[Stonehenge]

I was thinking about giving out a 'return' bonus, where you get $$ for returning the next season. But when would you give it out?

At day 1? I can see someone returning for one day to get that bonus, then moving on.

A week? A month? 2 months?

I'm interested to hear how others approach this, if you give this kind of bonus.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Nebraska]

I would find July of the following season appropriate.

I provide a bonus based upon hours worked during snow season that takes into consideration complaints and client retention and I pay it in July of the following season.
My thoughts regarding returning employees is that you of course value their past dedication but you also value their "future" dedication to the organization even more. Always leave a carrot out there for motivation.

[Stonehenge]

Would you be concerned about complaints that the bonus is mid-season, rather than being closer to when they actually returned?

[Nebraska]

No. At least they are getting a bonus (most co's would only offer an increased amount of pay). In my opinion by giving them a bonus like that you are rewarding their dedication to the future betterment of the organization. You are showing them that their future contributions to the organization are valued more than the past. Keeping in mind though that the past contribution of the individual is highly valued as well.
Are we just talking about a bonus based solely upon the individual returning or are there other factors that go into determining this?

[Stonehenge]

Just returning. I have a whole other system for incentives, which is getting implemented this coming season.