ADVERTISEMENT

A year-end bonus (sometimes called a Christmas bonus) is a reward paid to an employee during the Holiday season. In many companies, it's tied to performance metrics, and the amount can vary depending on whether certain milestones are met. Year-end bonuses are usually made up of lump-sum payments used to acknowledge the individual for hard work and dedication. Compared to the recipient's salary, these monetary encouragements can be quite substantial. Or as we are about to learn, a real spit in the face.

I guess I wouldn't surprise anyone if I said bosses can be really cheap. But some of them are such scrooges, they see every dollar that goes into employee motivation and retention budgets as losses. So when the opportunity arises, these tight-a**es pay themselves back and leave everyone else with just the crumbs. Continue scrolling to check out the worst Holiday bonuses we could find. Let them serve as a reminder that staff always have to be treated with respect. Screw those who forget that.

#1

Just Saw This On Twitter. It’s So Tragic It’s Almost Funny. Surely This Isn’t Legal?

Just Saw This On Twitter. It’s So Tragic It’s Almost Funny. Surely This Isn’t Legal?

TheLordPresents Report

Add photo comments
POST
cybermerlin2000 avatar
cybermerlin2000
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Take the card back and tell your boss you don't want it and want to be reimbursed for the money taken for such a generous gift

teresacline avatar
Cold Contagious
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This exact same thing happened to my ex-husband with his trucking company. They said it was a accident when he told them he didn't want to pay for his own company Christmas gift. They reimbursed him for the $50 on his next check.

Load More Replies...
rdougherty666 avatar
Ryan-James O'Driscoll
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's credited to the payslip and then deducted. It is not taking anything out of their regular pay. It's just done like that for tax purposes.

robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From the photo, we can't tell that. It is a section for deductions and the second line is the total for the deductions. However what you say is correct, and what I would expect to see. Even Christmas bonuses are taxable.

Load More Replies...
twostroketerror avatar
Pungent Sauce
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Got this from an employer a few times, it’s a credit and then a deduction, done for tax purposes. Sure does wind you up until someone explains it tho. Current bossman does it in cash, because he’s a decent guy.

ng avatar
N G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not the employers fault. The employer and employee are taxed on gift cards, otherwise some firms would pay all of your wages in gift cards to avoid tax.

minnladyl avatar
iluvanimals
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This shouldn't be on this article. This is completely legit and is a payroll/tax situation. The gift card needs to be documented this way so no one ends up in higher tax bracket.

paintergirl888 avatar
P.A.B.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This should absolutely be on this thread, because those of us who did not know it was a legit payroll/tax situation, now do. The employee obviously did not know either, and it was not explained to him, so he thought it should be included, as did some others of us. Thanks for the clarification.

Load More Replies...
hanktwoods avatar
Hank Woods
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They listed it on your paycheck because they have to list all gifts per State/Federal Law - they deducted it on your paycheck because they gave it to you directly. You were NOT charged for it yourself. Its a payroll tax thing !!

pjcoolidge avatar
Patti Coolidge
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep those are the payroll rules.. It is just like getting a bonus. You will be taxed on that too.

deconstructedravenna815 avatar
Callie Dryer
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I’d politely ask for my money back. That’s like asking me for $50, a ride to the store, then having me pick out a gift with the money you borrowed…. What’s the point? Cheap a**.

damonhill avatar
Seadog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now think about the whole picture. That deduction isn't tax deductible so it won't come off your reported income and as a gift that $50 will add to your reported income. Therefore, you just paid yourself and will be taxed on money from your own pocket. As rare as it is, there are some people that would be thrown into a higher tax bracket from an extra $50 being reported.

lynmoffett avatar
Lyn Moffett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's illegal tell him to shove it and get your money back,, fkn cheapskate

itsjustme223 avatar
Shane S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmm I wonder if it was truly deducted or they were reporting it for tax purposes. It’s technically income so they have to report it and you have to be taxed on it. The only way around it if your boss gave it out if their own money or basically the employer is paying you under the table.

karolinaredford avatar
Amelia X
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work for NHS UK for a very busy mental health service (our waiting list is 12 months). I work with the worst traumas you can imagine. We never get anything for Christmas, ever. If we ever have an Away Day, we need to pay for our own tickets and meals. Merry Christmas NHS Leeds!

geoffrogers avatar
Ara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s difficult to believe anyone could be so utterly disingenuous.

cronz avatar
C Ronz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So this is a way for employers to avoid paying taxes?

