Insulting Bonus

Insulting Bonus

I have been an accountant with the same health care company for 5 years. I am a hard worker, all of my reviews have been excellent and I pride myself on going above and beyond. I just saw the list of annual bonuses. I'm being given an annual bonus of $90. My male counterpart is getting $200. So yes, everyone's bonus is bad, but I feel mine is just a slap in the face. We have more than enough money in the bank to give great bonuses to our workers. Management has all the decent sized bonuses, of course, and I put in overtime every week, learn all I can, help everyone..... $90? Really? A lady that's been on FMLA for three months got a huge bonus. What's the point of putting in all the sweat and tears??

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  1. Anonymous

    It's based on the culture of leadership. Your leadership sounds like they play favorites.

  2. Mare Levine

    Please look for a new job where you are appreciated. Being an accountant, you have access to information most other people in the company do not have. Knowing what you know for the last five years, why are you 'going above and beyond' year after unrewarding year?

    Your great work ethic and talents are unappreciated where you are. They are so sure you won't make a peep, they don't even try to disguise their favoritism (possibly sexism) by giving you a smaller bonus than your male co-worker. They KNOW you can see you are getting an undeservedly small bonus, and they DO NOT CARE about you.

    Please move on as soon as you are able. If you remain much longer, it's possible you will lose those parts of you that you are proud about and you have so much to offer! Polish up your resume, your linked in profile, network with people not connected to your current job, and start hunting.

    P.S. Also, stop with the overtime unless you can't live without the money. Use that time instead to job hunt, pursue a hobby, or do something for you.

  3. Anonymous

    I liked your comment, Mare L. Such encouraging words. Everything you texted was so right. Don't put years in a company that does not appreciate you.

  4. Anonymous

    I feel your pain, after leading a multiple projects last year I have got peanuts as bonus and hike. Its just a namesake increase . For the work I have done (of an architect+productowner+delivery lead)+many other small pet projects as PM in multiple roles crossing boundaries of roles/projects they just gave small hike as a way to do quite firing.

  5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Why in the world are you still working at a company that is so clearly taking advantage of you and treating you so poorly.

    Not for nothing, but $90 is not a bonus. It's the least possible amount of money they could give you to make you think they're giving you a bonus.

    You need to fire that resume up and kick that job search into high gear ASAP.

    And I will warn you now - this is exactly the type of company that will try to make you a counter offer when you turn in your resignation - they will make you promises and lie to you right to your face. DO NOT FALL FOR IT.

    And don't be surprised if, during your job search, that you find out that you are being grossly underpaid.

    Please please please understand that you have a right to be happy in your job and not treated like a second class citizen.

    You're not going to be paid fairly at your current company nor are you going to get the recognition you deserve. Find a company that will appreciate and reward your hard work.

    GOOD LUCK and please let me know if you have any questions.

  6. Anonymous

    $90 is not a bonus, that's .0432 lalalala extra per hour/per year thank you. $200 is a recognition amount for perhaps a project or contest or employee shout out. Perhaps ask why the difference between yours and $200 guy. Then, take a deeper dive into how they come up with any and all amounts. Is there a percentage that they use? Is there a tallied bucket of $ that they disperse from that %?, etc. Find out their process and then perhaps create/suggest a new one. Be a part of the fairness fix. Now Mgt, they may have a different plan etc. Good luck.

  7. Anonymous

    You deserve better and there is such a need for accountants. Start looking and you will find a place where you are appreciated and paid what you are worth. That's what I did when I saw bonuses and people getting huge raises and promotions. I am so happy now.

  8. Anonymous

    Well instead of ranting here since you work in finance your views might be better spent speaking out about this. If you think there is gender bias in the way they have given bonuses definitely make a point of speaking out. Do it with diplomacy vs anger as that won't get you what you want. The amount especially if it is given and taxed as a bonus (higher tax rate) is so miniscule that you pretty much get a cup of coffee and a donut with that! I might suggest it's time to look for a company where they value hard work more? No one gets a raise or bonus for doing overtime - be sure to balance life and work it's good for you!

  9. Anonymous

    I was thinking that too. And if the poster doesn’t have children as well. We often get less.

