I get a lot of questions about the 13th month around this time.
Recently I had a number of people tell me how they do it differently:
1. Giving a 13th week instead of a 13th month.
Instead of giving the 13th month at the end of the year, one business owner opted to pay out a bit of the 13th month throughout the year. This system works for him because it keeps his expenses stable throughout the year. You can also do it either quarterly or bi-annually, making the 13th month pay still feel significant.
2. Give the 13th month on your virtual assistant’s yearly work anniversary.
It can be frustrating to give a 13th-month benefit to a VA who’s only worked for you for a few months. By scheduling it on a work anniversary, you’re rewarding loyalty and giving them an incentive to stay loyal for years to come.
3. Give the 13th month when your business has a profitable season.
If the 4th quarter of the year is a slow season for your business, you can opt to give out the 13th month at any other time of the year.
Some businesses prefer to give it in the middle of the year. I know some Filipinos want this arrangement because June and July coincide with the start of the school season there. Having that extra money for school supplies, uniforms, etc, is a big help.
Some give the 13th month in January the following year. Some Filipinos would prefer this, as receiving money early in the year is often seen as a sign of good luck.
Regardless of when you choose to give out the 13th month, your Filipino VA will appreciate it. What matters most to them is you’re the kind of boss who’s thoughtful enough to offer it.
4. Base the 13th month on their increased salary.
One business owner shared that they give out 13th-month bonuses in December and performance-based raises in January. Instead of basing the 13th month on their current VA salary, they base it on the increased salary for the following year. This motivates their VA to do better the following year because their 13th month is tied to performance.
The good thing about these alternatives is that they help emphasize the distinction between the Christmas bonus and the 13th month. Both are optional, but they’re not the same thing. You can give the 13th month at any time. The Christmas bonus is usually given around Christmas.
John
I had no idea that the 13th month was a thing, so thanks for the information. My wonderful VA has only worked for me since September so I will pro-rata it. I was going to give her 2 weeks paid holiday – should I be giving her a bonus as well?
Hi Chetana!
It’s really up to you. Your VA will already appreciate be happy that you’re giving her 13th month AND a 2 week paid holiday. That’s already generous.
Hi! I was aware of the 13th month bonus but it sounds like a Christmas bonus is also something that is expected… Am I wrong on that? More info on this would be apricated!
Hi Brian!
The Christmas bonus isn’t required or expected. The Christmas bonus is completely optional. And if you choose to give a Christmas bonus, it can be as much or as little as you can afford.