chelbolin avatar
Chel Bolin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One year at the USPS coding center we received a WV quarter set. Paid for with our dues money. We bought ourselves a $.50 xmas bonus.

chelbolin avatar
Chel Bolin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One year at the USPS coding center, we received a set of the WV state coins. Paid for with our dues. We bought ourselves a $.50 xmas bonus.

gillian-mackenzie-169 avatar
Gillian Mackenzie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband has been made redundant from his job and has just today, received a package from his company. It had a card in it thanking him for his "hard work and loyalty to the company" and wishing him a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. The package was a box of chocolates. We have two kids in Uni and the New Year isn't looking great for us. I found the words in the card to be extremely patronising....

michaelgatewood avatar
Michael Gatewood
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked for Walmart 7 years there they dont give you a Christmas bonus insted just afterThanksgiving they give you The privilege to An additional 10% off one item at any Walmart store. Totaling 20% So basically your bonus is that you get to give them some money.

mark_wkelly avatar
Mark Kelly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

pfft here in Canada the grocery store I worked at gave me $500-$800. Everyone got something based on service.

vickyz avatar
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my country there are employers that give you the gift because they have to by law and then ask you to give it back in cash and threaten you that you might lose your job! Many employees report such behaviours

valkyrie2007 avatar
Deb March Farrell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

we have taxes taken out of our bonuses. Its treated as work income. kind of irks me

vishwajeetsatpute avatar
Vishy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Return it to your boss. Tell him it looks like he needs it more.

jmchoto avatar
tbhinsley avatar
Tina B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lolz. To not report it would be illegal. That's the whole point. IRS rules. It didn't make their pay less. They just have to report the 50 to the IRS. The employer should have explained this.

Load More Replies...
zipperzaza avatar
Zaza
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this legal? Technically your employer spent money from your paycheck, that doesn't sound like something that would be legal... Then again, I'm not from the US and know nothing about your paychecks. Can someone explain this please?

wandiledludlu avatar
Sum Guy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh s**t... that's worse than not getting anything. Because now, you are forced to use your own money at walmart

tbhinsley avatar
Tina B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Figure it out people? It's STILL +$50, less whatever taxes you pay!!!!! 10% tax? Net $45.

Load More Replies...
lesburleson avatar
Leslie Burleson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wtf ? Wow , that is so scummy ! Can they do that legally ? I mean, it's your money legally

hop4me234 avatar
lydialanguish avatar
Lydia Languish
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As per Canada Revenue Agency requirement, the majority of gifts, service awards etc including gift cards which are ´near cash’ are taxable benefits and must be reported as income.

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

For Christmas 2019, My Boss Gifted Us With 1 Work From Home Day In 2020

For Christmas 2019, My Boss Gifted Us With 1 Work From Home Day In 2020

thenarcostate Report

In recent years, many companies have moved away from cash bonuses: according to a survey from Bank of America, only 29% of employers planned to offer cash bonuses in 2019.

But even if companies do offer cash bonuses, they also vary widely in how they award them and how much they give. Some businesses choose to give an employee a percentage of their salary, whereas others offer a small, flat amount, like $50 or $100, sometimes varying based on the business's performance that year. Some employers base their bonuses on how long an employee has been with the company or their yearly performance.

"I pay my bonuses out based on two factors: the employee's overall performance review and the number of years the individual has been with the business," said Laura Fuentes, operator at Infinity Dish. "I start annual bonuses at a minimum of 2% for the first year and max out at 6%."

#3

My Dad, Who Has Worked For His Employer For 22 Years, Sharing His “Thank You” For The Holidays. They Pay Him Less Than $18/Hr. Doing This Is More Insulting Than Doing Nothing At All

My Dad, Who Has Worked For His Employer For 22 Years, Sharing His “Thank You” For The Holidays. They Pay Him Less Than $18/Hr. Doing This Is More Insulting Than Doing Nothing At All

rxb73 Report

#4

My Mother’s Completely Unironic “Christmas Bonus” This Year

My Mother’s Completely Unironic “Christmas Bonus” This Year

MegaBeefBowl Report

#5

Recalling When Air Canada Gave My Partner A Plastic Christmas Ornament Instead Of A Christmas Bonus

Recalling When Air Canada Gave My Partner A Plastic Christmas Ornament Instead Of A Christmas Bonus

embracingparadox Report

Add photo comments
POST
paulclarey avatar
Paul C.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was the warehouse manager at a firm and one year one of the Directors asked me if a £50 note in a card would be ok for each of the staff. I said great. One of the drivers, screwed up the note and threw it on my desk, saying it was an insult! I took it to the Director and apologised , he said it's fine we'll spend it on drinks at a staff night out. Those drinks tasted all the better, knowing the jerk wasn't included.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

"In some industries, such as finance, bonuses are closely tied to employee performance and can vary dramatically within and between teams," Andrew Schrage, CEO of Money Crashers, explained.