  10. Anonymous

    I feel your pain. Myself or my team don’t get a bonus yet everyone around me does. We are the team bringing in the money. We are smashing our goals and targets and month after month I am producing figures they haven’t seen before. it’s so frustrating. I love the role but think it’s a bit rubbish we are all overlooked. I feel bad for my team. I have started looking elsewhere

  11. Anonymous

    Out of curiosity, do you know why you and your team got no rewards ?

  12. Anonymous

    Nothings ever been agreed. The company simply haven’t agreed to anything. I have only been there 6 months and it’s on my list of things to approach but I’m waiting for the right time. I honestly don’t think they/we are valued as a department. I am only saying this as I’m able to remain anonymous in the post but I think everything just gets dumped in credit control. The pressure is immense but there are no rewards that come with me delivering results they have never seen before.

    any tips on how to approach this subject with directors will be appreciated

  13. GirlBossanova934974

    As a business owner myself, I can see what it is going on here. I have said it a thousands times and I will say it again, two thousand times. This is what happens when you have managers running your company vs. an owner running the company. An owner like myself would never tolerate this. No one would ever get a $90 bonus. But MANAGERS who are looking out for themselves and ONLY THEMSELVES will do this to non management and cost the owners or owner plenty! This is greed in its worst form. Unfortunately, too many companies have adopted this sort of "management culture". As an owner, I am always extremely cautious about bringing in outside managers. I want to do everything I can to avoid hiring these bad apples. Another terrible thing about the bad apples is that they usually bring in a bunch more bad apples in a short period of time. Even if you get rid of the original bad apple, you are stuck with a bunch of questionable hires.

  14. Anonymous

    What am insult! I would get your resume out and start looking. My husband is a credit analyst and he gets a $14,000 bonus. Now, being an accountant I know you are worthy of those kinds of bonuses and more. The jobs are out there- please start looking!

  15. Anonymous

    Yep… my husbands bonus is over $20k…each year… whereas we do not get a bonus at all…. We both have worked for 25 years…. And make about the same ($97-100k). The value his company shows him is awesome…. So I agree with others.. if you don’t like it look elsewhere but don’t compare yourself. If I did that with my husband I would go batty! Especially since we work essentially the same sort of job, only I am in a government job and he is in the private sector.?

  16. ANDREA RAGGAMBI

    Definitely sounds insulting. Generally there are only three options in situations like this. 1) leave 2) stay and do nothing differently or 3) stay and change your attitude or behavior. Knowing you can’t change other people, what are you willing to do to take responsibility for your role in this? Stop bending over backward for them? Set better boundaries? Ask lots of curious questions? Or do what it takes to move on and chalk this up as a lesson learned. You feeling pushed around won’t change elsewhere unless you learn what it looks like to communicate assertively so maybe start with that. Where have you been a pushover? The resentment is a result of a request not made. What have you not asked for? How can you improve your situation yourself instead of expecting others to improve it for you? Having expectations of others to treat us the way we want to be treated is a losing game unless we clearly ask for what we want and take ownership for our part in what is or isn’t happening to us. Sorry for your discomfort with the situation but there’s a lesson here for your higher good;)

  17. Ruth Robbins

    Yes... and no. The writer IS being treated unfairly and a tiny bit of resentment might catapult her to be more effective spokes person for herself. How can she be more skillful in presenting her case fairly and cogently in a non threatening and curious way to the powers that be: keeping her side of the equation factual and dispassionate. There is a lot of truth in what you say to her about being more assertive and taking ownership, but perhaps a little harsh. She is in the midst of taking action and it does not look like she's going to stay a doormat for long. Inquire, listen, ascertain, weigh, understand and then either move on to another position where she'll be sure to be valued and respected or stay in the organization but with a stronger attitude of self value and contribution.

  18. Anonymous

    It is inflationizm..they are so ... Globally they making mistaking on health care sectors.

  19. Anonymous

    Good lord: “Stop grousing about truly insignificant amounts of money.” It isn’t the money. It’s the meaning behind it.

