Who would have thought that the choice of your marriage partner would yield monetary advantages. Who would have thought that walking down the aisle or tying the knot with your husband would elicit regular alerts on your phone.
It has been a closely guarded secret for those who have been cashing cheques where they didn’t work or clock in daily.
Talk about reaping where you did not sow. Talk about smiling all the way to the bank just by coupling with a particular person.
Well, I’m running ahead of myself as usual. So I will calmly unpack this phenomenon that I stumbled on during the week.
It started with an innocuous report tucked away in a newspaper. The funny headline caught my attention and I gladly dived in to unravel this sweet thing experienced by a few. And closely guarded by them too.
Are you aware that spouses of certain fintech, oil and gas, banks and other blue chip companies also collect monthly or annual stipends from their partners offices. As in their bank accounts are routinely credited for just being wives!
A particular oil and gas company doles out what it calls “family support allowances” every month. It sends gifts during landmark family moments like baby dedication and weddings. The company also pays for healthcare, education and travel of the family.
A new generation bank pays a spousal allowance for all its confirmed workforce as part of its welfare package.
This fintech firm sends monthly payments to the wives of full time workers. Such partners are largely unaware of the situation until after marriage.
In a country where social safety nets are few and far between, this initiative should be commended. Even though, the scope is presently limited it’s a step in the right direction.
It boosts staff morale and acceptability. It also enhances staff productivity through family cohesion. The family will perceive the company as a family friend indeed. One that’s benevolent and caring too.
So there. So I’m asking our esteemed ladies these questions:
Will some of you have chosen different spouses because of such mouthwatering monthly payments, medical, travel and education grants?
Will you have nurtured some liasions much better if you had prior knowledge of future incentives?
Will your business, company, SME consider instituting such a welfare or CSR package for spouses in its workforce?
The answer my friend is blowing in the wind.
Please join this conversation by sending your comments and feedback to mooborscounsellingroom@gmail.com.
By Mubo Okosun
Women’s Editor
