Tag Archives: bonus

What Can You Expect From Your Employer This Holiday Season?

what_workers_want_poll_webThe holiday season is here and as the song goes, for many employees, this will certainly be the most wonderful time of the year.

A recent poll conducted by the Refresh Leadership blog revealed that a majority of businesses plan to show their employees appreciation this year through some type of gift. A majority will give a cash bonus (26%), while others (19%) said they’ll give a combination of gifts.

Other business leaders said they’ll give gift cards (16%), another type of tangible gift (13%) or extra days off (7%).

“This time of the year is a great time for employers to show their employees how much they appreciate their work throughout the year,” said Bob Funk, CEO of Express Employment Professionals, and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. “It’s also an encouraging sign of a strengthening economy that 93% of businesses in the poll plan to give bonuses, a significant increase since last year.”

“The holidays provide the perfect time for businesses to set themselves apart and attract great talent by recognizing their employees’ hard work. Regardless of how your business is faring this holiday season, take time to make sure your employees know how much you value and appreciate them.”

What This Means for You

Not every business is the same, but these poll results are a good indication that you may see some type of gift this holiday season. If that’s the case, then your response should be one of thankfulness and gratitude.

Whatever the gift may be—a cash bonus, gift card, or extra day off—be sure to send a thank you note to your leader to let them know how grateful you are for their generosity. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen often, so when you take time to express thanks, you stand out as an example of gracious character.

If, however, you don’t get a gift this year, don’t get down. Businesses experience ebb and flow throughout the year and may not be able to offer a gift. If you don’t receive a gift from your employer, that doesn’t mean you can’t show appreciation to them and your co-workers. A thank you note to your teammates can leave a lasting impression.

What do you plan to give your co-workers, if anything? Share with us in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

The Results Are In: How Do You Wish Your Company Showed Appreciation to Employees?

results_show_appreciation_webThe holiday season is quickly approaching, and many companies are deciding how they’ll show appreciation to their employees this year. In a recent poll, we asked Movin’ On Up readers how they wish their employers, or future employers, showed appreciation this time of year.

According to the results, 29% of respondents would most appreciate a cash bonus, while 23% reported pay raises would be better incentives. Aside from monetary gifts like gift cards (6%), 16% of respondents picked days off or shortened holiday hours as their top choice.

Holiday parties received 6% of the vote, followed by non-monetary gift items at 1%. An additional 15% of respondents reported that a combination of items would be best received.

Participants also selected “Other” and respond with their own thoughts, including:

  • “Work-life balance”
  • “Incentive vacation time for employees with no sick days”
  • “Well-developed systems”
  • “Better benefits”
  • “Company profit sharing”
  • “A turkey or ham at Christmas to take home”

An overwhelming majority of people requested one thing in particular – appreciation. Responses included:

  • “Praise and acknowledgement”
  • “Just to hear someone from management say, ‘Thank you for doing a great job’”
  • “Respect”
  • “A thank you would go a long way”
  • “I’ve never heard a thank you”
  • “Saying thank you or I appreciate you”
  • “Email or verbal appreciation on a regular basis”
  • “Recognition”

These results are not far from last year’s, which revealed that 27% of respondents would most appreciate a cash bonus, followed by 13% who selected pay raises, and 9% who chose days off. Last year’s results also revealed that appreciation would go a long way with today’s workforce. In 2014, 31% of those who selected the “Other” option wrote that they wanted appreciation from their supervisors. This year, that number rose to 42%.

The results of the Movin’ On Up poll reveal some of the most powerful gifts are the easiest to give. From a turkey at Christmas to a thank-you email, sincerity is the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

What Workers Want: Poll

MOV_POLL-ICON

As we approach the holiday season, many companies are deciding how to show appreciation to their employees this year. From cash bonuses to holiday parties, the ways employers compensate, or don’t compensate, their employees’ hard work varies. We want to know how you wish your employer, or future employer, showed appreciation to employees this time of year.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.