  20. Bradford McCormick

    I 100% agree. The word "bonus" comes from latin and means: "good". $90? That's sort of like the old cliche of "damning with faint praise". And then, on top of that, you say you are being discriminated againt due to your gender? But even apart from that, $90 is the kind of thing I used to get at work occasionally for doing a good job of some small thing, although not in hard cold cash but in a gifft card for a meal at a restaursnt. Not an "annual bonus".

    Well, you work for a health care company? Health care companies are becoming poster choldren today for cost cutting not providing health care, aren't they? What do you expect? Each time I see somebody at the medical group wher my doctors are, I praise the persons and say I expect the company is not treating them well, they do not argue with me. A couple years ago, my primary care physician for 30 years, who must have beeen senior staff an dsincerely cared about his patients sent us all a one page letter stating his last day at work an dlisting 4 doctors who wer eaccepting new patients. That wa not like him. I believe, perhaps, wrongly, that he had "had it" with bring treated like an asdembly line worker nd he wa high ehough up that he didn't need to take it any more. I think he went into "concierge practice" in a differnt state. I have a neighbor who told me that this medeical group I am in had started in 1946 as a cooperative of 5 doctors who wanted a place less stressful than the big city. Things have changed.

  21. Lisa Marie

    Curious.

    When *exactly* did she *say* she was facing gender discrimination?

    How did you just jump to "gender discrimination" conclusion based on the scant details in the post?

  22. Anonymous

    How are the bonus determined? Is it performance based? Do they explain how it is calculated? Do you have salary bands and perhaps you are at a level of base salary that tie bonus is small? I would ask HR these questions to understand how the bonus is determined before talking to your manager.

  23. Carolina Perez Sanz

    I’d speak to the person in charge of giving the bonuses (the decision-maker) and express my feelings following a non-violent communication method:

    1- facts: I got a $90 bonus after working overtime x many days and helping xyz colleagues with ABC, completing xyz courses. (This has to be very factual and data accurate).

    2- Seeing my bonus made me feel sad and demoralized because I feel I have contributed a great deal of effort to the success of this company.

    3- I need to feel that my contribution is valued by the company.

    4- that’s why I’d like for you to reconsider my bonus. Or, if you think this is the right amount, I’d appreciate your telling me what you needed me to do that I didn’t deliver, so that I start doing it now.

    I hope you get a satisfactory response! Let me know what you think about this communication process, and good luck!

  24. Anonymous

    Unless you are getting paid for your overtime, perhaps it's time to stop putting in so many extra hours. Use that 'extra' time to look for another job. Mgmt doesn't necessarily appreciate those who bend over backward so stop being a doormat.

  25. T MN

    Agreed. They don't care about you they don't appreciate you and they could probably care less if you find another job. Get out value yourself more find a better position

  26. Anonymous

    THIS!!! I had this wake up call just a few months ago. I am working on my exit strategy after 17 years of getting pats on the head and platitudes while seeing others receive the financial benefit of my efforts.

  27. Amanda Hayden

    I’ve been in accounting for 8 years and never had a bonus smaller than $2K. I’ve had companies give $100 cash at Christmas but it wasn’t considered my bonus. I like the suggestions others have given about asking exactly how bonuses are calculated and giving a factual breakdown of your contributions but if they’re not willing to see the value you’re adding, it’s time to move on (and negotiate a not insulting bonus plan at your new job).

  28. Louise Byrne

    Comparison is the thief of joy… that said, $90 is demoralising.

    You’re well within your rights to query it. The reality is you’ve seen it on a list and it may not be final. Who’s to say it’s not a typo and they’re actually looking to give you $900.

    Once it is communicated, that’s your opportunity to ask about how it’s been calculated and what you need to do (or can do) beyond what you’re already doing to influence it.

    How dependent are you on the bonus? Is it a sweetener or is it a big deal. If it is a core part of the job remuneration for you and you don’t like their response, it’s time to look at alternatives.

  29. Anonymous

    Bonuses are usually for salaried workers who do no get overtime pay. A Bonus of any sort for an overtime worked should be considered good.

  30. Anonymous

    I agree with Louise. Unless you’ve been provided the final list and figures. You have to wait to inquire.