"Elsewhere, all employees of the same rank receive the same bonus. Amounts can vary from token-sized (think $25 or $50 gift cards) to amounts greater than the employee's total regular compensation. The latter is more common among highly compensated executives and financial professionals."

#6

Finally Got Our Christmas Bonus For A Year Of Our Hard Work On The Front Lines During The Pandemic. 7 Pieces Of Stale Candy And A Card Full Of Empty Platitudes

Finally Got Our Christmas Bonus For A Year Of Our Hard Work On The Front Lines During The Pandemic. 7 Pieces Of Stale Candy And A Card Full Of Empty Platitudes

Capt_Irk Report

Add photo comments
POST
benlensgraf avatar
Thorfin Wolfsbane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The card reads: "Thank you for making us a lot richer during the pandemic with your labor, sorry we're going to keep it all for ourselves because we're greedy assholes".

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#7

What We Got After A Year Of Mandatory 50 Hour Weeks And 0 Holidays Off

What We Got After A Year Of Mandatory 50 Hour Weeks And 0 Holidays Off

TsarAnderson Report

#8

Helped My Company’s Accounting Team Get $190m In Profits Sorted This Year. Been With Them For 5+ Years. My Christmas Bonus This Year: (Not Pictured The Unsigned Card With CEO’s Signature As A Stamp)

Helped My Company’s Accounting Team Get $190m In Profits Sorted This Year. Been With Them For 5+ Years. My Christmas Bonus This Year: (Not Pictured The Unsigned Card With CEO’s Signature As A Stamp)

freddielizzard Report

Add photo comments
POST
tk421 avatar
TK 421
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you rearrange the marshmallows, you’ll see that they are actually just giving you the finger.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

However, companies should understand that paying their employees a year-end bonus isn't charity. The biggest benefit is that it makes people happy. It shows workers that their bosses are thinking about them and consider them valuable to the company.

Bonuses also ensure that employees are rewarded for their hard work, which decreases the possibility of burnout. Happier employees are simply more likely to stay with the company over the long term, decreasing costly turnover.

#9

This Definitely Makes Up For The Toxic Work Environment And Forced Overtime!!!!

This Definitely Makes Up For The Toxic Work Environment And Forced Overtime!!!!

virginiacreeperr Report

#10

Thanks For The Rubber Band And Single Starburst But Can We Just Have A Reasonable Work Load Instead?

Thanks For The Rubber Band And Single Starburst But Can We Just Have A Reasonable Work Load Instead?

Its_Only_Cindy Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#11

My Job Told Us No Christmas Bonus Yesterday And We Got This In An Email Today. (I Work For A Billion Dollar Company) My CEO Sent The Email, He Made 1.4 Million In 2020 As CFO

My Job Told Us No Christmas Bonus Yesterday And We Got This In An Email Today. (I Work For A Billion Dollar Company) My CEO Sent The Email, He Made 1.4 Million In 2020 As CFO

starjasper Report

When employees are satisfied with their job, they're often more engaged and productive. A 2019 study by Oxford University found that happy workers are 13% more productive, and a good way to make them content is through extra compensation and other rewards.

Besides, if bosses choose to tie bonuses into yearly performance or goals, employees can be highly incentivized to hit those goals throughout the year if the payback seems worth it.

#12

Management Gets Bonus Checks, While Regular Employees Get Water Bottles

Management Gets Bonus Checks, While Regular Employees Get Water Bottles

marques33 Report

#13

My Brother Got A "Sauage" As A Holiday Bonus

My Brother Got A "Sauage" As A Holiday Bonus

jbourne0129 Report

#14

Thank You Bonus For All Employees From The Owner

Thank You Bonus For All Employees From The Owner

AuCeallaigh Report

Add photo comments
POST
benlensgraf avatar
Thorfin Wolfsbane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

its hard to see from the wrap-around but it continues..."out work everyone and die broke anyway"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Here At [redacted], Your Christmas Bonus Is The Chance To Win A Free Vacation For Your S**tty Managers If You Work Yourself Close Enough To Death

Here At [redacted], Your Christmas Bonus Is The Chance To Win A Free Vacation For Your S**tty Managers If You Work Yourself Close Enough To Death

GurpsWibcheengs Report

#16

Bonus? No. Hazard Pay? No. Here’s A Cheap Chinese Snowflake For Working During A Global Pandemic Without Hazard Pay! And Thru The Holidays! Stay Strong!!

