In workplace ethics, the decision to withhold a bonus from a dedicated employee sparks debate over fairness, recognition of effort, and the impact on morale and motivation.
OP manages D, a diligent shift supervisor lacking higher education but making strides in social skills. D excels operationally but struggles with organization. After warning D to improve follow-through, he fails to ensure a staff member meets a crucial deadline despite reminders. This results in D missing out on a bonus due to an “acceptable” rating instead of “excellent” on organizational skills. OP acknowledges D’s hard work and potential but follows company policy. Despite feeling like a heartless bureaucrat, OP believes in teaching D a valuable lesson for future career growth.
Scroll down below to read the story in OP’s own words.
1. OP wonders if they’re in the wrong for withholding a bonus despite their employee’s efforts and improvement in performance.
2. OP’s employee D is a mid-30s supervisor, dedicated, hardworking, and smart. Despite lacking higher education and social skills initially, he excels in his role.
3. At the 6-month review, OP praised D’s operational performance but urged improvement in organizational skills and follow-through.
4. OP addressed D after a staff member missed a deadline, emphasizing the need for thorough follow-up beyond emails to ensure compliance with regulations.
5. Near another deadline, OP reminded D to ensure the task was completed, but the woman missed it again. OP reiterated the need for accountability.
6. At year-end appraisals, OP rated D “acceptable” on organization, costing him his 2% bonus. Despite his efforts, policy dictated the outcome.
7. OP could have manipulated the appraisal but chose honesty. Despite D feeling hurt, OP sees potential in him and aims to teach a valuable lesson for future growth.
8. OP has extensively trained D, offering resources and maintaining an open-door policy. Despite their positive relationship, OP’s decision follows company policy.
9. OP finds D mediocre in organization; he often needs corrections for time cards and his emails can be unclear. Despite this, OP acknowledges D’s hard work.
10. OP considered giving D a gift for his improvement, but policy forbids it. D improved from poor to “acceptable” in organization, but won’t receive a bonus.
Now that you have read the story, it’s time for you to see what Redditors had to say about this. Read till the end to see what are other people’s opinions on this. Don’t forget to share your own opinion at the end of this article.
11. OP is not realizing his own mistake.
12. That’s not how leadership is supposed to work.
13. What OP did was clearly unfair on his end.
14. Not rewarding effort and improvement undermines morale and motivation. It is such a low life act.
15. People are teaching OP every possible thing that offended them.
16. Penalizing an employee who’s shown commitment and growth is unjustified and makes OP the a-hole.
17. Hope that employee finds a job that he is valued for.
18. Overlooking your employee’s dedication and denying a bonus is demoralizing.
19. YTA, withholding a bonus despite your employee’s efforts is disappointing.
What are your thoughts on this story? What would you do, or how would you react if you were in OP’s position? You know that your feedback means a lot to us; therefore, we want you to share your thoughts in the comment section below. For more such articles, keep visiting our website. Have a nice day!