    And make sure to go with in inquiring ask, try and hold back accusations and assumptions until you hear their rationale.

    it could be a typo, it could be that there are outside projects they were assigned that they excelled at that was a win for the company.

  31. Lisa Marie

    So many ways to look at and react to what you experienced!

    1) Go ahead and give that measly $90 to charity - or the very next two random homeless persons you see on the street.

    While you are handing the measly $90 to those homeless persons, *think hard and long* how insulating that $$ is to them, then be grrateful for what you receive on each paycheck.

    2) Is it fair that others - male, abled, ill - received more than you? *WE don't know *because we and *YOU* do not know **all the details/goals** listed on those persons annual performance plans, or exactly *why* the company paid out like it did.

    We/You *do not know* to what extent they met or exceeded their goals, which would warrant the bonuses they received.

    Not every issue at work is based on discrimination. Sometimes it is based on actual performance. You staying late and doing more doesn't mean you met all the goals in your own performance plan.

    3) Sometimes the leaders we work with are petty idiots. Only you know if you are working with one/some of those. You decide if you can overlook that pettiness and collect your regular paycheck each payday - and be content.

    If you can't accept others getting more bonus money than you received, perhaps you should reduce the extra work you do? Or perhaps you could find another job abd start over another 5 years at a new job. *BUT* how exactly will those two options make a true difference?

    4) Siimply be grateful you have a job that you actually want to work hard and long hours at, many folks are unemployed.

  32. Anonymous

    BRAVO!!!!!!!! Well said

  33. Lina

    I understand your point but this does not help the OP. To say “well others have it worse” only invalidates the very understandable emotions the poster has. Just because others have it worse doesn’t mean you should be ok with getting less than you deserve. On your second point, you could be right, but we have to remember a lot of decisions are discrimination based without managements realization. We the commenters don’t know her coworker personally or his work ethic so we shouldn’t be assuming either. She also mentioned that her reviews at work are excellent, so it’s not likely that her coworker is doing better than her. Perhaps the same in terms of excellence, but that still doesn’t justify the difference in raise. Again, I can see the value of some of your points, but the overall tone of your comment is “you’re the problem for not being grateful so just deal with it”. wether you meant it or not, that itself is problematic when so many people (and specifically women in this society) are undervalued and taken advantage of. You have to remember that we are here not only to support each other, but to break down financial barriers that women specifically face in this society. We are expected to be happy with what we get and not complain when we deserve better. Your comment, even if not meant to, further pushes this harmful ideology.

  34. Anonymous

    Yes, Lina!!! Well put!

  35. Ria

    Well said

  36. Lisa Marie

    Sorry Lina... you misunderstood my point of giving the measly $90 to the less fortunate. It was not pointing out (as you and others viewed it) that "others have it worse" - it was simply suggesting she go and bless someone else with what she does not appreciate/find any value in. Simply that.

    Really, why use it on herself if she doesn't appreciate it or find it to be of any value?

    Who says she deserves a bonus? What are the parameters for getting a bonus *in her company*? Here's a shocker: some positions, in some companies *do not get bonuses* Do we know that her position "is suppose to" get a bonus?

    Notice the OP didn't mention anything along the lines of receiving a bonus the prior 4 years? Did you miss that omission? Perhaps the OP just forogt to mention that for comparison? But we don't know, do we?

    What we do know is that - we don't know all the facts - so we should put labels such as discrimination / undervalue or other such idiological terms on what occured.

    Additionally, nothing in the rest of my comment is supporting or pushing any harmful idiology against women (or any other group for that matter). Perhaps you read the original post with some idiologies at the forefront of your thoughts and deduced that there is discrimination of some ort occurring, when there might not be. The OP simply stating that a male counterpart got more than she did, does not definitely point to a problem with finacial barriers - did you miss that a woman on FMLA got more than her as well? That statement suggests *there is more* to the "bonus" payout than the OP knows about, or chose to share with us.

    Lina, please understand that my comment is not feeding into any ideology - it is simply asking folks to not jump to conclusions (as you did) with very, very limited information.

