Management cuts holiday overtime incentives, then panics when employees stop volunteering to work holidays, leaving the company short-staffed and facing major $80,000 penalty: 'They're finding out that employee goodwill isn't free'

It seems a few companies are under the impression that their "beloved" employees would rather spend the holiday season glued to their desks, with a pile of paperwork in one hand, and a liter of coffee in the other…than spend it celebrating in red and gold with their nearest and dearests. Now, I'm not sure what delusion potion they're drinking, but this is the level of optimism that everyone should be aiming for this 2026! 

For some reason, this company, working with annual client contracts, believes that their employees' goodwill is "free" and has thus decided to halt the agreement that gives them full day pay rates and 2.5x OT for hours worked if they volunteer over public holidays. It's the type of company that requires people on-site 24/7, 365 days a week, and Jesus's birthday is no exception. And for the longest time, this agreement worked soundly, benefiting both the employer and the employee… Until it didn't! 

It seems that the company got too optimistic about its employees' willingness to volunteer once their holiday bonuses were taken out of the equation. Because when Christmas and New Year's rolled around, and no one had shown up, they began to rethink their decision to pull the plug on holiday season bonuses…especially after discovering that it ended up costing them a hefty $80,000 price tag in late fees…A lot more than what giving out a few extra dollars would have cost. Perhaps if this company valued its employees to a higher degree, its end-of-year season would have looked a lot more Jolly…

Author image for Emma Saven Emma Saven
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