Christmas Bonuses

bdog1234

What are your thoughts on Christmas Bonuses?

I always try to give the guys something but business has been slow.

My crew of six guys has been with me for a few years but they also work other jobs when we are not working. Looking back over the year they only worked about 85 days with me, and thus made around 15k each. They all also worked other odd jobs to make ends meet but were there when I needed them.

What would be an appropriate Christmas bonus amount? In the past I have gone with 1.5% of the annual earnings but they made more and it was over $500 which everyone thought was great. 1.5% now is only $225 which might not bring such a smile.

woodworkbykirk

why not buy em all toolbags and stock em with common tools which have to be replaced sort of regularly, tape measures, utility knives and blades, circ saw blades, chalk lines, drill bits and maybe a gas card

that way you can claim it on your taxes as it shows up on a building supply receipt, everything but the gas

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buildpinnacle

xmas bonuses are always a toughie. I have given salesmen $1K each on good years and then $500 other years. Most understood as I am up front with them, but that is what is said in front of my face. I will say this...most of the men expect (and most certainly) deserve a bonus of some type. I know there are rules floating around that help stipulate based on % of salary, length of time, etc. I think it may be best to come up with a formula specific to your company based on these and more parameters and give it to all new hires so there is no question when they get a $100 bonus. If they want more, stick around, don't be late, don't get wrote up, and your bonuses will increase.

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dougchips

If you are going to shift away from money or cut the amount down give them a heads up ASAP. A few years ago I learned how upset people get when they count on the extra money around the holidays. Around the same time everyone saw their last Christmas bonus from me.....after spending a few thousand on bonuses I found out that I was a cheap bastard (some people really didn't like the amount).

For those of you who are reading this that get a bonus act like it is $1,000,000 even if it is only a thank you card and a six pack of beer.

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Bodger

I can't afford it this year. I'm giving my lead man a few bucks and new Fein Multimaster. Apart from that, the other two are lucky to still have their jobs in this economy.

j_builder

I agree with dougchips! Let them know well in advance that it's not like the 'Good Ole Days' when times were plentiful...we've all work for some cheap bastards before with no warning up front with a Christmas bonus.

Might want to take them and their wifes out for a nice dinner (or supper) depending on where you live. Not Sizzler's either.

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wellbuilthome

I don't really give a bonus but when i did, i gave every one a weeks pay. I had 18 guys and no one was ever happy so we stoped it in 87 My last partner of 18 years started passing out the bonus again in 2000 . I would rather pay the guys well every week . We worked a 50 or 60 hr work week for years on end . My X boss and freind of 30 years would swing by our jobs on chirstmass eve day and lay off half the guys . The other half had the bonus of working next year . Every one on the job was happy

bdog1234

Thanks for the replies so far. All good points. Whatever the amount is I think I will go with cash as it has been a slow year for everyone and I think the guys would rather be able to buy their family gifts than have more tools. At least under these economic circumstances.

bobcaygeonjon

I gotta say that if I was given tools as a Christmas bonus I would feel VERY insulted. Would rather have a handshake and a "thanks".

rbsremodeling

Just scratched you off my Christmas list

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AtlanticWBConst

Years ago, I worked for a large company that gave out nice Christmas bonuses. I'll tell you, as a grunt, it was a real nice thing to look forward to at the end of the year.

In the past, we gave the hardest workers (with one year under their belts) $500.00 each. Then the scale went down from there, based on time with the company, and output ($300, $250, $100, etc).

We still give out some kind of Christmas bonuses. Gotta scrape up some money for that this year.

Worked on the greeting cards list today. Sending them out to current clients, and past clients (May generate some business, and keep us on their minds).

Also hit the liquor store last week for gift sets to hand out to Clients and sales reps.

Still have to get the restaurant gift cards for others.

Gotta do it, gotta keep the workers happy, and the connections oiled.

When it's all over 1/02/2009 - You can all get off your butts, and start compiling your 1099's to send out, and all your other fun tax stuff (Thought I'd thro that thought/reminder in to make you day)....

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