More workers getting year-end bonuses in 2012

Here's another sign that perhaps the economy is on the mend: Nearly three out of every four U.S. employers say they plan to hand workers some sort of year-end bonus this holiday season.

A new survey of human resources executives by the international outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reports that 72% of employers are expected to offer a year-end bonus for 2012, compared to 53% a year ago. 

According to the survey, 28% of employers will give out bonus checks this year based on their company's annual performance. Another 17% say their firms will award bonuses only to select employees based on individual performance.

About 21% of the executives polled report that their companies will not distribute bonuses this year. But that number is a marked improvement from 2011, when 43% of those polled said no to bonuses.

"Many companies enjoyed increased profits this year, along with increased productivity," said Challenger, Gray & Christmas CEO John Challenger in a press statement.

"The fact that they achieved that without a rapid acceleration in hiring or capital investment means that existing employees were asked to deliver better results with fewer resources," he continued.

"Even with many companies still not enjoying pre-recession business levels, it is clear, at least among our small sampling of employers, that they are duly recognizing the hard work and achievements of their workforce."

In the case of some companies, the year-end bonus may seem more symbolic than substantive. The survey says 14% of executives polled expect to award "nominal" bonuses of $100 or less -- and 13% will hand out a non-monetary gift "as a sign of appreciation."

But still, 25% of employers are planning to increase the size of this season's year-end bonus -- compared to less than 17% a year ago. And the number of companies saying their 2012 bonuses would be less this year fell to 6.2%, versus 8.2% in 2011.

"Most employers understand that workers want to be recognized for their contribution to the company," said Challenger. "It doesn't have to be a Wall Street-sized bonus check. Many workers would be happy with a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant or store. Many would probably be happy with an extra day or two of paid vacation at the end of the year. Many are simply happy to have a job in this economy."

And of course, there's the question of what to do with that bonus, once you receive it.

Some people might consider the example offered by employees at Energy Partners Propane in Montana. According to KGVO Radio in Missoula, the company's 40 employees decided to donate their Christmas bonuses -- a total of $5,000 -- to the Montana Food Bank Network. A food bank official says her organization can provide seven meals for every dollar donated -- which figures out to an additional 35,000 meals for hungry Montana families.

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