Are Your Year-End Bonuses Conveying Your Message?
Posted on Dec 15, 2009 on Tips of the Month by
Buying a full-page ad in the New York Times and leaving it blank would be a waste of money. But that’s what employers do when they give year-end bonuses without explaining why. Employees are left looking at their fatter paychecks, happy, but not necessarily caring why. Was it to reward hard work? Has the company reached a milestone? Is the company just generous, or is it recognizing exceptional contributions?
Awarding employees additional compensation can be a powerful, positive statement that, if built upon, can motivate employees into the upcoming year. For example, explaining to employees they received a bonus because they exceeded a certain goal could motivate them to exceed it again next year. By not providing an explanation, you miss the chance to get your message across. Thus, whenever you award a bonus, use it to deliver your message; don’t “leave it blank.”