  37. angelkitten

    I really feel you on this! At my former company where I worked 14 1/2 years I only got a bonus a few times. It was equal to 1 paycheck after taxes. Once someone accidentally sent my coworker an email we shouldn’t have been able to view- with a list of upper management & their bonus amounts. Some of them got bonuses of 100,000, 200,000, 500,000 & up. While we got nothing most years. It was quite the eye opener…

  38. M Baaza

    It's time to pack up your bags and find a place that values you.
    I mean $90 can't even get you groceries for a week in this economy. That is beyond insulting.

  39. Lisa Marie

    Her regular paycheck is what's supposed to get her groceries - not a bonus.

    Someone else mentioned that "$90 can't even buy eggs" - which is absolute rubbish!

    **$90 can by 37 trays of 1 doz eggs (@ $2.39 in my neck of the woods).** That's more than 6 months worth of eggs. #perspective

  40. Bosslady200542

    FMLA bonuses are set by policy so the employee will not be treated punitively

  41. Anonymous

    What is the point of this response?

  42. April

    Ouch! Anonymous! You received a lot of answers comments and responses many of which you did not directly ask for nor did you solicit, nor did they answer your question “ what’s the point of putting in all the sweat and tears”.

    truthfully, only you can answer that you work according to your own moral, compass and ethics. If you believe you are doing a good job and that is enough then do that again tomorrow and the next day, a bonus is just that it’s a bonus. Does it seem fair based on what you would have seen? None of us can answer that. Truthfully, most of us know, and I’m sure you know that is inappropriate to see and or discuss other peoples bonuses.. it is even more dangerous to go to your boss, and talk about the fact that you know what others have received.

    I have a question that I think you should consider. What will you do now with the knowledge that you have and how will that action serve you in a positive way going forward? Is this about you or other people? Remember… it is ok if you have out grown your role and company. Sometimes it is better to show your worth ( to others) than to tell them.

  43. Anonymous

    Yes now is exact timing to look for change, especially revolution it need now.we always on your side.we stand with you! "Nerve again" our motoo

  44. Ayian

    It has been standard for over 20 years to not give good raises or bonuses and that upward mobility in one's career comes most reliably when changing organizations. Employers do not feel obligated whatsoever to treat employees well. You are replaceable and that's what your bonus communicates. Plan accordingly.

  45. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    This is simply not true. It sounds like Ayain has not had good experiences at work for who knows why, but I work with many companies and employees and some have been treated very well. Sometimes, not always, when a candidate is :not treated well" this is a strategy to get rid of them. There are always two sides to every story and unfortunately for us, we only hear one side....

  46. Anonymous

    It really isn't professional to discuss bonuses with your co-workers or to have that information disclosed. What other employees receive really is of no concern to you. You said you saw a list, was that given to you personally, because it should have been kept confidential, or did you run across it. If you are not happy with your bonus you can discuss it with your supervisor, if that is an option. If you need your bonuses to survive, and this is not enough, you are free to look for another post. Nowadays, employees are not appreciated the way they should be. It is possible you would run into that again, so if you are happy in this position it is not worth quitting over $90.00.

  47. Anonymous

    When i was in my 20s, My father gave me some very good advice. He said, “Don’t ever get upset over bonuses. Sometimes you will get no bonus when you’ve worked very hard and deserve one. If you continue to work hard & stay focused, there will likely be times when you will get larger bonuses than you may deserve. It all evens out in the end.” I have found that to be true. Don’t read too much into it. Now that I’m a senior manager, I realize there is a lot that goes into bonuses & some of it has to do with my work and some of it has to do with circumstance. You should definitely avoid comparing yourself to others. Be grateful, work hard and if you are unhappy with your work environment, change jobs. There is so much opportunity, there is no reason to stay in a position that is not fulfilling. If you’re this upset over $90 - I suspect that is the real issue.

  48. Lisa Marie

    Exactly! Some folks get all bent out of shape over a "bonus" which is just that a bonus which, by all intents and purposes has to be earned!!

    What about the actual consistent job/paycheck received every pay-day?

    Bonuses are nice, but unless certain conditions are met, isn't and can't always mandatory - because situations can changed drastically at any time - and without any warning.

