Does Your Job Performance Warrant a Bonus?

Are you looking forward to a healthy bonus on top of your salary? Have you reflected on whether or not your job performance warrants it? Many employers award bonuses to deserving workers based on their job performance, so it's important to plan ahead and have a strategy to earn the type of bonus you think you deserve.

Remember, employers are constantly observing you, and it is your year-round accomplishments that factor into the type of bonus you may be eligible for. You cannot just start working harder a few weeks before bonuses come out and expect to get a great results. Rather, make it a point to give it your all every day you are at work. Here are some easy and actionable ways to work toward a sizeable bonus:

Even if it's not part of your job responsibility, volunteer to help others with tasks where you may be helpful. If another team or group needs help, be quick to step in and offer your advice or services. This is especially true when the task is something you are particularly skilled in. Don't wait for someone to come over and ask. Volunteer to show how proactive you are and how willing you are to give of yourself to improve the overall bottom-line. Be sincere in your efforts to help others and you'll be pleasantly surprised that what goes around does come around.
Demonstrate that you do not settle for the bare minimum by doing a better job than you are asked to do - show that you are willing to go the extra mile. Never do anything half-heartedly, or overlook mistakes that you could have easily corrected. Strive for perfectionthis will convince your employer that you are a cut above the rest and deserving of a bonus.

Be proactive in mentioning and evidencing your accomplishments to the employer who makes bonus decisions. Of course, you don't want to go over board, but make sure that what you are contributing to the workplace on a weekly basis goes noticed by the higher-ups. If you go out of your way to help another team, why not casually mention it to the employer if you see him in the hallway or the elevator?

Remember, bonuses are given on the basis of the work employers observe you doing, so make sure you give them plenty to admire! And as I say elsewhere, always keep in mind that proper preparation prevents particularly poor performance.