What is an appropriate amount to expect for a holiday bonus?

Q. What is an appropriate amount to expect for a holiday bonus?

A. There is no standard amount for a holiday bonus, since this type of reward is not based on predetermined expectations. When an employer decides to offer its employees a year-end bonus, the reward is normally considered to be additional compensation to help employees through the holiday season. Those employers who offer holiday bonuses might give anywhere from $100 to $5,000.

Keep in mind, a bonus is not the same thing as an incentive, which is designed to compensate you for meeting certain established objectives. An incentive that is based on predetermined criteria is likely to be larger than your holiday bonus.

Good luck.

- Erisa Ojimba, Certified Compensation Professional