In recent months, the liquidity crisis that left companies with little cash for the last year has eased somewhat. Today the Huffington Post reported on a benefit some small companies and their employees are seeing as cash flow improves; the return of company bonuses.

For example, the owner of a logistics company in Michigan who was interviewed for the article, said she had no choice but to do away with the bonuses last year since her customers were extending their DPOs and ”it was really very frightening.” This year, the company has been able to give $700 bonuses to their employees since they are beginning to see improvements in their business and cash flow.

The article also points out how bonuses help companies maintain morale and good employees:

“Owners who believe in paying bonuses are looking to foster goodwill with their staffers, and, if the money is based on performance, give them an incentive to keep working hard. In the current economy, these owners say they have even more reason to show gratitude to their workers.”

Given yesterday’s report on surging worker productivity, it’s possible that bonuses, as well as improved process efficiencies and technology, are helping. And when the economy AND employment picture rebound at some point, companies with happy, productive, agile workforces will be the ones poised to rise the fastest.

None of this is to say that liquidity for many companies is back to the level they’d like to achieve. In fact, we’re still seeing regular reports about companies stretching out their payables in order to hang onto more of their cash - regardless of the risk and strain this puts on their supply chain. But as we’ve stated here many, many times before, there are options for gaining liquidity. In fact, sometimes cash is less than 24 hours away … just in time for some stocking stuffing bonuses for the employees.

Justin Fogarty is Managing Editor of Supply Excellence. For any questions or feedback on the blog or its contributors, Justin can be reached at jfogarty[at]ariba.com.