InstantForum.NET v2.9.0SQLServerCentralhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/notifications@sqlservercentral.comTue, 21 May 2013 09:48:15 GMT20http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxThe best one I ever had was a retreat to Vegas with my wife. They paid airfare, hotel, two tickets to the Blue Man Group, and a dinner at the Mirage....that was 10 years ago and I still can't believe that they did it....AWESOME!Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:28:41 GMTEd.Watson aka SQLGatorhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxI think time off would be the best bonus ever. It could even be unpaid, I wouldn't care. Time off work is just plain good for mental health. Also, far too often I am "penalized" (with more work) for doing a good job. Other employees don't have the same confidence in my peers, so they come to me for important tasks. It's great for job security, but every once in a while, I'd like to actually get a little *less* work for doing a good job.Beyond that, I'd personally like to see facility improvements. They wouldn't really apply to just one person, but many people at our company would really like a gym and a shower.--JThu, 27 May 2010 14:33:49 GMTjvanderberghttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxFor me - Give me the Time!Two great perks in the past...A company labeled satchel. Been using this for over a year and a half - Love It!A good set of pens!And for company events.... Love the BBQs and Ice Cream Socials. I agree with prior postings that these are great for Esprit De Corps. They are a great way close out a Friday afternoon. :-DJoeTue, 20 Apr 2010 09:18:58 GMTcrookjhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]kennydevries (4/16/2010)[/b][hr][quote][b]RalphWilson (4/16/2010)[/b][hr]...Needless to say, one of the ngs I do [i][b][u]NOT[/u][/b][/i] want to hear offered is a "Team T-shirt". ;-)However, after reviewing some of the other responses, I'm torn between my original (new, really nice laptop) answer and "being able to work from home at least 50% of the time.As for our mercenary friend who just wants to be shown the money . . . I, too, have been a Road Warrior/Mercenary/Hired Gun and I can symptahize. If I were working as a 1099, I'd want my clients to show their apprecion mostly with money ([u]my[/u] company would handle the other perks ;-). However, I did a gig where I developed a Wine and Liquor Wholsealer Order Entry, Invoicing, nventory Management, and Tax Reporting system and one of the really nice perks while I was working on that was the odd sample bottles of wine that I was given. (In fact, I was told to destory 42 cases of damaged bottles of a particular chardoney . . . no matter how long it took. ;-)[/quote]I have only worked for a couple of large corporations. Most of my experience has been with startups or small firms. By far, the large corporation IT positions I have had were the lowest paid with the least respect shown to employees. I felt like No. 6 in "The Village" trying to get anything accomplished. However, nothing I can remember was as lame and insulting as your story. If a company had done that to me, I would have donned my walking shoes the next day and I would tell them exactly why.[/quote]Actually, the whole team wound up departing a short time later when we were told that we would "get" to repeat that performance "but this time you'll actually get the extra week off." Within a 45 day period, we all had found new jobs. (I told the other two, when they said they would rather leave than go through that stress again that I would stay until they had found new gigs and then, after the last guy left, I turned in [u]my[/u] notice and left. ;-)Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:05:38 GMTRalphWilsonhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxCash, although important is not everything. I stayed at a job where I was clearly underpaid for many years because I found the work challenging, and I had a clear impact on my company and our clients. As long as I can pay my bills, job satisfaction and personal respect are high on my list. There are lots of ways companies incent and motivate employees. But I agree with some of the other posts indicating that the way perks and atta - boys are handled are as important (more) as the perks themselves. I recently began working for a very large corp that seems to get it. Lots of little incentives, and even a few big ones and a very competitive compensation package. In spite of its size, there is a genuine and personal touch to the way they approach their work and their people. I have known so many companies that chew people up and then spit them out, and people that put up with it. However, I think most companies try to do the right things with regard to the work environment and their employees, but they simply fail or fall short in execution. In the big picture, pay is more of a dissatisfier than a satisfier. If you are poorly paid you are frequently dissatisfied with the job, but if you are exceptionally paid and the job is a grind you are not going to be satisfied with the job. So it is clearly the little things that make the difference. The key, at least for me, is the intangibles. The companies