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Original poster

Employers - how do you work out Christmas Bonuses?

32 replies

Katymac · 14/12/2007 08:35

By length of service
By Number of hours
By how much you like them

I find this very hard

Of course in my mind I would give them all £1000 each but it might end up being so small it's embarrassing

Any ideas/suggestions?

OP posts:
LadyMuck · 14/12/2007 08:43

I'm assuming that this is not a "performance" related bonus, but just something nice for Christmas?

If so, such things usually are the same for everyone subject to a minimum amount of service (sometimes 6m, sometimes as long as 1 or 2 years)

What I have found works well is saying "we woudl like to treat you and your dp to a meal on us - here is £100 (or whatever local budget is) to go and enjoy". It is usually seen as a lovely gesture, but doesn't break the bank. The other guide is to give a week's pay (so would be the same level of award for everyone, but obviously varies according to hours and salary). From an employers point of view you want the employee to feel valued and cared for and tbh I find that the first option delivers that as effectively as the second but usually at a smaller cost. I've also used the same type of reward during the year to note when someone has put in 110%.

Original poster
Katymac · 14/12/2007 08:45

Bugger - I think we need to think a bit smaller

McDonald meal anyone?

I paid for the Christmas meal instead of buying presents

But ...Oh I don't know

OP posts:
LadyMuck · 14/12/2007 08:54

Well let me put it another way - if your budget doesn't stretch to the equivalent of a meal out locally, then tbh I wouldn't give anything in cash. I would give a small present or a thoughtful card.

LadyMuck · 14/12/2007 08:56

Oh, and if you are being selective with staff (ie giving some staff something and not others), and it is not performance-based, then that is usually rather divisive ime.

Original poster
Katymac · 14/12/2007 08:58

That's 4 been with me all year
1 for 3 months

3 do more hours
2 do much less

So all the same - based on wage?

OP posts:
ChasingSquirrelsUpTheXmasTree · 14/12/2007 09:02

At my work our bonus is a £30 gift voucher - we get the choice of tesco, sainsbury or waitrose.
It is TINY compared to my dh's bonus, and if they put an extra £30 on my salary it would seem crap. But a £30 voucher is nice as I use it for something nice.

flowerytaleofNewYork · 14/12/2007 09:11

Do you know what? I have absolutely no experience of this, nowhere I have worked has ever been in a position to give a Christmas bonus!

But they have all paid for the Christmas do, which is nice and inclusive and feel-good.

claricebeansmumhasnomincepies · 14/12/2007 09:13

DH office whey have a bonus "pot" - everyone gets something - even those who have only just joined but those who have worked particularly hard get more than those that are slackers...

Could you get everyone a bottle of champagne?

unknownrebelbang · 14/12/2007 09:15

If only...

whoops · 14/12/2007 09:15

My employer last year did a % of our salary (I know because I do wages!)
This year I have no Idea how they worked it out as they have given the one they keeping moaning about more than everyone else (this could be because she is missing the Christmas lunch though!)

unknownrebelbang · 14/12/2007 09:16

Nice that you're doing something though Katymac.

Don't think the taxpayers would appreciate public sector workers getting a bonus (ie me and DH, lol) which is why I put if only.

flowerytaleofNewYork · 14/12/2007 09:16

All these people getting Christmas bonuses! I have chosen the wrong job!

whoops · 14/12/2007 09:18

I shouldn't complain either as I just got a huuuuge performance related bonus for passing my exam with distiniction!! (I got 91% )

whoops · 14/12/2007 09:19

Oh forgot to say the bonus was net too so they are paying the extra PAYE & NI for us (On the Christmas bonus)

unknownrebelbang · 14/12/2007 09:20

Hello flowery!

Well done whoops!

flowerytaleofNewYork · 14/12/2007 09:22
Original poster
Katymac · 14/12/2007 09:29

Do public sector still get half day Christmas shopping?

Still don't know what to do

Voucher sounds nice

OP posts:
whoops · 14/12/2007 09:32

Flowery come and work with me you can sort all our hr problems It would be a loooooong job though

flowerytaleofNewYork · 14/12/2007 09:34

Whatever you do I'd get them all the same if I were you. Vouchers for M&S or whatever would be nice.

If you base it on hours or how long they've been with you (which is a difference of months only), those getting less will think 'it's not my fault I work less hours, I am just as committed and get paid less to reflect my hours.' Or the one who's not been there as long might think 'well I can't help that I started after everyone else.'

Get them all the same, as a thank you for hard work.

flowerytaleofNewYork · 14/12/2007 09:35

Whoops I love a challenge

Only half joking, if you want some long-distance consultancy I'm your man...

unknownrebelbang · 14/12/2007 09:35

Unfortunately not Katymac.

MrsGrinch · 14/12/2007 09:36

Think of a something for the person who works most hours and pro rata for the others?

I'd be happy with a bottle and a big thank you

  • which is good because it's what I'll get.
whoops · 14/12/2007 09:36

Thanks Flowery
Being that the md is an employment lawyer he should be able to deal with things properly - I think they just don't like dealing with some of the issues!

flowerytaleofNewYork · 14/12/2007 09:37

ROFL at your boss being an employment lawyer!

PuppyDogTails · 14/12/2007 10:29

Sent you an email Flowery - great name BTW!