Work bonus-thoughts?

[RadioFanatic]

Why not go to your boss and tell them you were unhappy with a bonus? I have. The world didn't end. I have either been given an reasonable explanation of why it was lower than I felt was appropriate, or been given total B.S. - in which case I knew it was time to move on.

Employment is a two-way street. While this recession has made everyone skittish - me included, trust me - you have a right to be compensated fairly for the work you do. Taking on work that other's won't deserves extra compensation.

This take-what-you-get-and-don't-make-waves attitude is what keeps many women from climbing the corporate ladder. Yes, my flame suit is on!

You said it perfectly!

 

[gina2000]

See what they come up with. You've already agreed to a difficult work situation and they are trying to keep you there.

Don't give them a low number "just because" you don't have any idea what they may offer. Last week someone close to me was informed that she would be getting a bonus so that she would stay with the company during a merger. We talked about it and threw some numbers around. The company offered her over 10 times the highest amount we came up with. So don't come up with a number. Let them put the first number out there and then you can determine if it makes sense to you.

 

[janey99]

The quote "have her over a barrel" is what threw me off. That implies to me they the company may not be 100% willing to give the bonus. If offered, take it, I take everything my employer gives me even if it's a $5 Blockbuster gift card or a free drink at Speedway. I personally don't think it is appropriate to negotiate a bonus when the above quote was given.

The idea of extra vacation time is a great one though, one of which I have previously used.

I didn't mean to be offensive, but from a management standpoint, don't expect too much in the current environment.

KY - this jumped out at me too. As someone who's been navigating corporate America for nearly 20 years, I know nothing is ever said by accident. Even though the company is offering this bonus, this phrase does give some insight about how happy they are about it. If I was the OP, I would read the subtext here and be reasonable. "Negotiating" a nice chunk of money now, when the company has actually stated "you have us over a barrel" might be a little short sighted - think of the impact the opinion they may develop of you as a result of this situation might have on your future standing in the company.

In the interest of full disclosure, my office is 88 miles away form my house. that distance was one of the deciding factors in confirming a telecommuting arrangement for me. So, every company has a different vision of "how far is too far!"

To the OP, good luck,

Jane

 

[smartkim]

First of all, if they are willing to offer you a bonus, they like you and you are an asset to their company. Good workers who are willing to travel for work, esp. for an extended period of time are hard to find. I would ask them to make you an offer amount on the bonus and then go for more. You know they aren't going to offer the maximum amount they will pay, they'll go more toward the low end so when they bring you the offer, just up it. The worst that could happen is that they say no and you still get a bonus. But they may take your offer and give you what you want or somewhere in the middle. It's a win-win situation no matter what!

 

[crisi]

Having someone over a barrel in business is usually a temporary situation, and while you can take advantage of having someone over a barrel short term, it might not be the best long term decision to press for significantly more than offered. It may also be the case that your boss is between a rock and a hard place herself, having gotten herself into a situation where she is dependent on one resource - you.

Watch the politics in something like this from all angles and to a couple of levels of depth. There IS risk to "negotiating" a bonus beyond what is offered, but there is gain to be had as well.

Don't let your expectations set you up to be discontent either. A large bonus would be wonderful and I hope you get it. But don't let a smaller amount than you'd like make you feel differently than you would before your boss even brought up the idea of a bonus.

 

[Nennie]

Like others have said, I would try to get boss to tell you how much she is thinking of giving you for a bonus before you reveal your cards!!!

I would hope for 20%, but be happy with 10%.

Last year, I was directly asked how much I thought my bonus would be. I responded kind of in a cutesy way and said that last year I got a bonus, this year I think I deserve a BO-NUS! (I emphasized the syllables and said it loud). Wouldn't you know that I got a big bonus that was more than I was hoping for!!!!

For those that are bitter about the OPs bonus, please remember that everyone's job/salary is different. Some jobs have yearly (or monthly or quarterly) bonuses. Those that recieve bonus don't look at them as "gifts" but rather as a component of our salary, that we use to pay our bills! We rely on them, just like everyone else relies on a weekly paycheck!

