Bonus paid versus bonus verbally promised (profit, employers, job, company)

[BigGuy77]

Hello, all. I'm seeking your well-considered opinions with respect to the following. I've just received my year-end bonus. I was given about 25% of what I was verbally told I would be paid. I do not have a written statement of what my bonus would be, only a personal memory of what I was told. Is there an effective way to clarify whether payroll made a mistake, or whether I was intentionally misled? Do I have any recourse here, or would you recommend I take my skills elsewhere? This is my first bonus with this employer, since I have not yet been there for a full year.

[Hemlock140]

I'd certainly ask whoever told you the amount initially.

I'd guess the answer will be something like: "we didn't do very well and had to cut back on bonuses for budget reasons."

[tomkat26]

You may have been told about the bonus when the company was doing well. Unless they give you a written statement of the bonus you are to receive then just chalk it up to budget reasons for the smaller bonus. But it never hurts to ask and make sure you got the correct bonus.

[manderly6]

Ask the person who told you.

[TheEconomist]

Legally, a promise is just a promise. It is not a contractual agreement that creates an obligation.

[shroombeanie]

Originally Posted by TheEconomist

Legally, a promise is just a promise. It is not a contractual agreement that creates an obligation.

...

and ... 15 million people don't have jobs. Be happy with the fact you have a job. Said other people's bonus right now would be having a job.

[frizzo100]

Not all is lost; now you have a better idea of what kind of company you're working for.

[manderly6]

A few thoughts come to mind. You say you were there less than a year. Could this be a prorated amount based on how long you have been there? Also, could they have told you what the maximum might be? A lot of places will have ranges based on how the company performs.

[artwomyn]

Whenever dealing with anyone, with regards to promises of money, it's always best to get the promise in writing. That way, you have a legal right to demand that you be paid the monies owed to you. I know, because I've been screwed-over by employers, who didn't back-up promises of commissions, bonuses, and raises, in writing.

[Squirl]

Do you recall the basis for calculating the bonus? Many rewards/incentives are "up to X%" and often have combinations of "Company profitability and/or performance" target elements. Most are prorated by time on the job during the fiscal year. You need further explanation and you really owe it to yourself to NEVER be wondering about the basis for compensation. Go to the person who initially told you about the bonus and ask for clarification about how the bonus final number is derived.