Masonry Magazine October 2000 Page. 27
The Bonus: Why Employers Hold Back
It's a common sentiment among employees in the construction industry: they work hard, put in extra hours, and contribute significantly to the company's success. They expect to be rewarded for their efforts with a bonus. It seems like a simple equation - increased productivity leading to increased profit - and yet, so many employers hold back when it comes to handing out the checks. Why?
That's a tough one and varies from personality to personality, but here are a few things I've noticed: Unfortunately, if we're being honest, one of the biggest reasons bonuses aren't handed out more often is simply due to greed and/or ego by the owner. It's sad, but true. Try to take an honest look at yourself. Are you one of these guys? If the answer is yes, then my experience is that you'll probably never change... and probably aren't reading this article.
Another (twisted) bit of reasoning I've heard through the years is this concept of "parity" among the employees. This incredibly tainted logic goes something like this: "Yes, I know you work harder than the rest of the guys and I know you've developed better skills than the rest - but if I gave you a bonus, I'll have to give all the other employees a bonus. It wouldn't be fair!"
Huh? Where's the motivation to do your best? Where's the encouragement to be the best you can be? All this program will accomplish is a swift and unwavering death-march toward mediocrity-an adventure into the ordinary. Is that the kind of business you want to have?
The Bonus
Let's talk about the bonus itself. Over the course of my career in construction, I have witnessed owners who while never having paid a dime in additional incentive to deserving employees - easily and without trepidation spend money on the following (and, unfortunately, I'm not making these up!):
* $900 on one potted plant.
* Hundreds (thousands?) of dollars on sporting and theater tickets.
* $450 on a painting for the office.
* Thousands on software programs and computer accessories that never made it out of the box.
* ... and much, much more.
I think you get my drift. Now, if I see these things, what makes you think your employees don't see these things?
A Call to Action
Don't let yourself fall into this trap. Morale can be addressed, contained, and turned into a positive, profit-making tool for your business. You only need to want to. On the other hand, time passes quickly and employee disenchantment is only growing stronger.
Take steps right now to increase employee self-esteem. You'll need to use your own judgement as to what best works for you and your situation.
Remedies can be as simple as a company sponsored dinner, picnic, or outing. How about an offering to pay for athletic memberships or sponsor a company softball team? Pay for their schooling. Send them on a seminar. You're truly only limited by your own imagination. Build a bond with your employees. Let them know you consider them as much more than just mere "tools of the trade."
Now, this doesn't mean you have to agree with everything they say you're still the boss. But you may be surprised. There are some sharp people out there. By letting this cream-of-the-crop control a little bit more of their own destinies (and relieve some of your responsibility), you're not only improving the value of a company you're also improving the value of a person.
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