Bonus is a no show

[RDBx]

How much is it worth pushing this?

I work in a sector that generally doesn't get any bonuses, thought in the past year a couple of my projects have delivered, very successfully. My senior line manager confirmed (also backed by my director) that I'd been submitted for and authorized to receive a special recognition. These aren't huge but could equate to between 1.5 & 6% of my salary.

That was months ago and although I politely enquired after Christmas, nothing has appeared yet, despite assurances.

How much of a fuss would you be making?

[Jasandjules]

You wish to complain that a discretionary bonus has not been paid?

[designforlife]

None, if i wanted to keep my job.

[RDBx]

Jasandjules said:

You wish to complain that a discretionary bonus has not been paid?

Complain, no. Make further respectful enquiries as to what's happening, possibly. Just a bit miffed to be told I've been recommended and that it's been approved all they way up, only for it to come, ostensibly to nothing.

Just wondering what's it worth doing, apart from chalking it up as being just a bit crap etc.

[ToothbrushMan]

a business that was making noises that they might be able to pay a bonus of up to 6% doesnt sound like the sort of company where I would be worried about losing my job just because I am following them up on it. You delivered, very successfully - somebody somewhere is benefitting from that going the extra mile so why shouldnt you have a piece of the pie (as was intimated to you before you did the work)........

wheres the incentive to push your roe out in future on the back of empty promises to pay you a bonus.

if there is no intention to pay bonus they shouldnt be saying a bonus is on the cards in the first place........

I would ask if you arrange for a quick meeting with the line or director. have it clear in your head that you want to discuss the bonus. after delivering to target is there a particular problem that holding things up now that you can help with etc try and make them think you want to make the company work and if there is a way to get the result then you will be only too willing, was there some criteria you overlooked or missed in order to secure the "reward" - youve then done your bit. they cant accuse you of being an arse about it then.

6% is a large amount to just wave bye bye even if it was based on national min wage

Some here will say your "reward" is to keep your job. if that was the case then there was absolutely no need for your boss to even mention a bonus in the first place but we know thats not how its played out or intended.

Go for it - you earned it or some of it. It might also give an insight into your true worth to that company in the years ahead and whether its a watershed moment to consider your future there if they just wheel out carrots on sticks like confetti while the bosses buy a newer car or take the missus on that second skiiing holiday.

[ToothbrushMan]

to add......i'd be a dog with a bone but not a bull in a china shop.

[Doofus]

ToothbrushMan said:

a business that was making noises that they might be able to pay a bonus of up to 6% doesnt sound like the sort of company where I would be worried about losing my job just because I am following them up on it. You delivered, very successfully - somebody somewhere is benefitting from that going the extra mile so why shouldnt you have a piece of the pie (as was intimated to you before you did the work)........

wheres the incentive to push your roe out in future on the back of empty promises to pay you a bonus.

if there is no intention to pay bonus they shouldnt be saying a bonus is on the cards in the first place........

I would ask if you arrange for a quick meeting with the line or director. have it clear in your head that you want to discuss the bonus. after delivering to target is there a particular problem that holding things up now that you can help with etc try and make them think you want to make the company work and if there is a way to get the result then you will be only too willing, was there some criteria you overlooked or missed in order to secure the "reward" - youve then done your bit. they cant accuse you of being an arse about it then.

6% is a large amount to just wave bye bye even if it was based on national min wage

Some here will say your "reward" is to keep your job. if that was the case then there was absolutely no need for your boss to even mention a bonus in the first place but we know thats not how its played out or intended.

Go for it - you earned it or some of it. It might also give an insight into your true worth to that company in the years ahead and whether its a watershed moment to consider your future there if they just wheel out carrots on sticks like confetti while the bosses buy a newer car or take the missus on that second skiiing holiday.

The 'reward' is not to 'keep your job'. On taking a job, any job, there's an agreement that the employee will perform X duties and the employer will pay Y money.

As an employer, I find it incredibly annoying when people say 'I've done everything you asked, so can I have a bonus/payrise?" Well, no. You've done the job you already said you would do, and I have already paid you what we agreed I would.