Good luck OP!!! Hope your bonus knocks your socks off!!!

 

[bettymae1121]

Not to be mean.... but you should be grateful you have a job and are getting a bonus. There are alot of people who have no job or who have taken salary decreases.

Just because there is high unemployment right now doesn't mean that those that are employed shouldn't be fairly compensated for their job.

I can't stand it when someone posts a vent (or in this case, a question) about their job and others jump on saying "be grateful to be employed". One can be grateful to have a job and still be unhapy that they are being taken advantage of by their boss/company, have horible co-workers, horible clients, etc.

I generally love my job and am extremly fortunate to be in the position I'm in, but that doesn't mean there aren't days when I wish I could tell a member I'm speaking to that the world doesn't revolve around them, or tell a co-worker that's bugged me about the same issue for weeks to go figure it out for themselves, I'm sick of doing their job for them. I don't do these things because I do like having a job but that doesn't mean my feelings aren't valid.

 

[crisi]

Just because there is high unemployment right now doesn't mean that those that are employed shouldn't be fairly compensated for their job.

I can't stand it when someone posts a vent (or in this case, a question) about their job and others jump on saying "be grateful to be employed". One can be grateful to have a job and still be unhapy that they are being taken advantage of by their boss/company, have horible co-workers, horible clients, etc.

I generally love my job and am extremly fortunate to be in the position I'm in, but that doesn't mean there aren't days when I wish I could tell a member I'm speaking to that the world doesn't revolve around them, or tell a co-worker that's bugged me about the same issue for weeks to go figure it out for themselves, I'm sick of doing their job for them. I don't do these things because I do like having a job but that doesn't mean my feelings aren't valid.

At the same time, those of us who are employed have got to recognize that our companies are under pressure to cut costs - and when there are good people out there willing to do our jobs for less, that creates downward wage pressure. You need to strike a balance between getting "fairly paid" and not being so expensive that it looks like a bargain to send your job overseas or hire a kid right out of college willing to work for 1/3 of what you make.

 

[Planogirl]

Not to mention that every situation is different and some companies won't negotiate. It's usually pretty easy to tell which type you're dealing with though.

 

[bettymae1121]

At the same time, those of us who are employed have got to recognize that our companies are under pressure to cut costs - and when there are good people out there willing to do our jobs for less, that creates downward wage pressure. You need to strike a balance between getting "fairly paid" and not being so expensive that it looks like a bargain to send your job overseas or hire a kid right out of college willing to work for 1/3 of what you make.

Absolutely, and one should alway be aware of their exact situation. The OP (from what she's posted) appears to be a highly valueable employee so she can afford to negotiate, because it sounds like the company wouldn't be able to replace her easily at any cost. Other people in other industries or positions, it may not be the same situation and they'd need to be much more careful. My problem was with the posters that were stating she shouldn't rock the boat under any circumstance, just take what the company gives her and be quiet. In some situations, that would be good advice, but even these days, that's not always the case.

 

[claudia]

I hope this is okay and in the right place, but I need to hear other peoples thoughts!! If you need additional info, just ask and I will try and clear up any confusion!!

I am currently traveling for work. I drive to a city about 1 1/2 hours away from where I live on Monday and then go home on Friday. My company pays for my hotel, food, gas (I also have a rental car). I also get paid for my travel time.

Now, originally when I came here, it was for 4 weeks. It has been extended for 8 weeks. I spoke with my Regional Manager and she has requested I stay for 6 mths!!

(sidenote- we get a bonus once a year in Jan/Feb and I will still get this based on my "home" center numbers)

So, with me staying the 6 mths, at the end I would get a bonus. She is talking with HR and will get back to me by the end of the week. Now she said to me today "I kinda have her over a barrel" which leads me to believe, I have some wiggle room for the bonus. So, how much would you expect? What do you think is a fair amount?

What percentage amount is your RM talking about with HR? Since she will have a pretty clear picture of what they will offer and knows that there is wiggle room....maybe she can give you some guidance?? Sounds like a nice deal for you...congrats!

