The holidays are a season of giving, but generosity is a subjective term.
A recent r/AskReddit post by a user who goes by AdHour6144 sparked a conversation about the most insulting job benefits and bonuses employees have ever received.
From cheap gift cards to the "privilege" of being able to listen to your company's podcast, some decision-makers need to seriously reconsider what they see as perks.
After all, where livelihood is concerned, it's not just the thought that counts. Continue scrolling to check out the submissions and don't miss the chat we had with career expert Heather O'Neill.
#1
I once worked on an assembly line in a factory. Big factory. Easily took 15-20 minutes to walk from my end of it to the front of the building where corporate was. That's an important detail here.
So one time they asked us all to pull a lot of overtime for a few weeks to catch up on some promised production numbers they oversold or some BS. As a "thank you" they announced they were going to bring in some ice cream trucks for us all to get free ice cream. They brought the trucks to the end of the building near the offices. Our break wasn't long enough to get to the ice cream and get back to work on time. Only the suits got free ice cream. So in summary, to thank the production workers for doing extra hours they bragged to us that the desk job guys who caused the trouble in the first place got free ice cream and we didn't. That one pissed me off.
Another time they asked us to work over the night before Christmas eve. It should have been a shutdown day. They promised everyone a free lunch for giving up our holiday time. 12&1/2 hour shift and no food ever showed up. They forgot and we were all starving. The next shift when everyone was there we were told not to say a word about it publicly or we'd be fired.
Anyway, I learned two lessons from that job. 1 never trust your boss when they promise you free food, bring a backup meal just in case. 2 never agree to get paid in stock, at my level it will never be worth more than the salary they'll probably ask me to give up for it and it makes taxes hell.
I spent 2 years working there. I won't say their name but they build electric cars in Fremont CA and their owner is a South African who recently purchased twitter and the White House.
Other fun stories are the times a guy lost a foot getting run over by a forklift, a guy getting electrocuted to death, numerous fires in the paint department, multiple class action lawsuits for making us doctor out time cards, and so many other messed up things. But the ice cream thing, that is the one that still really makes my blood boil almost 8 years later.
So one time they asked us all to pull a lot of overtime for a few weeks to catch up on some promised production numbers they oversold or some BS. As a "thank you" they announced they were going to bring in some ice cream trucks for us all to get free ice cream. They brought the trucks to the end of the building near the offices. Our break wasn't long enough to get to the ice cream and get back to work on time. Only the suits got free ice cream. So in summary, to thank the production workers for doing extra hours they bragged to us that the desk job guys who caused the trouble in the first place got free ice cream and we didn't. That one pissed me off.
Another time they asked us to work over the night before Christmas eve. It should have been a shutdown day. They promised everyone a free lunch for giving up our holiday time. 12&1/2 hour shift and no food ever showed up. They forgot and we were all starving. The next shift when everyone was there we were told not to say a word about it publicly or we'd be fired.
Anyway, I learned two lessons from that job. 1 never trust your boss when they promise you free food, bring a backup meal just in case. 2 never agree to get paid in stock, at my level it will never be worth more than the salary they'll probably ask me to give up for it and it makes taxes hell.
I spent 2 years working there. I won't say their name but they build electric cars in Fremont CA and their owner is a South African who recently purchased twitter and the White House.
Other fun stories are the times a guy lost a foot getting run over by a forklift, a guy getting electrocuted to death, numerous fires in the paint department, multiple class action lawsuits for making us doctor out time cards, and so many other messed up things. But the ice cream thing, that is the one that still really makes my blood boil almost 8 years later.
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63points
#2
This was in 2004. Our 'Christmas bonuses' were hyped up for months. We got a pizza party in the breakroom with a DJ (the guy who ran the mailroom) and they handed out envelopes to everyone.
It was a Target gift card with $5 on it. My department was so angry we decided to pool our cards and buy supplies for a chemo care package for one of our people who was fighting breast cancer. That made us feel a bit better.
It was a Target gift card with $5 on it. My department was so angry we decided to pool our cards and buy supplies for a chemo care package for one of our people who was fighting breast cancer. That made us feel a bit better.
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52points
To gain deeper insight into corporate perks, we contacted Heather O'Neill, a career expert from Resume Now—an online platform that provides useful tools and resources to job seekers.
"Perks and benefits play a vital role in enhancing employee satisfaction by addressing needs that go beyond just a paycheck," she told Bored Panda.