I have made a long part of my personal history were the ones that really made a point of the little things.Mon, 19 Apr 2010 08:33:57 GMTDaniel Bowlinhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]Carolyn Stern (4/15/2010)[/b][hr]I would like my employer to sponsor a mobile pet spay/neuter event, focusing on pets and petowners from the neighboring community, as well as employees. [/quote]I'd just focus on the pets!In principle a commendable altruistic wish.Mon, 19 Apr 2010 07:45:58 GMTDom Hortonhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxHmmm, good question. I'm pretty much at Level 1 on Maslow's pyramid. I'd be happy with being treated like a valuable contributor rather than a cost center ready to be outsourced at any moment.Sun, 18 Apr 2010 17:23:56 GMTJames Stoverhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]Veronica Brown (4/16/2010)[/b][hr]Time off....definitely!After a long winter or especially rainy spring, the first beautiful day, come in and say, "for a job well done or for your committment....go ahead and take the afternoon off". Most everyone gets a bout of "spring fever"....I have several outdoor hobbies and getting an afternoon off or a whole day every now and then to enjoy them means the world to me![/quote]One that works pretty well for my company seem to be having season tickets to various sporting events. A certain number of tickets are made available to each senior exec to give out as he/she pleases. Every couple of sets the CIO gets seem to be handed to those who have been working particularly hard in the current cycle. Not everybody goes, but it's alwyas nice to be asked.Like someone said - if it shows thought and consideration for your efforts, a lot of things can be made to work. Knowing the crowd you're playing to is a definite plus.Sun, 18 Apr 2010 10:18:41 GMTMatt Miller (#4)http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxAll sorts of things are good if they are handled properly, and utterly demotivating if they are not. Someone could give me a cheap and nasty plonk, doing it in such a way that made it clear that they were doing it because they valued me and appreciated something particular I had done, and that would be motivational; someone else could give me a large cash bonus making it clear that it was just because company policy said give everyone a bonus this year whether they deserved it or not and that would be demotivating - the reaction "why am I working for these idiots for" comes to mind.In the UK the tax rules are a bit odd: perks are taxable if they are contractual, also if they are habitual/customary, but not if they are spontaneous ad-hoc non-contractual perks (I'm not a tax lawyer so that might be expressing it wrongly, but it's somewhere near right). So the kind of genuine gesture of appreciation that I prefer to the handle-turning imitation is tax free. I like my colleagues/managers to have a concern for my welfare and that of my family - if there are issues about time off when a close relative is seriously ill it's not a company I want to work for. I like being able to talk to anyone in the company when I feel the need (had this in one really big company I worked for despite being a young and very junior employee amongst more than 20000; unfortunately that company lost that culture in later years; and have had it in all the small companies I've worked for). I like to be able to work from home for long stretches (working a home for the odd day here and there can be useful, but doing it for a few weeks at a time is much better) - that's sometimes been available to me.Generally I find that non-monetary bonuses are better than monetary ones unless the monetary bonus is really big.Travel is something I get enough of when working. I've spent quite a bit of time in France, Germany, India, Belgium, and the USA working, brief visits to several other countries, and had some stays in some really nice hotels including Sandy Lane in Barbados, Arabella in Munich, Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, Charles in Boston, in lesser but still excellent hotels, in a real dump hotels (that was in Menlo Park) and of course for long stays I've been in company owned houses or in rented appartments. I like travelling, but when I was in jobs that entailed much travelling I would probably not have appreciated a travel bonus (although I did think of the working travel as a perk, because I would not be working 24 hours a day 7 days a week in the places I travelled to).Some team/group/whole company celebrations can be quite good provided they are presented as a reward to the group for what it has achieved rather than as something that happens automatically because teh CEO learnt it parrot-fashion in Managing Staff 101 - a day doing something crazy (like driving formula 4 cars on a race track, ORVs in a hellish terrain, big fast saloons back on the race track) is a nice change from work; so are evening dos with spouse/so invited too (taking over a night club for 8 hours; a Burns supper; run of the mill dinner dance even).Sun, 18 Apr 2010 05:24:27 GMTL' Eomot Inverséhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]mark.pleasance (4/16/2010)[/b][hr]I work for a SMB beverage alcohol import agency . . . [i](much removed)[/i]Now - mind you . . . It is fully expected that (if needed) you will work weekends / stay late / etc.You & your spouse / significant other will attend after hours galas / functions / events / etc.It is a business and the work needs to get done . . . (but you are allowed to enjoy yourself while you're doing it!)