WWYD - Re: End of Year Bonus

[princesshannahsmom]

So, let me preface this by saying that an end of the year/Christmas bonus is a constant in this office and has been for many years.

Well, this year has been a crazy one. The other paralegal left at the end of last year and I had the office to myself until May. That paralegal returned, pregnant, and is now on maternity leave since November 1st and until January 10th.

Another thing, the bosses wife has typically always done the bookeeping, but she isn't anymore, so I am doing that too. Not only that, but she also planned the office get togethers and well, to be a little sensitive, she just isn't going to be around anymore.

So, said all of that to say this. We typically get our bonus checks at our Christmas get together (which clearly we aren't having with just myself and the boss!!), the bosses wife wrote the bonus checks (now I write all of the checks) and there hasn't been a mention of a bonus this year.

I do need to add that my boss is a complete scatterbrain. He can never make a deadline and he would forget his head if it wasn't attached to his shoulders, so likely the bonuses have just been forgotten about (I would be surprised if he even realized how close to Christmas it really is)! So, my question is, do I ask him about the bonuses (this year I could really use it), and if I do ask, how do I ask? The Dis always has the answers to my questions and I can take it, no matter what the answer!!

 

[SideshowBob]

So, let me preface this by saying that an end of the year/Christmas bonus is a constant in this office and has been for many years.

Well, this year has been a crazy one. The other paralegal left at the end of last year and I had the office to myself until May. That paralegal returned, pregnant, and is now on maternity leave since November 1st and until January 10th.

Another thing, the bosses wife has typically always done the bookeeping, but she isn't anymore, so I am doing that too. Not only that, but she also planned the office get togethers and well, to be a little sensitive, she just isn't going to be around anymore.

So, said all of that to say this. We typically get our bonus checks at our Christmas get together (which clearly we aren't having with just myself and the boss!!), the bosses wife wrote the bonus checks (now I write all of the checks) and there hasn't been a mention of a bonus this year.

I do need to add that my boss is a complete scatterbrain. He can never make a deadline and he would forget his head if it wasn't attached to his shoulders, so likely the bonuses have just been forgotten about (I would be surprised if he even realized how close to Christmas it really is)! So, my question is, do I ask him about the bonuses (this year I could really use it), and if I do ask, how do I ask? The Dis always has the answers to my questions and I can take it, no matter what the answer!!

I would approach it from the "book keeping" aspect ... that you wanted to flag the date to him in case he wanted you to accrue money for the payout, etc. If not, would just look like you were covering bases for him.

 

[agnes!]

"Is the company able to give out bonuses this year?"

agnes!

 

[momof1princess]

if your boss is anything like my former boss (also an attorney), i would definitely ask. as a PP mentioned, approach it from the bookkeeping aspect. you might also mention, depending upon how well you think he might receive it, your added responsibilities. personally, i think you deserve a larger bonus for taking on more work. good luck!

 

[princesshannahsmom]

"Is the company able to give out bonuses this year?"

agnes!

Yes, the company is quite able to give out bonuses this year. We settled quite a few cases in the last three months, so that wouldn't be an issue at all. But, a very good question in this economy!

 

[PinballFamily]

"Hey, boss, can you let me know when you'd like me to prepare the holiday bonus checks for this year? I assume you'd like to include "NewMom", too even though she won't be back in the office until January, right? Do you want me to leave a couple of Hallmark cards on your desk for you to sign and put the checks in, since it looks like we aren't having a get-together this year? How much were you thinking for each employee?"

(Then hopefully...)

"Great. I'll put the cards out for you on...(Monday?)."

Also, have a history ready (but in your pocket, so to speak) of what the amounts for each person have been in the past years, if he does a total "I'm clueless and don't even know how much would be right..." thing. If a new proposed amount is waaaaaay off (and not in a good way), you would be ready to deal with that.

Step up - stiffen your backbone - you'll be fine!

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Have your mother call and ask?

Seriously, if bonuses are standard, and it is your job to write the checks, it is part of your job to ask. In fact, I would probably just ask how much the checks should be made out for.

 

[Carly_Roach]

If it were me I'd approach it as though I'd been reviewing the books from last year at this time and wanted to know if he wanted me to move money around to accommodate it for this year. You weren't doing the books then, right? Perfectly natural to ask and you don't look like you are asking for a bonus.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Have your mother call and ask?

Seriously, if bonuses are standard, and it is your job to write the checks, it is part of your job to ask. In fact, I would probably just ask how much the checks should be made out for.

 

[princesshannahsmom]

Have your mother call and ask?

Seriously, if bonuses are standard, and it is your job to write the checks, it is part of your job to ask. In fact, I would probably just ask how much the checks should be made out for.

Good One!!! I like that!!!

Yeah, that sounds simple enough. "How much should I write the bonus checks for boss?" And like a PP said, "should I include "new mama"?

Everyone, thanks for the advice!