Why Bonus Season Doesn’t Bring Lasting Happiness
Transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship freed me from the annual performance management cycle (which I’m eternally grateful for).
Yet as bonus season arrives and I start to see the signs from former colleagues, I’m thinking about the mixed feelings associated with bonuses that come up this time of year.
Of course, it was always nice to get a sizable bump in my bank account in February, but I was always surprised by how many people seemed to wonder why their financial rewards didn’t scratch their need for real validation of their job well done.
Let’s look into a few ideas about why financial incentives might not fully satisfy the professional yearning for authentic recognition experienced by many.
The Fleeting Joy of Bonuses
Receiving a bonus is initially satisfying. But, within a few days or weeks, people get used to the ‘new normal’ and the extra cash doesn’t mean they are happier or feel valued long-term.
This is a classic example of hedonistic adaptation - once the novelty of something new wears off, it becomes part of our baseline. It isn’t special any longer and the anticipation and excitement seem to wear off, leaving us looking for the next hit.
The Unchanged Reality
The second reason that bonuses fail to offer lasting happiness is that they don’t change your life. Yes, it is great to have a larger bank balance and to experience the satisfaction of the reward - often you don’t change anything about your day-to-day life. You don’t move, quit your job, or otherwise alter how you live.
You might have a few new things to show for the bonus funds - maybe you splurge on a beautiful piece of clothing or buy that new car - but again, those items are subject to hedonistic adaptation and can become less exciting over time.
The Perpetual Comparison
In the corporate environment, bonuses fuel comparison in a way that doesn’t help anyone feel good about themselves.
No matter how much confidence we have in our own success, it's hard to ignore when someone else gets a bigger bonus, snags a promotion quicker, or gets extra nods from the higher-ups. It turns out, that bonuses assign a price tag to our performance, pushing us into this silent competition where, unless we're sitting pretty at the peak, we might start questioning our own worth.
Recognition Beyond Numbers
Bonuses are primarily awarded based on tangible business outcomes, such as achieving specific targets, generating profits, or securing new clients. These rewards underscore the priorities of business ventures, namely, activities that directly contribute to financial growth.
However, this focus on quantifiable results often overlooks the intrinsic value individuals bring to their workplace. Attributes such as mentorship, coaching ability, and creative problem-solving skills, which significantly impact organizational culture and team dynamics, are not typically recognized within the framework of annual bonuses.
Consequently, while receiving a bonus is undoubtedly rewarding, it may not fully resonate with an individual's sense of identity or acknowledge the breadth of their contributions. This misalignment can lead to a perception that the recognition received, though appreciated, does not genuinely reflect one's complete professional persona.
When you pour your heart, soul, and countless hours into your job, you're really looking for that nod of approval—that sense that someone's noticed and values the hard work you're doing. But sometimes, the pat on the back we get int he form of a bonus doesn't quite hit the mark. It might not capture the full scope of our efforts or the depth of our impact, which can leave us feeling a bit hollow, even after the initial buzz of recognition wears off.
Finding Fulfillment Beyond the Bonus
The good news is that you are in the driver’s seat when it comes to making sure you feel validation and fulfillment.
Once you recognize that the size of your bonus isn't a measure of your worth - it can go back to being just numbers on a spreadsheet, devoid of any human essence.
Then, you can use your access to extra resources to do things that might actually lead to increased happiness, like:
1. Count Your Real Wins: Reflect on the impact you've made, the challenges you've conquered. That's where your true value lies.
2. Spread the Joy: If it's appreciation you crave, start a gratitude loop. Compliments and kindness are contagious. Plus, helping others is a happiness hack.
3. Gratitude Attitude: Take a moment to be grateful. Chances are, if you are getting a bonus this month, some things have gone right for you in life. Send goodwill out into the universe.
4. Pay It Forward: Use that bonus to sprinkle a little joy. Something as simple as treating a friend to lunch or surprising a family member can transform those dollars into something truly meaningful.