Christmas bonus

[The Big Cowhuna]

Are you paying out bonuses this year? Are they common in your sector of the agriculture industry and the area you live in? I planned to pay the usual bonus, but now I'm considering topping them up because of the coronavirus which made their work significantly more difficult. What are you doing this year?

 

[jack]

Whereas this hasn't been an easy year for many farmers, I think that we've all put our best feet forward and gotten to work. I am weighing my options because incentives are a perfect way to keep people motivated.

 

[Almost Eden]

I've cut mine down to $50. I had to choose between offering a nice Christmas bonus or a coronavirus package. The employees chose the coronavirus package which includes hazard pay, a health insurance stipend per quarter, and 60 paid sick days to be used for testing, isolating, and illness due to the coronavirus. I also pay them when I close the shop. Unfortunately, the business can't eat all those expenses plus a fat Christmas bonus.

 

[Pinewood Acres]

I base it on profitability and hours worked, but that bonus is given at the end of the fiscal year. I give everyone a tree and a ham at Christmas, but no real Christmas bonus. I pay an extra .40 per hour worked in November and December because that's our busiest time, and it rewards the employees who take on stressful customers.

@Almost Eden, that sounds fine to me. You're doing the best you can for your employees.

 

[Desi]

Wow, sounds like you guys are all doing great things! 60 days sick pay is amazing! We are only doing 20 but if someone needs more I am sure we would work with them.
We did $50 and a ham this year. We're small so that is our normal.