Devan Moonsamy

As we approach the end of the year staff members are probably hinting around the conversation about a bonus. The reality is that since the pandemic many businesses were unable to give staff members a bonus. However, as more and more people now return to their place of work and staff businesses starting to pick up is it possible for the conversation around a bonus to happen? 

The truth is that this was a tradition for managers to engage with staff members for an annual review which would see the conversation around whether they have exceeded expectations or not. This would then see managers giving feedback, criticism and sometimes even suggestions on how to better improve the way in which you do your job. Then the conversation around increases and bonuses would occur. 

If your company previously did this and isn’t doing it anymore then perhaps now is the time to reintroduce this concept. A performance evaluation or review is essential for the growth of an employee. They should be rewarded for their excellent work and guided for the areas that need improvement. 

By reintroducing the method of using an appraisal will help reignite the spark of hard work and dedication. This will also do a lot in terms of retaining and keeping staff happy. 

Here are some ways to prepare for a sit down of this nature: 

  • If the request for a meeting of this nature is sent then you should prepare for it. Maintain a positive attitude. Don’t feel that this will not work in your favour and that it has been designed to sabotage your role. The aim of an appraisal is to reward hard work and initiate the improving of areas that need attention.
  • Having a positive attitude will help you maintain positivity and allow you to reflect on the hard work you have done over the past few months. Its ok to use this as a time to speak about how you exceeded expectation. Share your achievements and how you worked hard to achieve results. 
  • When you are having this discussion around a bonus and prospective increase remember that you are not asking for a favour but rather highlighting the effort you have been putting in to enable you to grow in the business. It is for this reason that it is essential to prepare feedback reports, information around customer service and even sales reports to show how you have been performing. 
  • Remain calm and unbiased when your manager points out any areas of improvements. Maybe you dropped the ball a few months ago that costed the organisation. It is ok to acknowledge that this has happened and then work towards improving the area that resulted in this failure. 
  • If areas like time management, conflict management and even work place attitude come up then it is important to acknowledge that these are the areas that require improving and work towards it. 
  • If you find that the conversation with your manager is not going the way you expected, then don’t hesitate to ask for a follow up or if it’s possible to reschedule. Companies want to retain their employees so it is important that you provide service to your organisation that enables them to invest in you. 
  • Once the meeting is successful and you have received a bonus and perhaps even a raise or promotion, don’t slack on your service. You have been rewarded for your hard work and it is essential to keep that up to ensure that you continue to grow in the business. 

Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute, a South African TVET College. He is the author of Racism, Classism, Sexism, And The Other ISMs That Divide Us, AND My Leadership Legacy Journal available from the ICHAF Training Institute. 

The ICHAF Training Institute offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | 083 303 9159 |

Email: admin@ichaftraining.co.za devan@ichaftraining.co.za | 

Website: www.ichaftraining.co.za |  www.devan-moonsamy.com