[Published in Manila Bulletin last December 2011]
The season of sumptuous feast and merrymaking is finally here. If you are currently employed, it is a time of bounty as bonuses, 13th month pay and other goodies are in store.
I recently received a letter from a reader asking about 13th Month Pay, Midyear and Christmas bonuses. There are, of course policies or regulations that companies follow in the administration of these benefits. Let me share with you the letter to enlighten you a bit on how HR departments come up with these specials…
QUESTIONS FROM A READER:
Good day. I just want to ask regarding final pay… In my girlfriend’s list of company benefits, there’s Christmas and Mid-year bonus. Her position is officer level, but she resigned last August 2010. The company said she is not anymore entitled to the Christmas and Mid-year bonus because she resigned in the middle of the year. However, it’s not clearly stated in the company policy that employees who resign are not entitled to bonuses if they resigned before bonuses are released. Does my girlfriend have the right to demand these from the company? Is it fair and just for the company to do this? Hope you could help me on this matter. Thank you.
MY REPLY:
Before anything else, for the sake of clarity, let me just explain that Bonuses and 13th month pay are two different things.
Under the labor code of the Philippines, the company is mandated to provide for 13th month pay for all employees of the company. So your girlfriend is entitled to the pro-rated portion of her 13th month pay. This should be computed and included in her final pay.
However, bonuses are different from 13th month pay.
A bonus is any amount granted and paid to an employee for his/her industry and loyalty which contributed to a company's profitability. It is a means for its owners to show their gratitude to the people who have stayed and worked hard for the company. However, it remains a management prerogative, something that is given voluntarily and out of the generosity of the employer.
In effect, this means that a bonus is not a demandable and enforceable obligation, unless when it is made part of the wage, salary or compensation of the employee.
There are instances wherein a bonus may become demandable. For instance, if the bonus have already become a long-standing practice or policy. In this case, the employer can no longer withdraw as it will be considered a "diminution of benefits", but this situation usually only applies to current employees of the company. (reference: jlp-law.com)
So to answer your question, you will have to see if your girlfriend is indeed still eligible to receive the said bonus. There is usually a cut-off date where bonuses are computed, as well as a release date. If she resigns earlier than those key dates, then she will most likely not be entitled to the bonus.
Aside from this, you will have to check her employment status. Some companies have specific criteria for awarding of bonuses. So at the most, your girlfriend will have to clarify with the HR department the basis for the computation of bonuses, the cut-off date and time of release, the policies, terms and conditions associated with the bonus.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
Aside from bonuses and mandatory 13th month pay, your HR department usually holds the challenging task of organizing Christmas parties and events. Different companies have different ways of celebrating this special time of the year. Some companies go on teambuilding and outings, others have extravagant entertainment competitions, while there are those who do outreach programs.
Most Filipinos enjoy Christmas parties because we are a country full of social beings who love to eat. However, I’ve noticed that there are a few tired souls who tend to dislike going to these events. I guess, to some, after hopping from one party to another, they get weary.
But Christmas parties are actually a good opportunity for you to bond and get to know your co-workers better. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can deepen relationships or just have fun and laugh a little. The more you socialize, the more opportunities that will come your way. Attending and participating in these events will keep you involved in your company. It will get you excited and you’ll be able to show gratitude for the hard work your HR department has painstakingly given for all of you. A simple smile or sincere thanks is enough to make your HR team feel appreciated. This will then encouraged them to be creative and make each Christmas celebration exciting.
Best of all, you might just win a thing or two from raffles prizes and exchange gifts that are staples in these Holiday gatherings!
So the next time you receive an invite, whether it’s from your company or social circle, take the time to join and spread cheers this Christmas. Open your heart to lots of joy and blessings this holiday season. Merry Christmas and have a bountiful new year!
Showing posts with label Christmas in the Workplace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas in the Workplace. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Gift-giving in the Workplace
[Published in Manila Bulletin last Dec. 16, 2009]
Having learned how to gift wrap at the age of three, I eventually became my mother’s little helper during Christmas. Every year for more than twenty years, I grew up wrapping hundreds of gifts for my mother because she is a “Ninang ng Bayan” (town’s godmother).