 

[crisi]

Absolutely, and one should alway be aware of their exact situation. The OP (from what she's posted) appears to be a highly valueable employee so she can afford to negotiate, because it sounds like the company wouldn't be able to replace her easily at any cost. Other people in other industries or positions, it may not be the same situation and they'd need to be much more careful. My problem was with the posters that were stating she shouldn't rock the boat under any circumstance, just take what the company gives her and be quiet. In some situations, that would be good advice, but even these days, that's not always the case.

But to play devils advocate, while she wouldn't be easy to replace short term, she could make it attractive to them to plan to replace her long term. I've seen employees it would be painful to loose today....I've never seen anyone who couldn't be moved slowly into obsolescence and replaced over the course of a few years. And I've been part of the "so and so is critical, but we pay him too much and he is a pain in the rear, how do we move him out of being critical" discussions and efforts.

 

[wvjules]

Not to be mean.... but you should be grateful you have a job and are getting a bonus. There are alot of people who have no job or who have taken salary decreases.

Can no one post anything without something like this being thrown out?

 

[Robindianne]

Not to be mean.... but you should be grateful you have a job and are getting a bonus. There are alot of people who have no job or who have taken salary decreases.

No she shouldn't be grateful. What kind of sense does that make? That's like saying if you weigh 250 you should be grateful it's not 300. Her employment is what it is and "a lot of people who have no job" is irrelevant unless she gets a bonus for keeping them from having a job.

 

[Robindianne]

Good grief, - STAY FOCUSED PEOPLE!!!!

How appropriate! I need to use this line!

 

[deerhart]

If the commute is 125 miles each way, it certainly is an overnight stay. If it is 1.5 hours in traffic, I would agree with you. I don't agree with any sense of entitlement on this thread. The OP was offered bonus, she didn't demand one. The bonus is part of the extra and well deserved for what seems to be helping out this company. The fact there is a 10% unemployment rate (which isn't that high compared to many places) is immaterial to what the OP asked.

hotel room and per diem is probably CHEAPER then paying mileage to the OP especially if they rent the hotel room for a whole week and get discounts.

Heck, I know my boss would jump at the opportunity to just pay my car payment each month instead of paying me mileage, because my car payment is usually several hundred dollars cheaper then my mileage check.

 

[sk!mom]

Even if it was your managers suggestion I maintain my point that there are tons of people who would be more than happy to travel, have all their expenses paid, and get a bonus whether it was $500 or $5,000. It was the way you stated in your original post that indicated that the bonus might not meet your expectations and that you had wiggle room to ask for more.

QUOTE]

Yes, there would be tons of people happy to have this job right now, however, the OP is the one who has it and has been asked to take on additional responsibilities and offered a bonus for doing so. I'm sure if her employer could just easily hire someone to do the job they would have already done so.

I'm stumped by the negative comments. Op's employers apparently appreciate her willingness to go above and beyond and want to give her a monetary thanks and incentive to continue doing it.

To the OP, let them make the offer and then go from there. Without knowing your salary and the amount of bonuses that your company typically offers, it would be impossible for others to set a fair amount.

 

[dis-happy]

I am curious, too, why you don't come home every night? My husband commutes about 1 hour each way and has had previous assignmens where he was 1.5 hours each way. We sucked it up. I think you are very lucky to be considered 'traveling' when so close to home.

Do you get a per diem on top of hotel? Maybe negociate a higher per diem rate and drive home. That should be a tidy bonus right there. My old job gave me a $50 domestic and $75 international per diem on top of hotel when I traveled. When I was working in Cyprus for 5 weeks, I saved up enough per diem money to pay for a weeks vacation in London & Paris before I flew back home (back in 2001).

The per diem suggestion is brilliant, as it doesn't count as taxable income. My dh has a job like yours, a lot of travel and staying at hotels, although usually he commutes by plane, not car. When one place wanted to bump up his compensation as a good will incentive, they added on the per diem as a bonus. He rec'd a free breakfast at the hotel anyway, usually skipped lunch to work, and had an inexpensive dinner (oftentimes free at the concierge dinner/snack bar at the hotel). Basically, he pocketed $50. a day tax free. You do have to be careful though that the amount doesn't exceed the govt's published rate.