I don’t talk about Christmas bonuses much, but I know some of you are interested in giving this to your VA instead of or in addition to the 13th month.
So I’m going to answer some of the most common questions I get about this, plus a few things you need to know.
1. Is the Christmas bonus required?
No. It’s completely optional.
2. How much is the average or standard rate for Christmas bonuses?
This is completely up to you, whatever you can afford. Even Philippine companies don’t have a standard for it. Some don’t even offer Christmas bonuses. Some opt to give Christmas bonuses in kind.
3. Is it the same as the 13th month (https://onlinejobs.ph/13thmonth) ?
Not at all. The Christmas bonus is entirely optional.
The 13th month is a legally required benefit for Filipino businesses and an optional benefit for businesses that hire Filipino VAs.
4. When’s the best time to give a Christmas bonus?
Anytime during December works, but some employers bundle it with the 13th month because it’s more convenient.
5. Should I give my VA, who has worked for me for years, a Christmas bonus?
If you want to and you can afford it, why not? Your VA will definitely appreciate it and make their holidays a little more festive.
6. I just hired a new VA. Should I give them a Christmas bonus?
This is entirely up to you.
7. Really, how much would be a “good” amount for a Christmas bonus?
It really depends on what you can afford because your VA will appreciate it either way. But in our team, we usually give a $50 Christmas bonus per person.
Learn more about Philippine holidays and benefits: https://blog.onlinejobs.ph/holidays-and-pto/
John