Money Moral Dilemma: Should I split my job referral bonus with the friend I referred?

gloriouslyhappy

Your friend gets a job, presumably with a good salary if the company pays a decent referral bonus, the company saves a fortune on recruitment agency fees, and you get rewarded with a nice little windfall for referring your friend. Presumably you are happy in your job which is why you recommended that your friend should apply, so now your loyalty is being rewarded.

You’ve earned the bonus so keep the bonus, and take the friend out for a congratulatory drink. 

Ron_McDon

My son’s gf applied for a job at my employer using a referral link I sent her - when I got the referral bonus of £500 a few months later I didn’t hesitate to split it with her.  

She didn’t know about the job before me telling her about it, and I wouldn’t have got the money if she hadn’t been hired, so I feel like it was a win-win for us both. 

I’ve always offered to split referral bonuses with the person I’ve referred - they’re the ones doing all the work, after all! 

Ringo90

Your friend didn't make the effort to do you a favour, but presumably because he was interested in the job.
If a friend referred me to a job that ultimately I got, I would pay THEM a drink, it would never cross my mind that he should split whatever bonus they got for taking the time to advertise the job and refer me.

Ringo90

Dollyyates said:

Cant believe how many comments I had to read before I found one that said (share 50/50), after reading these comments/reasons there are some good points why some say keep the money it's yours.
The question I would ask myself is how much of a good friend are they??
A good friend I would say yes share the love.
Just someone you know? I would say no you've already done them a good turn by putting job on their radar.

I don't get this. What does the referral money have to do with being a good friend or just an acquaintance?
If I have a good friend I show them how much they mean to me through other gestures, not by giving them my referral money...

Gemmie57

I don't think you are under any moral obligation to share the money, especially if you could really do with it at the moment, but you both might feel good if you were to share a percentage with him (I wouldn't go as far as 50% and you don't have to reveal how much the bonus was).  If the bonus was substantial, £500 would be a lovely gesture which I'm sure would be greatly appreciated.

pompeyblue78

Keep the bonus, and it's up to them to keep their job. You've put your own reputation on the line by recommending them, they've got a job, you've got a little bonus. I don't think it's a moral dilemma at all - they should be thanking you, just as your employer has.

magicmarv

Referral schemes are pretty common. You can buy your friend a 'congrats on the new job' gift, but really bonuses are a common practice, so enjoy it!

Dizzzy19

Agree with most responses, a goodwill gesture would be lovely and show him that you appreciate being able to help him. Congratus to you too on a great opportunity.

lizhancock

Your friend has benefitted hugely, will earn more than your bonus so I'd say he should be saying thanks to you!  You can spend with zero guilt! 

Abbafan1972

jrio said:

Yes.  Yes, you should.  "Needing the money", due to a house move, is merely deflection, and a defence for greed.

Your friend got in touch, you referred him, then he got the job.  That's 50/50 in my book.

What rubbish. 

The money is yours to keep.