Christmas Bonus

Christmas Bonus For years, we have paid our employees Christmas bonuses. Each year, we felt we were obligated to increase the amount until it grew out of control. I postponed the solution because I was worried that a change would upset people. I know, I'm a chicken. One Christmas we were low on cash and had no choice but to reduce the bonuses significantly. So the following year, we made the move. We let everyone know that we were making a change so they would not be expecting the extra check. Instead, we tied financial rewards to each tank that we set for a new customer. All full time employees receive a small financial reward for each completed, new customer tank set. (Only 500 and 1000 gallons tank are counted.) The total is added to the last payment period of the month. This has removed the pressure of deciding who gets what and focuses everyone's attention on new business. At our office Christmas party, instead of handing out bonus checks, we wrap candy bars or gift certificates and pass them out to each employee as "awards" after a brief, humorous story of what we appreciate about each person. Now the only thing I have to stress about is what to get my wife for Christmas!