It’s always awkward to ask for a bonus or a raise. You’re worried about getting a negative response, potentially putting your job at risk, and, well, no one wants to deal with the uncomfortable atmosphere that comes with discussing money with their boss.
Which is ironic, considering we work to make money. But then again, not all bosses will say no. Some will happily give you that bonus. Others, however, might offer you some… unique alternative perks, if you will. And so, today, we bring you a list of netizens who shared the ridiculous things their bosses offered them instead of, well, more money.
#21

A vacation to a lake in Kansas (didn't know there were lakes there) where I would cook for my bosses friends in a waterski tournament. That guy hated me forever for calling him out and declining the vacation.
11points
This shows that money can be a powerful motivator. In fact, a synthesis by Edwin Locke for the Incentive Research Foundation found that money is one of the most effective ways to improve basic job performance. Offering higher base salaries can also help companies attract better talent and reduce employee turnover.
But let us know, Pandas: Do you get monetary bonuses at your job, or do you just get an empty bag filled with love, like some of the employees in this list? Let us know in the comments!
#25

I get free gym access at a local gym, but it's not walking distance from the office and the free access is only up til 3pm weekdays... during which time I am working.
10points
#29

Employee appreciation lunch - one of the top medical centers in the tristate
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10points
#32

Took one of those employee surveys at work today, and they gave me this as a gift bag. 3 pieces of candy from 1972 and a pen that doesn't even work. Sure feel appreciated!
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10points
#33

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.
9points
#34

I work at a college dorm. This week is freshman move in where I’m working a 12 hour shift. I was told not to pack a lunch because a free one is provided. This is my free “meal”
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9points
#35

The place I work at gives a "bonus" as an incentive for higher production rates. Let me introduce you to my departments bonus
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9points
#36

The company I work for is asking us to pay them for the Christmas dinner they are hosting for us
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9points
#37

Work tells us we have to pay for the snacks in the office. The packets on the chips says not for resale and the box they come out of is a 20 pack worth $5
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9points
#38

This is our "employee appreciation" gift. a first aid kit, complete with a children's activity book, and CRAYONS. I work at a factory.
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9points
#39

They signed a deal with a gas station chain, employees would get a certain amount off on gasoline/diesel. This was paraded out with a full company meeting and everything.
The price reduction was less than normal customers that got a card with that gas station chain.
So they had spent months working out a deal that was worse than what anyone could get by signing up at the gas station chains website.
The price reduction was less than normal customers that got a card with that gas station chain.
So they had spent months working out a deal that was worse than what anyone could get by signing up at the gas station chains website.
8points
#40
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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8points









