I don't post often here but you are all very friendly and was wondering what kind of advice you could give:
My spouse is in charge, as an executive, of 8 people. The group has a complicated bonus structure and this year's bonus will only be paid out 65%. That is across the board for the business unit, which is bigger than just my spouse's office. The group is very disappointed about that and have voiced that. They are a group of highly trained professionals and not in a low wage environment.
My SO now wants give every employee a personal check of $5000. As a personal gift and thank you for all they have done this year and also for the help they have been. My spouse wants to make clear to them that that does not obligate them in any way shape or form, i.e. not leaving for a better job later on. (Although retention is an issue in the company)
My question is now can my SO do that? Could it lead to legal trouble for our family? Does my spouse need to ask HR or the CFO? What if some don't accept it? What are the tax implications (income vs. gift)?
I don't want to discuss my feelings about it or how it affects our marriage. Only this much, we are not rich and giving away this money would also be a small hardship for us. But I am only interested to know how it could impact my spouse, the job and relationships at work, what are legal obligations and moral implications for my spouse as an manager in charge but also employee in the company.
Thanks so much.
My spouse is in charge, as an executive, of 8 people. The group has a complicated bonus structure and this year's bonus will only be paid out 65%. That is across the board for the business unit, which is bigger than just my spouse's office. The group is very disappointed about that and have voiced that. They are a group of highly trained professionals and not in a low wage environment.
My SO now wants give every employee a personal check of $5000. As a personal gift and thank you for all they have done this year and also for the help they have been. My spouse wants to make clear to them that that does not obligate them in any way shape or form, i.e. not leaving for a better job later on. (Although retention is an issue in the company)
My question is now can my SO do that? Could it lead to legal trouble for our family? Does my spouse need to ask HR or the CFO? What if some don't accept it? What are the tax implications (income vs. gift)?
I don't want to discuss my feelings about it or how it affects our marriage. Only this much, we are not rich and giving away this money would also be a small hardship for us. But I am only interested to know how it could impact my spouse, the job and relationships at work, what are legal obligations and moral implications for my spouse as an manager in charge but also employee in the company.
Thanks so much.