There's a place in Dallas that defies the image of the evil employer
They have maybe 450 to 500 employees worldwide, but most of the 450 or so employees work out of the main office in Dallas.
They gave every non-executive employee a $150 cash Christmas bonus.
They just had a huge Christmas bash, honoring all long term employees by name, as well as honoring all special accomplishments.
They just had a raffle at the Christmas party for all non-executive employees (about 400). Each employee got 40 tickets, which were put into a huge drum. There were about 60 prizes, and not one of them was trivial. Expensive his and hers bikes (the $700+ per type), 48 inch state-of-the-art TVs, ALL things of that caliber. Everyone clapped when the top 48 inch TV was won by a guy in the shipping department who makes maybe $30,000 a year (still decent entry-level salary for Dallas).
Years ago, these people also once fired a guy for ineffective work and emotional issues. But on the books, since he had been there for years, they kept him on the payroll nominally so he would have his health insurance until he found a new job. They also have a once-a month "everybody's birthday" celebration and once-a-month monster pizza deliveries to all offices. Everyone is addressed on a first name basis, even the top execs.
Needless to say, the place has good company morale, very little employee turnover and a lot of employee loyalty. They're fairly successful, so they can afford to do this, but still, there's nothing wrong with spreading it around even if you don't have to.
= new reply since forum marked as read
I read somewhere a saying that says: If you treat your employees as though they make a difference, then they WILL.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, DFW 
One day I'll make it to Germany!
