Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

I left on Maternity Leave at the end of October and was out until today. Every year anyone who has been with the company for longer than 6 months gets a holiday bonus equal to one week's pay. While I was out I never saw an email go out about it but when I returned I asked a co-worker if we got holiday bonuses and he said yes. I, however, did not receive one.

My question is, am I entitled to my bonus even though I was out on Maternity Leave when they were distributed?

Re: Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

I really don't know for sure since I do not work in a field where bonuses are given, but I would guess no(?). Since it is extra like a gift, I would think you are not entitled to it. You being out may be an excuse not to give it, unfair as that is.

Re: Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

at my job, if any employee is out on FMLA, they are not eligible for any type of raise/bonus etc.
I am not eligible for anything because I am admin, and we cna't get anything, but I do record hte payroll so I see it and i have seen people not receive bonuses because they were out on FMLA

I am assuming your were on FMLA though. ( i figured that was a safe assumption) if you weren't, I would think you would get it.

Re: Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

It probably depends on your company policy...

I could actually see it going both ways honestly...

Re: Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

Re: Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

I've never worked at a company that gives holiday bonuses. I've always worked at companies that gave merit-based bonuses. Nobody was ever "entitled" to one. You could earn it based on your review and the company's performance, but it was never a guarantee.

You can ask your manager about it, but I wouldn't necessarily expect that you're "entitled" to it, unless you have a contract that states such.

Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

At the place I work any bonuses are prorated if you are out on Maternity or disability etc.

Re: Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

We are not eligible for raises, bonuses, PTO accrual etc while out on FMLA

Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

At my last company we got prorated bonuses if we were out on leave. It was stated in our handbook. Do you have a handbook?

Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

I received a prorated bonus. But, we don't get them at holiday time and they are a percentage of your salary times an annual multiplier which varies each year).

Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

I was on FMLA at the new year last year and received a full bonus (which was based on performance and only given to a few people) as well as my yearly merit increase. However, I had to use my own sick and vacation time so while I received my full salary, it's because I was using my own time.

Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

Wow. I was out on FMLA over the summer and received a raise and bonus, more than I received the previous year but both were based on performance. I'd be frustrated because what happened if you were out a different time of the year -- you'd probably be receiving that bonus. I'd hate to think you were penalized for when you were out on leave.

Re: Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

At my job it would be a no, I wouldn't be eligible bc I was out. Crappy but how it is.

Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

I would definitely ask about it.

Re: Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

I was out during the spring when we get our reviews/bonus/raise and I got all three. Everything was directly deposited into my account.

ETA: Though I suppose that's a little different than a holiday bonus. We don't get anything at the holidays.

Message edited 1/10/2017 8:48:09 AM.

Re: Question about Maternity Leave and Holiday bonuses

I would guess it just depends on your company. I was out on maternity from Sept - Dec when DS#1 was born. I'm pretty sure I got the Holiday Bonus - might have been less than it would have - I really don't know since it changes every year.
Maybe if you feel comfortable, ask your manager - maybe it was just an oversight - out of sight, out of mind.