Work Employees Give Companies Money Raise American Reward

Giving raises to employees is just one way that American companies reward their employees. Some provide an "incentive," or something that encourages someone to do something, that is often "financial," or involve money. One of the most popular is to give employees one-time "bonuses," which are cash payments to an employee, usually as a reward for things like completing a difficult project or for getting an important "client," or customer. Some companies give "year-end bonuses," and the amount of money an employee gets depends on the employee's performance during the past year. Another possible financial incentive is to give employees "stock options," or the possibility to buy the company's stock at a discounted or lower price.

Instead of raises, bonuses, or stock options, employees may ask for rewards that don't involve money. They may want a change in their work schedule, for example. Some American companies allow "compressed" or shortened work weeks where, for example, an employee may work longer hours each day but only work four instead of five days. Another time-related benefit is to work on "flextime," or to be able to work when the employee wants as long as they work the number of hours that's required for their job. More recently, employees have asked for days when they can "telecommute," or work from home but still are connected to the office by using technology.

Other rewards that a company may give an employee include things like a better workspace or office, a "reserved" parking space that is only to be used by that employee, more vacation time, better work assignments, or money to travel to "conferences," or professional meetings.