Slacker Guard at Gate: Christmas Bonus or No Christmas Bonus?

WHY is he still working for you? Don't you have any control over the employees of the security company? I would get everyone together and make a formal complaint- start with a well-stated petition which explains your concerns; be sure to use specific examples. Make phone calls to the company administering the security for your community. Do whatever it takes. It's important that you feel confident in the security of your family and your home. As far as the Christmas bonus goes- I wouldn't give him a card or a bonus. You don't owe him any explanation at all. A bonus is a "tip" for someone who does his job well and consistently. He does not fall into this category, obviously. Besides, why be a hypocrite and offer him Holiday Greetings when you probably don't care if you ever saw him again? Good Luck, and Happy Holidays!

The way I would approach this is in a very direct manner. If you have any community control over who is guarding your possessions, children and community, then I would take action. He is not a friend, family, or even acquaintance. This is business. I would do what it takes to get whoever you need together to make his termination occur. If this guy is not following specific guidelines as ordained by his superiors, he needs to go. Don't risk yourself, possession, etc. for the sake of trying to be sweet about this issue. Act professionaly and with a contructive air; remove him from his position for the betterment of your community. I don't mean to sound so heartless, but again, he is not a part of your personal life. This is business, so do what you have to do.

I'm sure it bothers you, or you wouldn't have posed the question. I say no Christmas bonus in his card. You don't reward people who don't follow the rules. Talk to your homeowners association officers about this guard and tell them of your concerns. Find out what they intend to do about it. If they're not responsive, vote them out with the next election by running for office yourself. That way you have a say in who gets hired/fired. That's what I did. I also don't like other people making decisions for me...that's why I attend our HOA meetings and participate. That's why I vote in elections also, whether it's our HOA or local, state or federal elections.

If residents are not happy, why is he still working? If he is not getting bonus, he will know, that he is only one without bonus. It creates anger, not better work. I would give him less. There is a way to make him better guard.

I think, since this is a professional relation and not a personal one, that he does not deserve to be applauded for his misdeeds. Persons of a lower capacity for understanding adult responsibilities need never be awarded for their transgressions. Personally, I am sure you are a very empathetic and caring individual. This is what perhaps causes your concern in relation to retracting his bonus. I understand and applaud your kindness, although your kindness will only give you greater hearache in the end. Negative indivuduals tend to absorb everything they can get give little to nothing in return. Just remember my friend, that this is not a personal endeavor, it is business. You have no ties to the person in a familial way. Your professional actions in this matter may assist him in his future, which is a testament to your TRUE sense of what giving really is.