I too have to work every holiday this year. It gets old but you get used to it. I think next year the schedule falls where I have Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years off. Wish they would just leave the 911 phone off the hook and all stay home.
My wife runs a small business with 30 employees and while we will give a Christmas party and bonuses this year, they will be much smaller than in the past. Our employees can blame big business for their reduction of benefits, namely the energy companies and the insurance companies. Our utilities has risen from an average $1500 a month to right at 5K a month. Our insurance premiums have more than tripled since Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Our Workman's Comp has quadrupled from one claim in 35 years of business from a permanently disabling injury to an employee (cook) that spilled food on the floor herself, didn't clean her mess up and then slips and falls in the mess. I somehow doubt any of those companies had any type reduction of their profit margins.
As you can see these vastly increased expenses are out of the control and while one can raise rates, if you do too much too fast, you will have no customers. While we still generate a profit, it is a much slimmer margin and thats where extras like bonuses and parties come from.
From my experiences, most small businesses, particularly those that have been in business for years with long time employees are very generous with Christmas bonuses. Feel lucky you don't work for a government organization. You never get them and in my situation, you work most holidays. I do get paid double time and a half to work one but in honesty, I would rather be home with my family. Hopefully this next year the profit margins are better for your company. It sounds like they have taken care of you in the past. Hopefully it is just a temporary setback and thing will turn around.
Edited by: smurfe