"When thoughtfully designed, they can significantly boost workplace happiness, motivation, and retention."
#3
I was a repairs specialist working in quality control, my job was to repair defects for a major automotive manufacturer. The last line of defense before it goes out the door.
Quality-was-my-job.
We won a JD Power award for quality, a prestigious industry award.
The office got thousands in bonuses, and they all got a Rolex.
You know what I got? Or my department rather?
A waxy piece of chocolate the size of the palm of my hand that said *JD Power* on it.
That's it
That's all
I told them thanks for f*cking nothing and threw it in the garbage and told them I won't be working there much longer. They actually had the balls to say that I should be grateful. I replied ill be grateful when I leave this sh*thole and I never have to step foot on this property again.
Quality-was-my-job.
We won a JD Power award for quality, a prestigious industry award.
The office got thousands in bonuses, and they all got a Rolex.
You know what I got? Or my department rather?
A waxy piece of chocolate the size of the palm of my hand that said *JD Power* on it.
That's it
That's all
I told them thanks for f*cking nothing and threw it in the garbage and told them I won't be working there much longer. They actually had the balls to say that I should be grateful. I replied ill be grateful when I leave this sh*thole and I never have to step foot on this property again.
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52points
#4
Worked at an Amazon warehouse and management told us we were the most efficient warehouse in the entire national system during peak on some metric and will be getting a prize soon. In February, someone writes on the suggestion board asking what that prize is going to be, they reply It’s on its way now.
The prize was that one of our Kivabots that delivers the shelves to our workstations will be autographed by Jeff Bezos. He never actually came to our warehouse so they probably printed a sticker and put it on one of the machines. So every once in a while, we will get to see the great one's signature on the robot that delivers us tasks.
The prize was that one of our Kivabots that delivers the shelves to our workstations will be autographed by Jeff Bezos. He never actually came to our warehouse so they probably printed a sticker and put it on one of the machines. So every once in a while, we will get to see the great one's signature on the robot that delivers us tasks.
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48points
#5
We will make a donation in your name to our church.
I also have to add... he was the pastor of the church.
I also have to add... he was the pastor of the church.
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44points
O'Neill said that, "To make the biggest impact on employees' well-being and morale, perks should align closely with what they value. Employers can think of perks in two key categories: those that meet basic needs and those that cater to aspirational goals.
"Basic perks and benefits, like health insurance, flexible schedules, and paid time off, address essential needs," the career expert explained. "They promote physical and mental well-being, support a healthy work-life balance, and reduce stress. These foundational benefits create a sense of security and stability for employees.
"On the other hand, aspirational perks, such as opportunities for professional growth, upskilling, or unique offerings like gym memberships, tuition reimbursement, or financial wellness programs, help employees pursue personal and professional goals. These perks make employees feel valued and invested in, fostering a deeper connection to the organization and its mission," she said.
The best results come when the two categories operate in tandem. "When perks are thoughtfully tailored to meet both basic and aspirational needs, they become powerful tools for creating a more engaged and satisfied workforce."
#6
A $15 gift card for 15 years of service as a Nurse in LTC.
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42points
#7
I told our HR person we were losing employees because of low pay. I showed examples of similar jobs that were paying 25% more at other firms. She told me that the casual work atmosphere was a huge benefit and should be taken into account. My response was that I could buy a lot of neckties for $10K a year. I resigned a few weeks later and they tried to counter offer. Idiots.
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40points
#8
Instead of hiring more people to help out with the insane, borderline abusive demands brought on by understaffing, they hosted a professional development course on how to deal with workplace stress.
"Here, let me teach you how to be more okay with me taking advantage of you".
"Here, let me teach you how to be more okay with me taking advantage of you".
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40points
Last year, a survey of over 1,500 U.S. workers asked respondents to select the five most important non-salary compensation elements. The results were as follows:
✦ 65% prioritized workplace flexibility options, such as location and hours;
✦ 64% valued bonuses, commissions, or other incentive pay;
✦ 60% emphasized the importance of generous paid time off;
✦ 59% considered retirement plans with company contributions or matching to 401(k) or 403(b) essential;
✦ 53% highlighted the need for flexible and affordable healthcare plans.
#9
"Flexible work hours."
Must be in office between 8 and 5, but you can show up even earlier or stay even later if you want.
cyclika:
"Of course we support flexible working options! You're free to work from home nights and weekends."
Said with absolutely no hint of irony nor awareness.
