH was referred for a job by his friend. I believe there was a similar referral bonus. We definitely did not receive any of the money, although friend did take us out for a nice dinner!

To be honest we were delighted for DH to get the job opportunity and salary. Wouldn’t have said no to any cash from friend, but certainly no expectation that he gave us any of it

It wouldn't even occur to me to split the money. I did the friend a favour by helping her get this job, and also the company a favour by recommending the friend that will be good for the company. Therefore the referral fee is like my reward.
Where do you work that gives such huge referral fee? Lol

Interesting dilemma.

I actually think I would split it yes, ultimately I'd not get a penny if said friend hadn't aced an interview and been a good acquisition. If they wouldn't have known about the job unless I'd told them then the first point is still true and it's a bit of a 50/50 thing isn't it. If they were a good friend and someone you know well then sure, why not.

Realistically the only exception to that is if I had a genuine financial need of the money or was struggling financially and knew they weren't.

I don't think you're morally obliged to though OP, whatever you think is best. What your other colleague thinks doesn't overly matter but at least you know she's not the kind to share if it ever comes to it!

I've split a referral payment twice in during my working life. I figure I wouldn't have that money if they didn't get the job.

I've been in this position and I split it 50-50. It was only a few hundred though

You are very kind to consider splitting the finders fee. Do you think your friend would do the same in return? If so go ahead if it makes you feel better.

Perhaps give your friend a portion and give the other portion to charity? Helps more than one person.

I would keep it. It's a finders fee their reward is a new job

No. Wouldn't even occur to me to split it. You've gained 5k, they've gained a job.

No I wouldn’t split it.

YABU to give money. You referred her for a good job, you did your bit. This is for you now, keep all of the £5k.

Blimey. I must be seriously tight, but I wouldn't consider splitting it.

Same here.
I would consider it a favour helping them to get them the job in the first place

Nope I wouldn’t. I've done a meal and a nice bottle of wine myself in the past and another bought ME a nice bottle of whiskey for helping get them the job

do they now have the opportunity to start referring people themselves? At my firm anyone can refer

I would check if it is taxable before making any offers to give half away.

No, it's your referral fee. I'd take her out to dinner.

She can presumably also refer other people (maybe after the probation period).

I wouldn’t split it.

Well you've not ensured they got the post tho, they have? Surely they're not taking them on without interview? If they sit there belching and answering yeah, maybe, to every question you're not going to be 5k richer

You ‘earned’ that fee for the recommendation, so I wouldn’t split it. I consider it a bonus .

I have previously referred 3 people for a job, got £1200 for each and never split it! Bought me my first car.

You qualify for the bonus so do take it. Why would you split it? You could refuse it. If it bothers you why not give it to charity.

I wouldn't split it any more than I'd split any other aspect of my remuneration - pay, bonus and so on. Surely your friend's reward is getting the job on your recommendation.