  49. M Baaza

    Maybe if companies were more transparent, they would not be such inequities

  50. Anonymous

    That’s an insulting bonus. I haven’t received a bonus at every place I’ve worked and they’ve varied greatly. One place told me as part of the hiring package that I was “eligible” for up to 35% of my salary. The worst bonus I ever received was 1-weeks salary.

    if they are unable to give decent bonuses, they shouldn’t give them at all. Phrasing them as bonuses is demeaning. if things are that tight with the company, they should not do bonuses and just give out Gift Cards on a regular basis.

    if they can afford bonuses and are cheap, then I’d look elsewhere.

    A bonus is either recognition of your contributions to the company or a percent of profits. 90$ is not that.

  51. Anonymous

    Many times bonus is a way of cost-cutting measure for companies so they tend to go lower on it. It sounds unethical, but that is what they do.

  52. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    I would certaily question this. You got a tip, not a bonus.

  53. Melissa Nobile

    I’d ask the question of management… I’d ask if they forgot a couple of zeros….

  54. Sarah Mayfield

    I once got a "bonus" that was, just money they owed me. We had a system, which was legally allowed, where we banked hours worked over 40 a week. I had banked a lot of hours and the company paid them and called it a BONUS. They actually said, we appreciate all you do, here is your bonus. I was peeved, to say the least. Left as soon as I could find a better job.

  55. Tammy Eaton

    Wow! Stop going above and beyond and look for another job where they compensate you and know your worth

  56. Anonymous

    That is insulting. You should cut your losses and look elsewhere. Their bonus pay out seems solely to be discretionary and not based on merit.

  57. Lisa Marie

    From what was posted, how do you *know* that the payout figures are discretionary? What finite detail in the post clearly points to "discretionary?" Are you aware of all the circumstances affecting/dictating the individual payments?

    Could 1 payment be an advance or medical assistance benefit, or, or, or whatever else one can speculate?

    We do not have all the details - so we truly do not *know* ;-)

  58. Corinne Wilhelm

    Indeed, I agree with Tammy, redirect that time and effort into finding a job where you are appreciated and paid accordingly. Before you do so though I would go and speak to them personally and give them a chance to make amends, one last chance but if they fail to see that value, take your knowledge, experience and support elsewhere.

    Here's a challenge, try to get out before the summer holidays and if you go to the competition, you'll even get gardening leave.

  59. Anonymous

    $90.00!!!! You can't even buy eggs with that - what an insult! Please polish your resume and get the heck out!

  60. Lisa Marie

    You can buy 37 trays of 1 doz eggs with $90 (in my neck of the woods) and still have change.

    $90 can buy 37 weeks of eggs. That's 9 mths and 1 week worth of eggs (@ 1 tray per week).

    #PERSPECTIVE

  61. Zayda Hernandez

    Please do not forget our role and ethics as accounting staff. We are given highly sensitive data to process. You have to be happy with what you are doing and what you are being compensated for. If you are not then yes begin the search for a new career. If you are so not fall into the comparison game. You cannot compare yourself to the dollar values of others otherwise you will become unsatisfied always thinking you deserve more. I would speak with your manager and inquire how your bonus was determined however I would not do so until you are actually paid out the amount otherwise you are going based on a report that is privileged information. Ask and see what is the reasoning but remember a bonus is just that. Look at your compensation and that should be your main focus. Good luck!

  62. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CP

    You work hard and you expected a larger bonus. That's fair. If you like your job and enjoy what you're doing, take the time and speak to your boss or management. Talk to them, ask questions and be prepared to talk about what you've accomplished for the team/company. Focus on metrics and how well the company has done as a result of your actions. Turn it into dollars that make sense. Let the money speak on your behalf.

  63. Anonymous

    How much was FMLA lady's bonus?

  64. Anonymous

    And they wonder why we're "quiet quitting."

  65. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    Or if they are trying to "quiet get rid of you"

  66. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    A bonus is just that--it is not guaranteed if it is to be givened or how much. If you think that people around you are getting more than you--and why are they talking about this confidential information--this could be a message to you that mediocre bonus=medocre performance. I would recommend that you schedule a meeting with your manager and address this and ask if you are in danger of being replaced. If it bothers you enought to seek the advice of this community of anonymous people, it should bother you enough to sit down with your boss and go over it.

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