Epilogue
HOLLY
“Alright, everyone, I hope you enjoyed your holidays and are ready to get back to work,” I say, greeting the office—literally everyone in the office.
I called this meeting for one reason—to fix all of my mistakes. It’s a new year, and as cliché as it is to say, I’m a new me.
But really.
I can see everyone’s dread and stress blatantly displayed on their faces. Those that are trying to hide it, well, I can still see it in their eyes.
All because of the way I’ve behaved since I took over this company almost eight years ago. I always thought that a business had no obligation to its employees, and that happiness shouldn’t be dependent on a job.
The truth that I realize now is just how much happiness comes from a workplace that cares about its employees—and it’s about time I showed them.
“There are two things that I’d like to go over in today’s meeting. First, I’d like to apologize,” I announce, keeping my shoulders straight as all their eyes widen. “I am sorry, truly, from the bottom of my heart, for my lack of heart over the years.”
A brief murmur weaves through the crowd, but I can’t quite pick up on any of the specific words. All I can assume is everyone is shocked—almost as shocked as me.
Continuing, I say, “And the second is that I’ll be calling in each and every one of you to my office today to receive your year-end bonus.”
Someone raises their hand, and I give a nod. Jerry from accounting—a real prick, if you ask me—stands, adjusting his tie.
“We don’t receive year-end bonuses, boss,” he points out, a few others around him nodding.
His voice is annoying, nasally and full of self-righteousness. The kind of man I’d love to have Felix turn to stone.
If he had even taken one second to think, obviously, no one has gotten a bonus before—it’s a new thing. Is he dense? It’s only January second—I won’t insult him on the first day back to work.
I nod, though it’s forced. “Starting this year, we will be. They will be performance based, but everyone will get one. And, I will be giving each of you a bonus for last year as a late Christmas gift from the company.”
Now, I can’t just be giving out money willy-nilly. I may have a newfound respect for those who love the holidays, and the generosity that the season brings, but I still must be sensible.
A performance-based bonus is the perfect motivation for workers to keep doing a good job, while also assuring that no one slacks off and receives the same reward as those who work hard.
“This upcoming year,” I continue before anyone else raises their hand. “The bonus will be given before Christmas, so that if you wish to put it toward the holiday season, you can. I do apologize bonuses didn’t happen before Christmas last year.”
Joy raises her hand, and I give her a nod. She follows what Jerry did, standing. The difference? She has a grin plastered across her face.
As I meet her eyes, she simply says, “Thank you, boss.”
“Of course. I want to make a change here. I want to still encourage everyone to work hard, we all know that matters most to me.” I make fun of myself a bit, earning a chuckle from the crowd.
“But I realize that rewarding good work is equally as important. I’m sorry it took me so long to figure that out. ”
Joy glances around the group, a few people giving her nods, before she turns back to me. “I think we all accept your apology, boss.”
Her wings flutter excitedly as she claps. The rest of the workers join in, and I try to wave it off. My cheeks feel warm, and I fight to keep my eyebrows from furrowing.
Giving them all a smile, I finally break through the barrier I had set. The one that had me as simply their boss, someone who didn’t care to know the details of their lives or anything beyond their names.
They are all people, and feeling heard, seen, and valued—that’s what makes good, happy workers. And what I want are good workers.
“Please,” I say, scanning the crowd before exhaling deeply. “Call me Holly.”