With respect to the OP, he's said "I delivered the projects very successfully" Well surely that's what he's employed (and paid) to do, and presumably his employer costed and tendered for the project on the basis that it would be completed successfully. I appreciate that somebody told him he's in line for a "special recognition", but it isn't contractural, the OP didn't take the job or complete the project on the basis of this 'recognition', and there is no indication that anyone has "benefitted from going the extra mile". Yes, 6% is worth having, but 1.5% isn't worth dying over.

I think you should choose your fights, and if it was me, I'd keep it in my back pocket in anticipation of a more important battle in the future.

[RDBx]

ToothbrushMan said:

to add......i'd be a dog with a bone but not a bull in a china shop.

Thanks for your thoughts, it's not an area I've had experience of before, hence looking for wider opinion. What irritates me the most is how this feels, devaluing, why tell me if it was going to be anything other than a dead cert.

For context, I work in the Civil Service and the bonus is part of a publicised recognition scheme in place for exemplary work, which sits outside of the pay and IPR structure.

[RDBx]

Doofus said:

With respect to the OP, he's said "I delivered the projects very successfully" Well surely that's what he's employed (and paid) to do, and presumably his employer costed and tendered for the project on the basis that it would be completed successfully. I appreciate that somebody told him he's in line for a "special recognition", but it isn't contractural, the OP didn't take the job or complete the project on the basis of this 'recognition', and there is no indication that anyone has "benefitted from going the extra mile". Yes, 6% is worth having, but 1.5% isn't worth dying over.

I think you should choose your fights, and if it was me, I'd keep it in my back pocket in anticipation of a more important battle in the future.

I do agree, I'm not expecting additional reward for doing my job well, but hopeful my employer is good to their word, rewarding something that's exceeded all reasonable expectations and objectives. You make fair point, given this situation has arrisen, it might be prudent to bank issue for now.

[RDBx]

Doofus said:

With respect to the OP, he's said "I delivered the projects very successfully" Well surely that's what he's employed (and paid) to do, and presumably his employer costed and tendered for the project on the basis that it would be completed successfully. I appreciate that somebody told him he's in line for a "special recognition", but it isn't contractural, the OP didn't take the job or complete the project on the basis of this 'recognition', and there is no indication that anyone has "benefitted from going the extra mile". Yes, 6% is worth having, but 1.5% isn't worth dying over.

I think you should choose your fights, and if it was me, I'd keep it in my back pocket in anticipation of a more important battle in the future.

I do agree, I'm not expecting additional reward for doing my job well, but hopeful my employer is good to their word, rewarding something that's exceeded all reasonable expectations and objectives. You make fair point, given this situation has arrisen, it might be prudent to bank issue for now.

[Blanchimont]

The key thing here is if you can prove you were told that you would be getting it. I would follow up and keep asking about it, but try and find out who/what the hold up is.

[768]

If I thought I were worth the money I'd be looking for a job that paid me the salary, otherwise, tread lightly.

[abzmike]

If I had been advised of a bonus coming my way last year, I think I would pick a time to make a casual enquiry to the guy that told me, along the lines of 'hey Bob, remember you told me about some bonus for that project...' and watch the look on his face. More than likely the response will be 'oh yes, it'll be along shortly, etc, etc'. You are entitled to ask though.

[Shakermaker]

RDBx said:

How much is it worth pushing this?

I work in a sector that generally doesn't get any bonuses, thought in the past year a couple of my projects have delivered, very successfully. My senior line manager confirmed (also backed by my director) that I'd been submitted for and authorized to receive a special recognition. These aren't huge but could equate to between 1.5 & 6% of my salary.

That was months ago and although I politely enquired after Christmas, nothing has appeared yet, despite assurances.

How much of a fuss would you be making?

Is it the kind of thing that could be paid out at the financial year end, so you'd get it in your March or April payslip depending on the specifics within your company?

[R12HCO]

Id look for a new Job on principal.

They obviously don't respect you enough to sort it, despite promising it.

[Robb F]

All these people too scared to go and ask where their money is are hilarious.