Many companies with a history of giving a bonus are having to remind employees that “times are tight” and “we have to be responsible with bonuses”.
Think about your own experience for a moment. Assume that this year you are scheduled to get a bonus of $300. Not many people would scoff at $300 if they found it on the street, but when it is given to you as a thank you for the many hours of extra work or even a missed little league game or two, it isn’t much.
Now think about getting a gift of a balloon ride, or fly fishing, or getting a massage, or a weekend at a fancy downtown hotel, or any number of other experiences you could truly enjoy.
Which sounds more appealing? Which would motivate you to work harder? If you are like most people, you would agree that getting an experience that is memorable and much more appreciated. The bonus for the company is that these experiences cost less than the $300 bonus that fits into your budget.