[/quote]I guess SMB is what on this side of the pond we call SME?Anyway, it sounds like an extremely good outfit to work for. Better than most of the rest I've read about in this thread.Sun, 18 Apr 2010 04:25:33 GMTL' Eomot Inverséhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxA thank-you would be nice.A personal training budget would be fantastic especially if I actually got to use what I learnt on the course.I've just attended SQLBits 6 in London and on one hand I'm all fired up by the possibilities but on the other hand the probabilities of getting to use what I've just seen are pretty slim.Sat, 17 Apr 2010 10:22:52 GMTDavid.Poolehttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]Steve Jones - Editor (4/16/2010)[/b][hr][quote][b]cengland0 (4/16/2010)[/b][hr]But how does your company pick a reward that would be wanted by everyone it's given to?[/quote]They talk to your manager. He/she should know something about you and be able to tailor something for you. A new TV, maybe a month rental in a fancy car, a really nice set of watches for you and your wife, season tix to Disney for your kids, I'm sure there's something that would work for you.Or not. Maybe cash is the best gift for you.[/quote]I'm a work-at-home associate. I've never met my manager. I live in Florida, he lives in North Carolina.I have 4 Tvs now and I don't watch any of them. I usually use my slingbox to watch my TiVo on my computer monitor while I'm working.I don't travel. Remember, I have agoraphobia so a rental in a fancy car is no motivator for me. Besides, my current car is 6 years old and I only have 21,000 miles on it.I won a trip to Disney from a previous company and they made me go. I didn't want to but I was forced. Some prize huh? I used one day of a 5-day ticket and still have the others available to be used. I don't know why but most employers think everyone enjoys traveling. My current company offered me training on Cognos recently but it required that I travel to the training location. I refused to go risking being fired.I don't wear any jewelery so fancy watches are out. Jewelery is too flashy and people who wear it flaunt it around trying to make others believe they have more money than they actually do.I'm at that point of my life that if I want something I go out and get it. I don't need my employer picking the items they think I should have. In fact, I keep my birth date secret from everyone in the company and from all of my friends. I don't want them buying me any gifts because it will probably be something I don't want and I'll have to pretend that I like the gift. I don't celebrate Christmas either. I'm so glad I don't get unwanted gifts every year like everyone else.Money is nice. It gives me comfort. I work in the private sector so I don't know if I'll have a job tomorrow. They can terminate me at any time for no reason at all. Keeping a stash of money in the bank is a nice buffer should something like that happen. Besides, we all need to save for our retirement anyway.I cannot think of a single item that I would want my company to give me instead of the equivalent monetary value. If they gave me the cash, I could still buy the same item but that would then be my choice.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:39:50 GMTcengland0http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]cengland0 (4/16/2010)[/b][hr]But how does your company pick a reward that would be wanted by everyone it's given to?[/quote]They talk to your manager. He/she should know something about you and be able to tailor something for you. A new TV, maybe a month rental in a fancy car, a really nice set of watches for you and your wife, season tix to Disney for your kids, I'm sure there's something that would work for you.Or not. Maybe cash is the best gift for you.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:13:22 GMTSteve Jones - SSC Editorhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxTake your choice on how to phrase it, "in the good old days" or "back in the day" but, when HP first started out and was a small, single factory company, I knew a guy who had worked for them for a while. He often told of the Friday afternoon keg parties. It seems that the whole company would gather on the parking lot and they would tap a keg. (You were expected to [u]not[/u] get drunk, though.) You could have a couple of beers and talk to anyone on any level in the company and pitch an idea, register a complaint, or just shoot the, uh, . . . breeze . . . yeah, the [i]breeze[/i]. ;-)Unfortunately, as things always do, things changed and that particular corporate culture went the way of the Dodo bird.