A Nigerian man working in Canada has sparked a massive online conversation after revealing the underwhelming year-end 'bonus' he received from his employer, despite maintaining a perfect attendance record throughout 2025.
High Hopes Dashed by HR's Call
The incident, which unfolded on Friday, December 19, 2025, began when the man, who goes by the TikTok handle @dynamics063, was called into the Human Resources department. He had anticipated a significant monetary Christmas bonus, a reward he felt was justified after a full year of flawless attendance at work.
His expectations, however, were quickly deflated. Instead of a festive financial boost, the company presented him with a formal appreciation letter and two candles. The man captured his reaction in a now-viral TikTok video, overlaying the clip with text that narrated his disappointment: "Friday, HR calls me in. After a whole year of perfect attendance, I thought I was getting a big Christmas bonus." The video concludes with a sigh, "Oh, Canada."
Netizens Weigh In With Their Own Stories
The video, shared online on December 20, 2025, quickly generated a buzz, resonating with many workers across the globe, particularly within the Nigerian and African diaspora communities. The comment section turned into a forum for sharing tales of corporate gratitude, or the lack thereof.
Many users pointed out that receiving any form of recognition was better than nothing. User Akua_tetra commented, "You are lucky, I work in the Hosp[ital], not even a text or hard kerchief mpo, we thank God for life." Another user, Jay Martins, shared receiving "a special Dutch bread and a Christmas card."
The conversation took a relatable turn for many Nigerian professionals when user Brown highlighted a different expectation in some Ghanaian workplaces: "In Ghana during Christmas time your HR and boss always be like, Charley Christmas catch oo do something. They are expecting u to show them something. My HR used to request Xmas gift from me."
Other reactions ranged from humorous to pragmatic. Samira joked, "Candles? dd u tell him you didn't pay your electric bill and you are darkness?" while King Kong offered career advice: "Yes. That's how it should be. The letter is worth more than gold where ever that you go next. You can add it to your CV."
A Contrast in Corporate Gift-Giving
This story stands in stark contrast to another report highlighted by Legit.ng, where a different company showed appreciation to its staff by distributing substantial food items, including 50kg bags of rice and cooking oil. That act was widely praised as thoughtful and generous within the corporate space.
The tale of the two candles and a letter, reported by award-winning journalist Victor Duru, underscores the vast spectrum of year-end corporate cultures. It has ignited a broader discussion about employee recognition, the value of non-monetary rewards, and the sometimes-clashing expectations between employers and their workforce, especially for immigrants striving abroad.
While the man's hope for a big bonus was not met, his decision to share the experience online has certainly yielded a different kind of reward: a viral moment of collective catharsis and shared experience for workers worldwide.
