Video: Real Estate Workers React to Getting $10M in Bonuses at Company Party–and It’s Stunning

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Nearly 200 real estate employees received the most incredible Christmas surprise. Their generous boss decided to award them $10 million in bonuses for their hard work in reaching a company milestone. A delightful video of the reveal shows the workers’ reaction of joy and gratitude, and it went viral for all the right reasons.

St. John’s Properties, a longstanding real estate firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, met an impressive target: to develop 20 million square feet of commercial space—retail, warehouse, and offices, a press release stated. As they reached the milestone, company founder Edward St. John decided to offer an exceptional bonus to its employees.

“To celebrate the achievement of our goal, we wanted to reward our employees in a big way that would make a significant impact on their lives,” he stated.

Each of the 198 employees received a figure based on their company seniority, but on average, about $50,000—not bad. St. John made the announcement during their office Holiday party on Dec. 7, 2019. The employees’ reactions were nothing short of overwhelmed.

A video made by the firm shows the staff first hearing the revelation about their extraordinary bonus. Some are excited, others are stunned, and some even give in to the joy and start screaming with glee. All but five had absolutely no idea what was in store for them, the release stated.

“What happened tonight, it is magical. It is life-changing,” said one emotional employee in the video.

“I’ve been working here a long time. He didn’t have to do what he did,” remarked another.

In St. John’s view, each employee deserves it. “I steer the boat, but they’re the ones that run the boat. They’re the ones that make the boat go. Without the team, we are nothing. We are absolutely nothing,” he explained in the press release.

“My philosophy has always been to surround myself with the best and the brightest—and that is what we have done. Every professional at St. John Properties is committed to excellence every day,” he added.

The incredible show of generosity garnered plenty of reactions online. The video was posted on the company’s Vimeo and received over 1.2 million views. On Twitter, where they made the official announcement, many people commended the gesture of appreciation.

One Twitter user said, “WOW! Incredible. Simply, incredible. I got teary-eyed just watching. I am happy for everyone.”

Another comment read, “Your employees are immensely blessed to work for a company who values them. Happy holidays to you.”

Several other Twitter users humorously inquired if the company was hiring.

What could have been a Holiday party like every other in previous years—an opportunity to relax and have some fun with colleagues—certainly was not. Gratitude is often something most deserved when it is least expected!