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:57:51 GMTRalphWilsonhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]RalphWilson (4/16/2010)[/b][hr]...Needless to say, one of the ngs I do [i][b][u]NOT[/u][/b][/i] want to hear offered is a "Team T-shirt". ;-)However, after reviewing some of the other responses, I'm torn between my original (new, really nice laptop) answer and "being able to work from home at least 50% of the time.As for our mercenary friend who just wants to be shown the money . . . I, too, have been a Road Warrior/Mercenary/Hired Gun and I can symptahize. If I were working as a 1099, I'd want my clients to show their apprecion mostly with money ([u]my[/u] company would handle the other perks ;-). However, I did a gig where I developed a Wine and Liquor Wholsealer Order Entry, Invoicing, nventory Management, and Tax Reporting system and one of the really nice perks while I was working on that was the odd sample bottles of wine that I was given. (In fact, I was told to destory 42 cases of damaged bottles of a particular chardoney . . . no matter how long it took. ;-)[/quote]I have only worked for a couple of large corporations. Most of my experience has been with startups or small firms. By far, the large corporation IT positions I have had were the lowest paid with the least respect shown to employees. I felt like No. 6 in "The Village" trying to get anything accomplished. However, nothing I can remember was as lame and insulting as your story. If a company had done that to me, I would have donned my walking shoes the next day and I would tell them exactly why.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:53:35 GMTkennydevrieshttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxI appreciate the thank yous and recognition. I also appreciate when that recognition is in the form of gifts, cards, money, incentives. It is good to know that other people appreciate your work and value your work. Appreciation is very valuable and can make one extremely satisfied with their employer.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:18:29 GMTSQLRNNRhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxHi Lynn,It is a really good company to work for.The company's called PMA Canada Ltd.(Peter Mielzynski Agencies)http://www.pmacanada.com/We're a national organization (offices in every province.)Family owned (William Grant's & Sons)Family operated (Peter Mielzynski Sr. & Jr.)Oakville, Ontario, Canada.We're growing . . .but not hiring just yet.MFri, 16 Apr 2010 13:13:35 GMTmark.pleasancehttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxA bonus is nice, but unfortunately 40% of it goes to the government.I worked at a startup that would occasionally have barbecues in the afternoon on a workday, usually cooked by the senior staff. They were always a blast. :-D One time they bought all of us Razor scooters and we had races in the parking lot. I still have that scooter and my kids ride it all the time.I also worked for a consulting firm that would have monthly team building activities. One of them was a trip to an indoor Kart racing facility.I definitely remember these perks, don't remember the times I got a monetary bonus.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:13:20 GMTJ DBAhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]bwillsie-842793 (4/16/2010)[/b][hr]I knew one startup business owner who made it a point of standing at the door at quiting time on Friday afternoon and personally thanking each employee for the work they had done that week.It cost nothing, but certainly meant a lot to everyone that worked for him. When he passed away a few years later virtually every person who had ever worked for him attended his funeral.[/quote]This is the best story I ever heard about just being told how much your effort is appreciated.As with many others, I would want more time: comp. time, one more week of vacation (no two just isn't enough!) but my biggest wish would be the ability to work from home just one day a week. I can access my desktop remotely, and it would be completely transparent to the people I support. (It will never happen - they won't even consider it.)Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:04:33 GMTCarla Wilson-484785http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxOne place I worked, my team (there were 3 of us) worked 69-80 hour weeks for about 9 months so that we could get a project out the door. we originally had a bit longer according to the schedule but we were asked to complete it early so that it could b demonstrated at an industry show. As an incentive, we were promised a week off that wouldn't count against our vacation or sick leave. Well as it began to look like we might make the deadline, that week off turned into a steak dinner for each of us and our spouses. As the final couple of weeks came and it was readily apparent we would make the deadline, those steak dinners turned into "Team T-Shirts". Wen we made the deadline, they demonstrated the product, and the company meeting came, those "Team T-Shirts" were handed out to [i]everyone in the company[/i] [u]including[/u] some of the developers on the mainframe team who would walk out on us at 17:00 when we were trying to run tests that required their presence.Needless to say, one of the ngs I do [i][b][u]NOT[/u][/b][/i] want to hear offered is a "Team T-shirt". ;-)However, after reviewing some of the other responses, I'm torn between my original (new, really nice laptop) answer and "being able to work from home