Monster, the leading job matching engine and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. posed the question, “Would you be insulted by a low bonus?” The key findings were:
- Yes, I work hard and deserve more – 34%
- Yes, I'd rather have no bonus than a low bonus – 7%
- No, in this climate anything is welcome – 34%
- No, I don't automatically expect to get a bonus – 25%
Workers in India (78%), Mexico (52%) and Hungary (44%) were the most likely to take offence to a low bonus. Workers in India were also the most likely to prefer no bonus over a low one.
Within the Americas, US respondents were the least likely to be insulted and seemed more sympathetic to the current climate with 39% of respondents feeling that anything is welcome. Workers in the Netherlands seem to be the least likely to expect a bonus at all with 39% reporting as such.
“In challenging economic times, many workers are squeezed due to employer headcount reductions, and as such may feel entitled to a bonus that’s befitting of the extra value they're providing,” said Jeffrey Quinn, business intelligence, Monster. “The fact that a sizable percentage of respondents worldwide would prefer getting a low bonus (34%), speaks to the larger need for employers to ensure their workers are feeling valued and are receiving positive feedback and incentives on a regular basis. Employee award programs, office outings for high performing teams and spot bonuses for above-and-beyond contributions can go a long way in this regard, and take the pressure off the annual bonus as being regarded as the ultimate performance indicator.”