Bonus? No. Hazard Pay? No. Here’s A Cheap Chinese Snowflake For Working During A Global Pandemic Without Hazard Pay! And Thru The Holidays! Stay Strong!!

A-T-P Report

Add photo comments
POST
wandiledludlu avatar
Sum Guy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha... it's a lot easier not to do anything and the employees won't hate you more than when you do stupid s**t like this

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

My Sister Got This From Work This Week. It’s Honestly Just Offensive

My Sister Got This From Work This Week. It’s Honestly Just Offensive

squashlolz Report

#18

Our Christmas Bonus In One Of The Companies Most Profitable Years. What Is That, Like $5 Total?

Our Christmas Bonus In One Of The Companies Most Profitable Years. What Is That, Like $5 Total?

Inuyasharlz Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#19

My Christmas Gift From My Boss. Fortune 500 Company. No Christmas Bonus, Post It Notes, 2 Pieces Of Chocolate, Pen, Jeans One Day

My Christmas Gift From My Boss. Fortune 500 Company. No Christmas Bonus, Post It Notes, 2 Pieces Of Chocolate, Pen, Jeans One Day

apocalypse31 Report

Add photo comments
POST
vasanaphong424 avatar
Vasana Phong
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, looks like dollar store items in a bag then broken up to make a small gift bags with

View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Here's My Christmas Bonus For Being A #frontlinehero

Here's My Christmas Bonus For Being A #frontlinehero

grobend Report

#22

Something My Wife Got For Busting Her A** Off

Something My Wife Got For Busting Her A** Off

MAXIMUSPR007 Report

#23

Got My Holiday Bonus!!!!

Got My Holiday Bonus!!!!

Mrs-PB Report

#24

My Girlfriends Boss Handed This To Her In Her Office Saying, "These Are Being Handed Out From The Company." I'm Not Sure If This Is A Christmas Gift. What Do You All Think?

My Girlfriends Boss Handed This To Her In Her Office Saying, "These Are Being Handed Out From The Company." I'm Not Sure If This Is A Christmas Gift. What Do You All Think?

Forex4x Report

#25

Our Holiday “Bonus”. Yes That’s A $15 Off Coupon For A Butterball Turkey

Our Holiday “Bonus”. Yes That’s A $15 Off Coupon For A Butterball Turkey

Searchin4AFartOfGold Report

Add photo comments
POST
vasanaphong424 avatar
Vasana Phong
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess you’ll have to come up with the rest, because 15 bucks isn’t gonna cover a butterball turkey

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

Imagine Getting This As A Gift Bag From Your Boss

Imagine Getting This As A Gift Bag From Your Boss

Formal-Concern Report

#27

The Warehouse I Work At Had Us All Come In On Thanksgiving And This Is How They Showed Us Their Gratitude

The Warehouse I Work At Had Us All Come In On Thanksgiving And This Is How They Showed Us Their Gratitude

Dukedyduke Report

#28

“Record Year” But No Raise Or Bonus. The Box Lunch Is The Covid Version Of A Pizza Party And A High Five

“Record Year” But No Raise Or Bonus. The Box Lunch Is The Covid Version Of A Pizza Party And A High Five

scifi-riot Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#29

My Jobs Thanksgiving Gift To Us. 7 Years With Foodlion And This Is How They Appreciate Us, With Kid Snacks

My Jobs Thanksgiving Gift To Us. 7 Years With Foodlion And This Is How They Appreciate Us, With Kid Snacks

lil_Dumplins Report

#30

Christmas Bonus? Nope, Target Just Prints And Snail Mails Monopoly Money To Your House Now

Christmas Bonus? Nope, Target Just Prints And Snail Mails Monopoly Money To Your House Now

nijoih Report

Add photo comments
POST
virgilblue avatar
Virgil Blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exchanged for an.item in that price range. From the company shop. So you can't even use it to take some off the price of a more expensive item? I bet you also don't get the change. This is some olden days company scrip bull.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 44 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.