Christmas Dilemma

For the past three years we have given our maid a
Christmas bonus/box/present of NZ$500. Since March
she has been job-sharing with her mum-in-law (15 hrs
a week each).

So I innocently say to my wife;
"We'll be giving P & J $250 each for Christmas."
Well ... it was as if I had suggested a murder!

"We always give "P" $500!" she said.
"$250 will be insulting"

Now the ensuring debate revolved around "P"
being our friend and not just an employee, and
I replied that we give NOTHING to our other friends!

It is true "P" and to a lesser extent "J" are our friends;
we buy each other's children presents and they come
to our BBQs and birthday parties. But the BONUS is for
the WORK they do.

What should we give "P" and what should we give "J"?

(I'm inclined to think this will split along male/female lines ..)

@wolfgang59
I suggest you share the bonus between them.

Shared work, shared bonus.

Maybe more to one if they went "above and beyond". Be ready to explain the difference.

@torunn said
@wolfgang59
I suggest you share the bonus between them.

That would be sensible wouldn't it?
And that is what I thought.

But my (normally sensible) wife thinks it is an insult!
(Venus & Mars?)

@suzianne said
Shared work, shared bonus.

Maybe more to one if they went "above and beyond". Be ready to explain the difference.

They are both lovely and good workers.
I think splitting is fair.

@wolfgang59 said
They are both lovely and good workers.
I think splitting is fair.

Is there a socio-politico or cultural expectation that New Zealanders should provide consistent guaranteed holiday bonuses for staff?
If not, give with your heart. Give what's affordable. Give without measure.

Over-thinking is unhealthy.

@wolfgang59 said
For the past three years we have given our maid a
Christmas bonus/box/present of NZ$500. Since March
she has been job-sharing with her mum-in-law (15 hrs
a week each).

So I innocently say to my wife;
"We'll be giving P & J $250 each for Christmas."
Well ... it was as if I had suggested a murder!

"We always give "P" $500!" she said.
"$250 will be insulting"
...[text shortened]... " and what should we give "J"?

(I'm inclined to think this will split along male/female lines ..)

It does seem the simple solution would be to split the bonus as they are working equal time. Another solution would be to give each the full bonus?

It would make you look good to everyone then perhaps. Providing you can afford to do so.

-VR

I give all my servants half a day holiday on Christmas day.

@wolfgang59 said
That would be sensible wouldn't it?
And that is what I thought.

But my (normally sensible) wife thinks it is an insult!
(Venus & Mars?)

Perhaps "bump" the bonus up by half again and then split it?

Edit: Why not approach the two ladies and explain your dilemma and see what they say.

it comes down to whatever makes you feel good

CUT THE BABY IN HALF


seriously now,
do exactly as yer wife suggests
whatever she wants to happen is what happens

yes, yer prolly generally averagely correct this will be seen along gender lines and you must pay attention to the goddess

this is not a financial matter

@rookie54 said
CUT THE BABY IN HALF


seriously now,
do exactly as yer wife suggests
whatever she wants to happen is what happens

yes, yer prolly generally averagely correct this will be seen along gender lines and you must pay attention to the goddess

this is not a financial matter

Yes, he must remember on which side his bread is buttered.

@great-big-stees said
Yes, he must remember on which side his bread is buttered.

Meaning exactly what...?

@torunn said
Meaning exactly what...?

"happy wife, happy life"

@rookie54 said
"happy wife, happy life"

In that case, wise words. 🙂 And of course the other way too - when my man is happy, I'm happy.