In the beginning, it was all quite fun as I perfected my craft---in gift wrapping. But as the years went by, I started seeing this task as a repetitive chore. Every year, there were more gifts to wrap and more people to give them to, so much so that I lost the thrill and started wondering why my mother would put so much effort and care in finding and wrapping perfect gifts for people. At that point, I became jaded enough to start thinking, “Why should we even bother putting in too much time, money and effort in giving gifts to so many people?”
The answer came a few years back when I accompanied my mother to visit some cousins in the United States. My mother packed two luggage-full of presents aside from another luggage to carry her clothes. Since we went on a tour prior to visiting my cousins, we were lugging around all of these as we hopped from one city to the another. After five cities and extremely sore muscles, we finally arrived at my cousins’ place in New York and I was relieved to see my mom off-loading and giving all the presents to my cousins. Deep down though, I was asking “Why go through all the trouble?”
Then with tears in their eyes, my cousins hugged my mom and thanked her. Later on while one of my cousins and I were alone, she told me that out of the 12 uncles and aunties that we have (my mother belongs to a very big household), my mother was the one person who always checked up on them and gave them nice things when they were young and struggling financially as a family to survive. My mother helped them succeed in life and more importantly, she made them feel that someone cared. I remember my cousin telling me with awe and sincere admiration, “Your mother is the most gracious person I know.”
GRACIOUSNESS…wow, what a glorious word.
There are moments in one’s life that etches a profound meaning in ones heart. For me, this was one of them. Hearing my cousin say those words about my mother made me see her in a magnificent light and it made me realize how lucky I am to be her daughter.
That event also enlightened me to the real meaning of gift-giving. Now I understand that gift-giving is really about showing a person that you care and that they matter to you. And once a year, we get the perfect opportunity to show people around us that we do care and appreciate them. Christmas is a time of giving and thanking people who have touched our lives.
In the workplace, there are many people who we work with closely or who work quietly to make our lives better. This holiday season, you can show them that you care by giving a sincere greeting or a thoughtful gift. Here are a few suggestions…
FOR YOUR BOSS
This is a tough one. I suggest finding out your boss’ interest or hobby, then go from there. Bosses don’t really expect you to give them expensive gifts, but a thoughtful one will tickle them. The best gift I’ve ever received as a boss is actually a simple picture frame with a magazine photo of myself with personalized headlines that my staff designed using photoshop.
FOR YOUR SUBORDINATES
Go for things that they can use in the office such as desk organizers, toiletry bags, lunch boxes, personalized pens or daily planners. You can also give motivational books or cds that can inspire them. These things are much appreciated and will help your staff perform better at work.
FOR YOUR COLLEAGUES
Colleagues may experience the same issues or stresses that you may encounter. So cheer them up with gifts of humour like novelty clips for the office, quotable quote magnets, book of jokes and funny calendars. A little humour in gifts will help your colleagues relax and remember you for giving them these little welcomed breaks.
FOR YOUR CLIENTS
Since customers are critical for every business, your company will definitely allot the budget and gift inventory for clients. Popular gifts for top clients include gift baskets, wines, cakes and goodies. Corporate giveaways such as bags, pens, calculators, caps, and mugs are also quite popular. Personalized greeting cards also help.
FOR OFFICE HELPERS
Janitors, guards, pantry keepers and messengers make our work lives a lot easier. Show them that you appreciate their help with simple things like cookies, umbrellas, t-shirts, or slippers. These things do not cost much but it goes a long way in making them feel extra special this Christmas.
A thoughtful gift need not be expensive. The point of gift-giving is showing people that you care enough to spend time and effort in making them feel special. It is really about being gracious. Let’s all celebrate the yuletide season with a gift of grace.
Aside from her day job as president of Businessmaker Academy and the managing director for HR Club Philippines, Jhoanna O. Gan-So is also a master wrapper of gifts during the holiday season. She has appeared on several TV shows and has conducted workshops on creative arts and crafts for fun to hundreds of people. Meanwhile, her company regularly conducts seminars on Business, Finance, HR and Corporate Skills Training. To know more about the seminars that they offer, you may visit www.businessmaker-academy.com or call (632)6874645. You may email your comments and questions to: mbworklife@gmail.com
Having learned how to gift wrap at the age of three, I eventually became my mother’s little helper during Christmas. Every year for more than twenty years, I grew up wrapping hundreds of gifts for my mother because she is a “Ninang ng Bayan” (town’s godmother).