at least 50% of the time.As for our mercenary friend who just wants to be shown the money . . . I, too, have been a Road Warrior/Mercenary/Hired Gun and I can symptahize. If I were working as a 1099, I'd want my clients to show their apprecion mostly with money ([u]my[/u] company would handle the other perks ;-). However, I did a gig where I developed a Wine and Liquor Wholsealer Order Entry, Invoicing, nventory Management, and Tax Reporting system and one of the really nice perks while I was working on that was the odd sample bottles of wine that I was given. (In fact, I was told to destory 42 cases of damaged bottles of a particular chardoney . . . no matter how long it took. ;-)Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:22:23 GMTRalphWilsonhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]Lynn Pettis (4/16/2010)[/b][hr][quote][b]mark.pleasance (4/16/2010)[/b][hr]I work for a SMB beverage alcohol import agency . . . As compensation we receive . . .Competitive pay (reviewed ad-hoc,) flex time, work from home, health benefits, performance bonus, profit sharing, expense account (within reason,) comp time, 4 weeks vacation (after 5yrs.,) cell phone, laptop, training (whenever / whatever needed,) car allowance (or mileage.)Since it's a SMB - the rules are a bit flexible & we tend to listen to each other.i.e. - I can call the president day or night - and he'll answer the call!My boss is a great guy (and very accommodating!)We tend to work as a team rather than employee/employer.Time off for any family issue(s) is never questioned in anyway.Your child got sick at school - go get them. Worry about work later.Mom / Dad / spouse in the hospital? - The president would literally hunt you down and physically escort you out the door to go see them (and order you not to come back until they're better - if he found out you were in the office while a family member was that sick.)For the company's 30th anniversary . . . All the people in head office received a 30YO bottle of Grant's whisky as a thank you.In a previous business trip (to the Glenfiddich distillery in Dufftown.)All attendees received a 30YO personalized bottle of Glenfiddich (with our names on the label) and signed by the master blender (David Stewart.)We perform wine/spirits tastings/samplings, blind taste tests & product information seminars in house.(Staff are encouraged to attend and increase their product knowledge.)Xmas and Easter 'round here is pretty nice too.There's usually some extra stocking stuffers on the Friday before the holiday(s.)I don't really know what else I could ask for . . . ?Now - mind you . . . It is fully expected that (if needed) you will work weekends / stay late / etc.You & your spouse / significant other will attend after hours galas / functions / events / etc.It is a business and the work needs to get done . . . (but you are allowed to enjoy yourself while you're doing it!)[/quote]Sounds like a great place to work! Curious, not if they are hiring, but where are you located?[/quote]True, but one expectation that might hold people back is you & your spouse / significant other attending after hours galas / functions / events / etc. That's a real hardship. :laugh:Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:17:38 GMTken.trockhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxCould be any of a number of things:1. An office2. A paid for trip3. A week off free with pay(above usual time off)4. A day a week I can come in 2 hours late5. Better medical care6. A bigger better faster PCM.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:08:12 GMTMiles Nealehttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]mark.hammond (4/16/2010)[/b][hr]The absolute BEST reward I have ever received for hard work was an all-expense-paid trip for my family to Disney World. My boss even placed "gross it up" on the order so that the TAXES on the reward would be covered.What a boss! The best ever![/quote]Awesome!!Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:56:05 GMTLynn Pettishttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxThe absolute BEST reward I have ever received for hard work was an all-expense-paid trip for my family to Disney World. My boss even placed "gross it up" on the order so that the TAXES on the reward would be covered.What a boss! The best ever!Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:44:39 GMTmark.hammondhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]mark.pleasance (4/16/2010)[/b][hr]I work for a SMB beverage alcohol import agency . . . As compensation we receive . . .Competitive pay (reviewed ad-hoc,) flex time, work from home, health benefits, performance bonus, profit sharing, expense account (within reason,) comp time, 4 weeks vacation (after 5yrs.,) cell phone, laptop, training (whenever / whatever needed,) car allowance (or mileage.)Since it's a SMB - the rules are a bit flexible & we tend to listen to each other.i.e. - I can call the president day or night - and he'll answer the call!My boss is a great guy (and very accommodating!)We tend to work as a team rather than employee/employer.Time off for any family issue(s) is never questioned in anyway.Your child got sick at school - go get them. Worry about work later.Mom / Dad / spouse in the hospital? - The president would literally hunt you down and physically escort you out the door to go see them (and order you not to come back until they're better - if he found out you were in the office while a family member was that sick.)For the company's 30th anniversary . . . All the people in head office received a 30YO bottle of Grant's whisky as a thank you.In a previous business trip (to the Glenfiddich distillery in Dufftown.)All attendees received a 30YO personalized bottle of Glenfiddich (with our names on the label) and signed by the master blender (David Stewart.)We perform wine/spirits tastings/samplings, blind taste tests & product information seminars in house.