To give up bonus

[CharlieRight]

I manage a factory/department within a larger company in China. Group HR announced a reward scheme for high achieving workers and teams and I got the nod that if we should submit two names they would probably get something. I put forward the senior chemist and senior metallurgist two people I trained up over the last five years and who have really flourished. Yesterday morning my assistant said they would get an award of 4000CNY each, a short while later I was told that the company owner had intervened: There is to be an award ceremony and local dignitaries will be in attendance thus it is necessary to show off the foreigner so I will receive a 6000CNY award and my salaried staff will share a team award (1400CNY). The chemist and metallurgist will get a share of the team award.
I don't think it is right but it is what it is. My idea is to go through with the photo ops etc to keep the boss happy but give the actual money to my two subordinates. DW does not agree and thinks I should trouser the cash. It's not worth fighting over but AIBU?

awful behaviour by the company. I’d do what you do if it’s legally possible (would still need to come from company rather than private gift for tax purposes etc) and it didn’t cause issues elsewhere in the organisation because other bosses behave differently

Given your seniority, responsibility burden and the fact you trained up your two direct reports, you've earned the bonus, so I wouldn't mess around trying to give them back any money which I presume goes through your pay roll.

maybe take them out for a nice meal to say thank you, that's more meaningful.

Nice idea but logistical nightmare. Also likely to cause bad feeling in other departments?

That sounds like a nightmare and would leave you with option of explaining to employees (which may piss them off and they look for employment else where) or you randomly give them money and they don't know why. I'd say the meal idea is better.

How many people will be sharing the 1400CNY?

That could look like you are bribing them, and also cause issues with other team members who think "those two already got money too, why isn't the boss giving us all some?".
Talk more to HR; ask can you be given the smaller payment and the team split the larger one? Or can you split a share as part of the team? Or can you officially give it into the team pot as "they deserve it more" in the ceremony? If the company decision is to reward the whole team instead of two though, then I don't think it is right for you to go against that. As others suggest, take them out for a meal instead.

Were they aware they were going to receive the bigger award or do they not know yet?

Putting it in CNY makes it sound like a lot of money but having googled the exchange rate, they will now get a share of £160 split between the team, so what, £20 each? Not really a bonus. So I agree with you, however I can see the practicalities of giving them your bonus would be difficult. I’d see if there is a way to add yours to the team pot. As a manager presumably your salary is higher so it does seem a bit off that you get £700 and the ones who got the award get maybe £20.

I’m wondering if the 1400 is a typo for 14000.

I was going to ask the same. This is the key question.

What are their annual wages like, as like EmpressSoleil has done, I converted the currency. It's such a pitiful amount for a bonus?

@mainsfed @SpeckledlyHen
They would each get a little over 1400 share of a twenty thousand pot

@ all I re-read my post and it sounds like they are sharing 1400CNY actually I meant that would be their share. The total is 20,000 and there are 14 eligable team members

This equates to roughly £162, would that be considered a bonus there?

I've lived and worked in China and I have had similar. My advice is go with it and accept but take the team out for a meal all together. Don't give out cash the ppl you give it to won't understand and may feel they lost face.

@SpeckledlyHen It doesn't sound a lot, the pot is spread a bit thin. But cost of living is quite low here and they are all quite excited.

So I guess I will go along with it and do a team dinner in the next few weeks

Ah so if you split your share between 14 they'd only actually get another £50 each. A team dinner is a good shout. I think that's generous of you and a fair solution.

Sensible 👍

You think they’re not going to find out?

So HR contacted me earlier and asked if I would like to cause rifts and resentment how I would like to divide the team's award. At which point I raised my original concerns about me getting an award and asked if I could distribute my own award around the team.

HR agreed and I am much happier and I think the guys will feel a bit more valued. I will still arrange a team dinner for my Birthday in a few days