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'

Author image for Emma Saven
Emma Saven
Jan 12, 2026 1:00 PM EST

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…

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  • 3…2…1… “Happy…Resignation”

    …is what these employees are going to be shouting if their bosses don’t open up their minds, and their wallets, to the demands (and importance) of the holidays in the future. They work hard all year round and deserve the time off to spend with their families and friends…and if they choose to volunteer during those times, they should be compensated accordingly. Receiving a big, bold bonus topped with a red bow tie, symbolizing just how “grateful” they are for their time, dedication (and not having to be at a $80,000 loss).

  • 01
    "It said that effective immediately, the holiday incentive was canceled"
    via elnur

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02

    My company canceled our holiday bonus, then got offended when no one came to work on the holiday.

    The place I work for has a business model based on all our client contracts being in calendar days, not business days.
    via MarcellaHudson
  • 03
    This means we need people on- site 365 days a year to meet deadlines and avoid hefty financial penalties.
    via MarcellaHudson
  • 04
    The thing is, this is a very technical job that requires a degree in a hard science like biochem or molecular biology.
    via MarcellaHudson
  • 05
    And to be competitive at all, they had to offer weekend leave and paid public holidays.
    via MarcellaHudson
  • 06
    For the longest time, the agreement was that weekend shifts earned 1.5x OT, and if you worked a public holiday, you'd get your full holiday pay plus 2.5x OT for the hours worked.
    via MarcellaHudson
  • 07
    This was a huge incentive, and people always volunteered to work. Then, a few weeks before Thanks giving, we got an email from HR.
    via MarcellaHudson
  • 08
    It said that effective immediately, the holiday incentive was canceled. The email basically said: Paid holidays are a benefit for your well-being.
    via MarcellaHudson
  • 09
    If you choose to work on a holiday, you will be paid at your regular hourly rate and holiday pay will not apply.
    via MarcellaHudson
  • 10
    We also remind you that overtime begins to be calculated after 40 actual hours worked. Anyway, I came in this morning to an email from my manager saying they were 'surprised and disappointed' that only one person volunteered to work on Thanksgiving and the day after, and that literally no one worked on Christmas or New Year's Day, despite them asking several times.
    via MarcellaHudson
  • 11
    Cheezburger Image 10594276352
    via gettysignature

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 12
    They're complaining that because no one was willing to make a sacrifice for the team, the company will now face over $80,000 in late fees.
    via MarcellaHudson
  • 13
    Oh well. Looks like they're finding out that employee goodwill isn't free. Are there really companies that offer high salaries!
    via MarcellaHudson
  • 14
    I think my current manager is just stingy, nothing more. When I see posts like these, I cry over my situation!
    via MarcellaHudson
  • 15
    Educational_Major226 Wonder what the next move will be from your company- "And moving forward everyone will be expected to work at least one public holiday during the festive season". You are expected to be grateful that you have a job but employee satisfaction counts for so much. Your company don't get it do they ??
    via Educational_Major226
  • 16
    PumpkinandMaisy How stupid can you be to really believe people are okay with working holidays without overtime as if no one has anything else they'd prefer to do?
    via PumpkinandMaisy
  • 17
    jauntyk OP please update. I hope the employees band together on this and don't take the easy way out, if they do it's only downhill from there. Hopefully you're already looking elsewhere as the main benefit of working there seems to be rescinded
    via jauntyk
  • 18
    kaboomizer Its a team building activity!
    via kaboomizer
  • 19
    CowWooden4207 Would love to know if the employee pay at premium holiday rates would have exceeded their $80k penalty........
    via CowWooden4207
  • 20
    Cheezburger Image 10594276608
    via Karola G

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 21
    MeatofKings FAFO: Saved thousands, lost $80,000.
    via MeatofKings
  • 22
    wolfeflow Doesn't that HR note also mean you lose your 1.5x time on weekends, unless you've already hit 40 hours that week? Amazing that they didn't realize how essential the pay bonuses were. Somebody should ask the manager why they didn't work on the holidays (assuming they didn't), and saying they were disappointed their bosses werent leading by example and showing what sacrifice for the team looks like.
    via wolfeflow
  • 23
    Logical-Type1718 I love this! So much can be accomplished when employees stick together. I hope you all continue to be united. Even the one that showed up for one holiday sent a very strong message by not continuing to do so.
    via Logical-Type1718

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