I would read this the same way as you.

I've seen all options - pro-rated bonus if resigning before the end of the fiscal year, pro-rated up until the end of your notice period, or forfeiting entirely.

Would double-check with your HR, or someone you know in HR.

I promised an update and here it is (apologies it has taken longer than expected): the bonus was paid out in FULL.

Additionally, I had a chat with my HR contact about it after it was paid and according to them the payout was never in doubt because as far as they were concerned, if you work the full year, the bonus had to be paid out... what wasn't clear is whether this was the Company's interpretation of the Swiss law, Company policy or the spirit of the employment contract.

For anyone in a similar position, don't let comments like this (from the so called certain "experts" / "legends" / "veterans" / "bullies") get to you:

seems like your psychic skills are pretty pathetic after all...

I read the thread and I must admit with the attitude and behaviour LostExpat you represented in communication here with your "give me free advise and read what I said or f...off" - I can only hope I haven't hired you ...

I couldn't find who ask you to let us know if you got your bonus either ..

Bonuses depend on whenever it was set on your contribution or company performance , whenever you were sent to gardening leave or not and whenever you didn't break any of the rules .

That's strange...I just read the whole thread and thought exactly the opposite. Someone asks for advise and people would rather contribute sarcastic remarks than either a) actual advise or b) nothing. But sadly this is not the first post I have noticed this...Is it so hard to just be decent?

Btw isn't every question on the forum "give me free advice"? (The "read what I said" part is actually also quite important in order to give said advice).

I am not surprised you got your bonus and congratulate you.

I understand there are some companies (mainly in financial industry) where there is a bonus pool and allocation is somewhat subjective. In such an environment it's in the interest (to a large degree) to screw the leaver so there is more $$$ for the people that stay.

In many other companies (certainly all that I have worked for), particularly in industry, bonus is typically x% on top of base salary and largely (or even entirely) based on objective metrics.

I have NEVER seen people get 'screwed' out of their bonus in the latter cases. It's generally assumed to have been 'earned' as long as you are employed and in good standing by the date which is used as the end of the bonus measurement period (e.g. 31-12) regardless if you have handed in your notice before then (as long as the notice period carries you at least to that date of e.g. 31-12). This is normal. HR knows that a) you have earned it b) it would send a bad signal to ALL other associates if it's not paid out c) not paying it adds to profit but does not typically add back to a bonus pool and d) if HR would go down the route of reneging on the bonus (even if they technically have the right to do so as the typical contract lingo is that it is entirely discretionary) then they know very well that people are then going to take bureaucratic revenue (e.g. work from 9-5 during notice period and take all breaks; claim overtime for prior years, etc.). Simply put, employer branding is more and more important nowadays and screwing somebody over their bonus is not good business.

It would be different of the contract explicitly says that a bonus is given up in case resignation happens prior to date X.

My 2 shekels is that there's a lot of people responding (to the highly civilized original poster) who are not at a level where bonuses are normal and/or they have a socialist tendency (in other words: jealous people who like gimmedats).

Or just people who have worked here for a longer time and have their experience…..

Jeez, calling people socialists who do not agree with your opinion?

Jeez, assuming people whom you agree with have more 'merit' to them which justifies their argument (and apparently lashing out at the original poster).

But you are right, I do have much more experience.

OP was asking for opinions and got them. Not liking the replies he started to argue them. Why bother asking when he already has an opinion? That just makes this thread a waste of every helpful poster's time.

The sarcasm didn't start until he started to question other people's actual experience. Don't ask for opinions/experiences if all you're looking for is confirmation.

That said, thanks for reporting back OP.

As you say….

@fatmanfilms' first post in the thread was to literally call the OP dumb.....

You, as well as OP, are of course free to ignore 4873 on-topic replys because of one offensive reply. That mindset will definitely get you very far.

Yes this definitely seems like ignoring the useful comments.

Where did I say he does?

Seriously, learn to read.

I'ant every manager socialist - he shares what is not his to share with people that work for him to like him and stay working even more ?

and that is just one post ... I have no idea what job you do but it better have nothing to do with customer communication



As a matter of fact - you had nothing useful to offer where most people provided you with their view and likely experiences all you do is "demand" ... arent you 173 , dark hairs about 40 ... as you sound like my ex-wife

Wow! Didn't realise all the veterans and legends would end up with their panties in a bunch! Sorry!

Grateful for all the opinions shared and feedback provided! As they say opinions are like @$$holes, everyone has one, some just happen to be prettier and more useful than others! (before someone goes all crazy, calm down! I am only joking!)

Adios Muchachos!

PS: I do work in a client-centric role with comms at the heart of it and surprisingly, I excel at it!