In the beginning, it was all quite fun as I perfected my craft---in gift wrapping. But as the years went by, I started seeing this task as a repetitive chore. Every year, there were more gifts to wrap and more people to give them to, so much so that I lost the thrill and started wondering why my mother would put so much effort and care in finding and wrapping perfect gifts for people. At that point, I became jaded enough to start thinking, “Why should we even bother putting in too much time, money and effort in giving gifts to so many people?”
The answer came a few years back when I accompanied my mother to visit some cousins in the United States. My mother packed two luggage-full of presents aside from another luggage to carry her clothes. Since we went on a tour prior to visiting my cousins, we were lugging around all of these as we hopped from one city to the another. After five cities and extremely sore muscles, we finally arrived at my cousins’ place in New York and I was relieved to see my mom off-loading and giving all the presents to my cousins. Deep down though, I was asking “Why go through all the trouble?”
Then with tears in their eyes, my cousins hugged my mom and thanked her. Later on while one of my cousins and I were alone, she told me that out of the 12 uncles and aunties that we have (my mother belongs to a very big household), my mother was the one person who always checked up on them and gave them nice things when they were young and struggling financially as a family to survive. My mother helped them succeed in life and more importantly, she made them feel that someone cared. I remember my cousin telling me with awe and sincere admiration, “Your mother is the most gracious person I know.”
GRACIOUSNESS…wow, what a glorious word.
There are moments in one’s life that etches a profound meaning in ones heart. For me, this was one of them. Hearing my cousin say those words about my mother made me see her in a magnificent light and it made me realize how lucky I am to be her daughter.
That event also enlightened me to the real meaning of gift-giving. Now I understand that gift-giving is really about showing a person that you care and that they matter to you. And once a year, we get the perfect opportunity to show people around us that we do care and appreciate them. Christmas is a time of giving and thanking people who have touched our lives.
In the workplace, there are many people who we work with closely or who work quietly to make our lives better. This holiday season, you can show them that you care by giving a sincere greeting or a thoughtful gift. Here are a few suggestions…
FOR YOUR BOSS
This is a tough one. I suggest finding out your boss’ interest or hobby, then go from there. Bosses don’t really expect you to give them expensive gifts, but a thoughtful one will tickle them. The best gift I’ve ever received as a boss is actually a simple picture frame with a magazine photo of myself with personalized headlines that my staff designed using photoshop.
FOR YOUR SUBORDINATES
Go for things that they can use in the office such as desk organizers, toiletry bags, lunch boxes, personalized pens or daily planners. You can also give motivational books or cds that can inspire them. These things are much appreciated and will help your staff perform better at work.
FOR YOUR COLLEAGUES
Colleagues may experience the same issues or stresses that you may encounter. So cheer them up with gifts of humour like novelty clips for the office, quotable quote magnets, book of jokes and funny calendars. A little humour in gifts will help your colleagues relax and remember you for giving them these little welcomed breaks.
FOR YOUR CLIENTS
Since customers are critical for every business, your company will definitely allot the budget and gift inventory for clients. Popular gifts for top clients include gift baskets, wines, cakes and goodies. Corporate giveaways such as bags, pens, calculators, caps, and mugs are also quite popular. Personalized greeting cards also help.
FOR OFFICE HELPERS
Janitors, guards, pantry keepers and messengers make our work lives a lot easier. Show them that you appreciate their help with simple things like cookies, umbrellas, t-shirts, or slippers. These things do not cost much but it goes a long way in making them feel extra special this Christmas.
A thoughtful gift need not be expensive. The point of gift-giving is showing people that you care enough to spend time and effort in making them feel special. It is really about being gracious. Let’s all celebrate the yuletide season with a gift of grace.
Aside from her day job as president of Businessmaker Academy and the managing director for HR Club Philippines, Jhoanna O. Gan-So is also a master wrapper of gifts during the holiday season. She has appeared on several TV shows and has conducted workshops on creative arts and crafts for fun to hundreds of people. Meanwhile, her company regularly conducts seminars on Business, Finance, HR and Corporate Skills Training. To know more about the seminars that they offer, you may visit www.businessmaker-academy.com or call (632)6874645. You may email your comments and questions to: mbworklife@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