Must be in office between 8 and 5, but you can show up even earlier or stay even later if you want.
cyclika:
"Of course we support flexible working options! You're free to work from home nights and weekends."
Said with absolutely no hint of irony nor awareness.
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39points
#10
We got an email telling us to click on a link for a holiday appreciation gift from the company. If you clicked on it, you had just fallen for a phishing test to see if you would click on links in emails. Your gift was three hours of mandatory security training.
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39points
#11
When I worked at a local mental health facility they had a crazy high turnover issue across the board, but particularly with clinical staff. One of their solutions for the morale issue was to throw an employee appreciation fair. Free food, games, music, the works.
The first problem was, they expected the support staff to set up and man everything (maintenance constructing the booths, IT setting up and managing the sound system, kitchen staff doing all the cooking.)
So not only did they (we, I was IT) not get to enjoy the event, we ended up a full day behind on our normal tasks as well. The other problem, the BIG problem, though, was that any of the staff that interacted with patients, particularly the clinical staff they were having trouble retaining, couldn't cancel those appointments to attend.
So the event just ended up being administrative staff and the office pool having a big party for themselves while the rest of us either served them, or heard the festivities coming from outside while they were stuck inside doing actual work. As you may imagine, it did not have the intended effect, but the C-Suite liked it so much it became an annual event.
The first problem was, they expected the support staff to set up and man everything (maintenance constructing the booths, IT setting up and managing the sound system, kitchen staff doing all the cooking.)
So not only did they (we, I was IT) not get to enjoy the event, we ended up a full day behind on our normal tasks as well. The other problem, the BIG problem, though, was that any of the staff that interacted with patients, particularly the clinical staff they were having trouble retaining, couldn't cancel those appointments to attend.
So the event just ended up being administrative staff and the office pool having a big party for themselves while the rest of us either served them, or heard the festivities coming from outside while they were stuck inside doing actual work. As you may imagine, it did not have the intended effect, but the C-Suite liked it so much it became an annual event.
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37points
#12
Worked crazy OT for a month to get vital computer security updates done (every computer had to be touched individually). Those of us who were salaried were promised we would be taken care of for the 20+ hours of overtime each week.
Hourly people earned time and a half.
Salaried people got a company embroidered baseball cap as a 'thank you'. Oh, and so did the hourly people.
Hourly people earned time and a half.
Salaried people got a company embroidered baseball cap as a 'thank you'. Oh, and so did the hourly people.
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33points
#13
I had a job where we were allowed to pay to wear jeans. You can’t even make that s**t up.
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33points
#14
Once worked at a place where the 'benefit' was free access to the company gym... which was just a treadmill in a dark, windowless basement room. No thanks, I'll pass on the dungeon workout.
32points
#15
"When we send you overseas, we book you a 'discreet' hotel that doesn't ask ages."
WHO DAFUQ YOU GOT WORKING HERE?!?!
WHO DAFUQ YOU GOT WORKING HERE?!?!
32points
#16
The coupons on stuff I still cant afford to buy. Oh 10% off a car, or cruise? Thanks, Still no christmas bonus or anything.
32points
#17
"Free water for the employees"
Wow thank you!
Green_Caterpillar_99:
I work as a waitress right now and we are allowed free tap water. Cold or hot.
Wow thank you!
Green_Caterpillar_99:
I work as a waitress right now and we are allowed free tap water. Cold or hot.
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30points
#18
I worked at a radiology clinic where they would provide a single bread roll for staff for lunch on Wednesdays. No fillings or spreads. Just a plain white bread roll.
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30points
#19
I was in my mid-30’s at a large nonprofit and HR made us complete a questionnaire like: What’s your favorite color? What’s your favorite candy? and we were told this would inform the way they would reward us.
I just wrote “money” as my favorite everything. Pay me in money, please. What am I, five?
I just wrote “money” as my favorite everything. Pay me in money, please. What am I, five?
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30points
#20
25 vacation days.
This is not a "benefit" this is the f*****g law in my country. Trying to imply that you're giving me vacation time out of the goodness of your heart while in fact you're obliged by law to do that is stupid.
What's next? Say that I'm allowed to breath while I'm working?
This is not a "benefit" this is the f*****g law in my country. Trying to imply that you're giving me vacation time out of the goodness of your heart while in fact you're obliged by law to do that is stupid.
What's next? Say that I'm allowed to breath while I'm working?
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30points