(Staff are encouraged to attend and increase their product knowledge.)Xmas and Easter 'round here is pretty nice too.There's usually some extra stocking stuffers on the Friday before the holiday(s.)I don't really know what else I could ask for . . . ?Now - mind you . . . It is fully expected that (if needed) you will work weekends / stay late / etc.You & your spouse / significant other will attend after hours galas / functions / events / etc.It is a business and the work needs to get done . . . (but you are allowed to enjoy yourself while you're doing it!)[/quote]Sounds like a great place to work! Curious, not if they are hiring, but where are you located?Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:16:02 GMTLynn Pettishttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxI never said that doing consulting is entirely risk free.Getting paid what I am worth (in my mind) along with the freedom do come and go as I please is more important to me than anything an employer can offer in terms of "benefits." Reading what some people accept as gratification for a job well done or long hours is very interesting. To each their own, I suppose. It reminds me of a saying that a client used to tell me all the time, [i]"you don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate."[/i]Whenever I am offered an FTE position, I do the math. The numbers don't lie. Then, there is all the red tape and company mumbo jumbo they make you put up with in return for that special coffee mug or desk clock purchased in bulk (at a net cost of 5 bucks each) from Wal Mart.I'll take my chances on a good reputation in the industry, good contacts, a list of satisfied clients, repeat business, and cold hard cash in my pocket any day.I told you up fron that I am a bit of a mercenary!:-DFri, 16 Apr 2010 11:15:19 GMTkennydevrieshttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxI work for a SMB beverage alcohol import agency . . . As compensation we receive . . .Competitive pay (reviewed ad-hoc,) flex time, work from home, health benefits, performance bonus, profit sharing, expense account (within reason,) comp time, 4 weeks vacation (after 5yrs.,) cell phone, laptop, training (whenever / whatever needed,) car allowance (or mileage.)Since it's a SMB - the rules are a bit flexible & we tend to listen to each other.i.e. - I can call the president day or night - and he'll answer the call!My boss is a great guy (and very accommodating!)We tend to work as a team rather than employee/employer.Time off for any family issue(s) is never questioned in anyway.Your child got sick at school - go get them. Worry about work later.Mom / Dad / spouse in the hospital? - The president would literally hunt you down and physically escort you out the door to go see them (and order you not to come back until they're better - if he found out you were in the office while a family member was that sick.)For the company's 30th anniversary . . . All the people in head office received a 30YO bottle of Grant's whisky as a thank you.In a previous business trip (to the Glenfiddich distillery in Dufftown.)All attendees received a 30YO personalized bottle of Glenfiddich (with our names on the label) and signed by the master blender (David Stewart.)We perform wine/spirits tastings/samplings, blind taste tests & product information seminars in house.(Staff are encouraged to attend and increase their product knowledge.)Xmas and Easter 'round here is pretty nice too.There's usually some extra stocking stuffers on the Friday before the holiday(s.)I don't really know what else I could ask for . . . ?Now - mind you . . . It is fully expected that (if needed) you will work weekends / stay late / etc.You & your spouse / significant other will attend after hours galas / functions / events / etc.It is a business and the work needs to get done . . . (but you are allowed to enjoy yourself while you're doing it!)Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:04:57 GMTmark.pleasancehttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]ken.trock (4/16/2010)[/b][hr][quote][/quote]You're kidding, right? You don't really have a heated indoor olympic size heated pool, do you? I thought we had everything health-wise at my company and I tease our gym coaches in a good-natured way about needing to build a pool. :-)Speaking of unappreciated gifts, back in the late 90s I worked for a financial services company. This was right around the near collapse of all those hedge funds. One year our bonuses were minimal cash and some vague sounding options on future earnings for the company. A lot of people were none too happy at the time. But the sector flourished and it turned out those options were worth their weight in gold.But that's still only money :-D I work for a good company where most perks are provided. I think the one "extra" I could use now is recognition in the form of a boost in employee band or job title.Ken[/quote]Not kidding. They have all kinds of aquatic classes. We also have in-house personal trainers.