We received official word that our year-end performance bonuses were all denied. The official reason? It is not and has never been policy to give a year-end performance bonus. Nevermind that people got them last year and the year before that and the year before that and…
Given the current state of the economy, I can’t really complain about the lack of a bonus. I know that bonuses were cut in a lot of companies, and I wasn’t really expecting one, so it’s not the biggest deal in the world. Sure, it would have been nice to have an extra chunk of money to dump into my savings account, but I’m lucky in that I don’t need the money to pay bills or help buy gifts for Christmas.
I am, however, frustrated at the reasoning expressed to the employees. I don’t understand the purpose of lying when the fact that it is a lie is so obvious. I could see lying if maybe they were trying to hide the fact that the business was losing money and in danger of going under. I work for a major agency in the government. We’re not going anywhere. Our budget is tighter this fiscal year, so that very likely plays a role in this decision, and I can respect that. I just wish that we could get that as the official answer.
I find it very insulting when management lies to employees, especially when the employees will very clearly know that lies have been told. I think a business has a better chance of success when upper management is open and honest with the employees. I also think that employees will be much happier with their jobs when they feel that upper management is respectful and including them in important information. Happier employees are more productive employees. Really, it would work out for the best for everyone.
Guess I should get back to my job hunt, huh.
You’re right… Honesty and respect are sometimes worth more than a bonus to people. It’s just money. But if you can’t trust the people who are leading you….
Part of the government, you say? Well, then I’m not surprised! What part of the government is ever open and honest about anything?
The last big company that I worked for did this, too. After 5 years of getting Christmas “gifts” they stopped giving those bonuses. They also said that the gifts were given previously out of generosity – not policy.
Two years later they were in the process of undergoing a massive reconstruction – combining several sections of the parent company into one big company instead of several small ones. There were hundreds of layoffs, no new hires, and a great deal of reorganization.
I definitely recommend that you continue that job hunt…
I like getting bonuses, but who doesn’t? 😉 This quarter my bonus was 1/3 or less than it usually is. I am glad that I treat that as extra money that goes towards debt or savings. I’d be in trouble if I used that for living expenses! Sorry to hear about your bonus being cut. 🙁