Workers were promised an 'extra payday' for their 'dedications' — what they got felt more like a slap in the face

Employees are often motivated by incentives that recognize their hard work and loyalty, and companies plan these incentives in a way that benefits both the organization and the worker. However, this multibillion-dollar company really tested limits with their stingy act. A warehouse worker who goes by u/Targetpractice1314 shared a post on Reddit on February 5, revealing that the employees were promised a “payday” for their effort and commitment. They expected a bonus, an increment, or some reward, but what they got instead felt more disrespectful than appreciative, and the internet is not pleased. 

The worker revealed that the company was keen on rewarding them for their hard work. They were each given a note that read, “Your dedication deserves [sic] a payday.” Along with the words were dollar signs printed. The notes were placed at every workstation for each employee. Behind the note was attached a pocket-sized “payday” candy bar. That was it. That was the reward the company had so proudly printed notes about. Needless to say, the employees were beyond disappointed with the stingy act. “The cheap a** multibillion dollar company didn’t even get us a full-sized candy bar,” the post read. 

There’s honestly no way to respond to this; it’s demeaning, thoughtless, and just shows that they did it for the sake of it. It couldn’t be more futile and pointless. In a comment, the man wrote, “What I don’t get is why they put the money signs on it, is it just to mock us?” A 2024 survey done by Work Human revealed that there are many workers out there, across different industries, who feel undervalued and underappreciated for what they do. Far from getting rewards and bonuses, their work is barely even acknowledged. 

Only 46.4% of employees noted that they felt “somewhat valued” at their workplaces. Around 10% said they didn’t feel valued at all. Psychologist Tessa West, who is also an author of “Job Therapy,” revealed that another survey done by her also yielded similar results, reported Harvard Business Review. Her findings showed that over 40% of workers were struggling to get promotions. Furthermore, a good 70% believed that other companies paid better for the same positions they were working at. According to Nicola Richardson, Leadership and Management Mentor, even today, things are the same. 

She mentioned, “There's this invisible line between being competent and being taken for granted.” It’s not in employees’ heads that they’re not feeling seen or valued; it’s a reality. Employers take hardworking and loyal employees for granted, and it’s hard to function at one’s best. “This isn't about ego. It's not about needing constant praise or validation. This is about belonging. It's about psychological safety,” Richardson explained, adding that feeling seen is a human need. 

When good workers are taken for a ride, it builds resentment, destroys motivation, and invites burnout. And that’s because the exhausted mind of the worker is doing a “mental checkout.” u/Kazureigh_Black wrote, “I'm imagining this being given to somebody with a peanut allergy without a second thought.” u/Maximum_Employer5580 added, “Yet the upper level management and execs probably got several thousand dollars if not more.” u/Toledo_9thGate remarked, “I would say no thank you and leave it there. The way it's stapled too, and the fact that it's stapled gives me extra rage looking at it.” 

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