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:25:26 GMTben.rosatohttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]kennydevries (4/16/2010)[/b][hr]First off, I am self employed as a consultant, and just [b]give me the money[/b].:cool:[/quote]I hope that sooner or later, you realize that money is NOT everything. I too did the consulting bit from 1981 thru 2000 and had my own company ( just me folks...I do it all...kinda thing). I found out that trying to "do it all" wasn't worth the aggravation or the money. After the flop of Y2K, contracts dried up so, working for someone else was the only way to pay the bills, at a huge cut in my monthly income.Talk about an eye opener. The switch back to "employee" was mind blowing, but again, it paid the bills. Some consultant friends hung in there and continued to try to find contracts, hoping for "that one deal that will get me back on my feet".... But that doesn't work in consulting, especially if you have family to feed every day. So, I closed my consultancy and went to work for my local county government and I haven't looked back. Chasing the big bucks as a consultant is ok, but as life takes you down the road, you will find that big bucks don't necessarily last, nor will they help you when the road forks...or hits a deadend.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:06:08 GMTnelsonj-902869http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxI've been at companies that put on picnics and such. Bonuses tend to be expected after awhile. Instead getting a bonus for a job done well, it gets to be expected even if the job wasn't done well.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:05:23 GMTOCTomhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxFirst off, I am self employed as a consultant, so the only rewards my corporation gives me come directly from me as a result of long hours and hard work. I opted for self employment after wasting many years as a full time wage slave, er..., excuse me..., employee.I am a bit of a mercenary and you can color me cynical but corporations are in the business to make a profit. Handing out cash is costly - so is doing anything really meaningful for your employees. Some people are perfectly happy working for peanuts (or whatever) and that's ok for them.After over 25 years in the software industry, they can keep their non-monitary perks and benefits - spare me the company rah-rah, motivational wall posters, HR department, arbitrary salary ceilings, dress codes, "go-team" baloney and just [b]give me the money[/b].:cool:Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:41:47 GMTkennydevrieshttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxI worked on a project a while back that required extra effort from team members. Our manager rewarded us with an extra weeks vacation! I thought this was a great way to show appreciation and even though the team put in lots of extra hours to get the job done the bonus vacation time was appreciated by all.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:35:47 GMTMargaret Keefehttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxOur IT dept (2 of us) work alongside the financial dept and when the annual audit is successful our boss takes us to dinner and we all enjoy that. Gives us a chance to relax outside of work.Our company gives gifts at 5 years, 10 years, etc of employment. They used to give pins with company name and # of years on them. They were unique and well liked. They showed a connection to the company and job. Now they give a gift book to choose from. To me it now seems nameless and faceless. Just pick a nondescript gift from the book, not very motivational. Seems like a cheap and easy way to do it; a waste of corporate money. I don't work here for the gifts, I already earn a paycheck. Show some respect for me and the job I do and I'll be happy.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:32:41 GMTDave Schutzhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]Robert.Smith-1001156 (4/16/2010)[/b][hr]I think employers underestimate the value of giving geeks paid time to play with new technology. There's not a lot of cost there, especially if you can work it into an existing project or justify it as R&D, and it makes many of us geeks pretty happy.There's nothing I like more than somebody saying "Hey I've heard about this Next Great Thing. Go kick the tires and tell me what you think."Robb[/quote]I remember an old friend of mine telling me the ultimatum his group got from their manager when C++ was new. The manager said "you have 2 weeks to learn this brand new programming environment then we hit the ground running". :angry: I guess that qualifies as giving geeks paid time to learn technology but that sounded like a whole lot of pressure to me. FWIW, the group was consultants.Someone here mentioned they get 2 weeks combined vacation and sick days. Wow that is tiny! Sorry to hear that. Doesn't the average worker get 2 colds per year that keep them out a combined week or so? I know I do.KenFri, 16 Apr 2010 09:28:00 GMTken.trockhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxTime off....definitely!After a long winter or especially rainy spring, the first beautiful day, come in and say, "for a job well done or for your committment....go ahead and take the afternoon off". Most everyone gets a bout of "spring fever"....I have several outdoor hobbies and getting an afternoon off or a whole day every now and then to enjoy them means the world to me!Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:26:05 GMTVeronica Brownhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote][b]tdunn-779961 (4/16/2010)[/b][hr]The strongest motivators are (1) showing respect for employees, including trusting them and discussing issues calmly and rationally without animosity, (2) working with employees to develop their skill set and plan for their technical and professional advancement, and (3) expressing sincere thanks for a job well done. The third item is particularly (perhaps surprisingly) important. I have been lucky enough to work for managers who do these things well. It is easy to see the positive effect on morale and productivity. Weekend retreats come to an end, and bonus money is eventually spent, but a positive outlook and a cooperative working environment are beneficial day-in and day-out.[/quote]Absolutely spot on! Working from that stand point its a bit difficult to grumble when your CEO decides that he wants to reward a huge employee effort over several weekends with the cheapest cheesiest desk clock or a brass apple. Because we treated in the manner above the 'presents' received a light hearted response. Still nice to have more dosh though...........whos wife doesn't like shiny things?Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:13:43 GMTchris websterhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxI think employers underestimate the value of giving geeks paid time to play with new technology. There's not a lot of cost there, especially if you can work it into an existing project or justify it as R&D, and it makes many of us geeks pretty happy.There's nothing I like more than somebody saying "Hey I've heard about this Next Great Thing. Go kick the tires and tell me what you think."RobbFri, 16 Apr 2010 09:13:38 GMTRobert.Smith-1001156http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspx[quote]My company has to keurig coffee machines, an expresso machine and about 50 different types of coffee and tea. All free of charge.:w00t: It doesn't cost them a fortune by any means and it's a great perk. We also have an indoor olympic size heated pool, a gym, yoga studio, and putting green. It all makes for a great place to work.edit:Oh, and 5 weeks vacation[/quote]You're kidding, right? You don't really have a heated indoor olympic size heated pool, do you? I thought we had everything health-wise at my company and I tease our gym coaches in a good-natured way about needing to build a pool. :-)Speaking of unappreciated gifts, back in the late 90s I worked for a financial services company. This was right around the near collapse of all those hedge funds. One year our bonuses were minimal cash and some vague sounding options on future earnings for the company. A lot of people were none too happy at the time. But the sector flourished and it turned out those options were worth their weight in gold.But that's still only money :-D I work for a good company where most perks are provided. I think the one "extra" I could use now is recognition in the form of a boost in employee band or job title.KenFri, 16 Apr 2010 09:11:49 GMTken.trockhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxAbsolutely the key is 'thoughtful'. The jacket I got wasn't a complete surprise. I was asked what size i wanted and I knew I was going to receive it in advance so if I didn't want I could have said. As for the restaurant gift certificants given as bonuses; everyone knew management did this. i only had to speak to my boss to let them know I would not be happy with this kind of reward and another arrangement would have been made if I qualified to get one.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:04:20 GMTfhanlonhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic904532-263-1.aspxThe strongest motivators are (1) showing respect for employees, including trusting them and discussing issues calmly and rationally without animosity, (2) working with employees to develop their skill set and plan for their technical and professional advancement, and (3) expressing sincere thanks for a job well done. The third item is particularly (perhaps surprisingly) important. I have been lucky enough to work for managers who do these things well. It is easy to see the positive effect on morale and productivity. Weekend retreats come to an end, and bonus money is eventually spent, but a positive outlook and a cooperative working environment are beneficial day-in and day-out.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:03:09 GMTt_a_dunn