Survey: Low bonuses expected

LINCOLNSHIRE - A new survey from Hewitt Associates, a global human resources consulting and outsourcing company, shows the number of companies offering traditional holiday bonuses in 2009 are at record lows. While the current economy has accelerated the decrease, Hewitt's research shows a steady trend away from these bonuses toward the adoption of more formal pay for performance programs to reward and thank employees. Hewitt's annual Holiday Bonus survey of more than 300 companies shows that less than a quarter are offering holiday bonuses this year, down significantly from 42 percent in 2008. Of those giving bonuses, nearly half will give cash, spending a median of $250 per employee.