Originally Posted by sob

That's the problem with bonuses, and the reason they're bonuses, not regular pay.

You give bonuses for a few years, then the company has a bad year. You either don't have the money to give out, or you know the management will be all over your ass for giving out that much money in a bad year.

And if you communicate that there won't be bonuses, you get "attitude."

Some employees will become impossible to get any work out of. Or only put out half as much work.

Then you have to fire them. If you're lucky, nobody you fired files a wrongful termination case with the labor board. Or says they were "harassed."

Bonuses are a no-win situation for the employer most of the time.