With bosses handing their loyal staff massive, surprise bonuses – including everything from cars to holidays, and millions of dollars in cash – it seems hard economic times haven't hit everyone.

79-year-old bus mogul Ken Grenda is the latest to reward his staff.

It's a case of ‘all aboard’ with a $15 million bonus, divided up between the company’s 1800 workers.

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The newest received at least five weeks’ pay, going right up to $30,000 for those who've served for decades.

“It’s only successful because you have good people. We thought that they had earned their share as much as we had earned our share,” Grenda said.

Drivers John Thomas accepts the money with a mixed heart, because after nineteen years’ service, the proceeds come from the sale of the 66-year-old family business, for a reported $400 million.

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“I rang me wife and told her, and said it was already in the bank. When I got home I found out we'd spent it, because now we are off to America next year on a holiday,” Thomas said.

Ian Beveridge claims the payout is life changing. For him the money will pay for new tyres on his car, and then a family holiday to Scotland.

“He’s the best boss around. You wouldn't find another boss like Ken, with his generosity and the way he looks after you,” Beveridge said.

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And giving back is what bosses across the country are now doing.

Hairstylist Stefan recently rewarded five of his staff with cars - four Mercedes and a Ute.

Angus Kennard from Kennard’s Hire is anotherboss handing out the cold hard cash -$3 million as a surprise thank you.

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Scott Hutchison from Hutchison Builders opened up his cheque book, sending 300 of his workers for a weekend in the Whitsundays.

It seems, though, you have to get down and dirty to get the biggest bonuses on offer from Australia's most generous bosses. Mining Billionaire Clive Palmer holds an Australian ‘best boss’ record - last year handing out 55 Mercedes and 700 holidays.

But Palmer's title is under threat from one of the only people in the country with more wealth than himself. Mining magnate Gina Rinehart is digging deep for her workforce, with a $500 million offer of shares in one of her mines.

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“Every business knows you have got to keep people happy and that's no easy task,” Garry Brack from the Australian Federation of Employers and Industry said..

Brack says big bonuses for businesses that can afford it is a smart way to build loyalty, and greater productivity.

“I think they really appreciate somebody taking the time to think about them,” Brack said.

“I think on average we were somewhere around $10,000 per employee. It was nice to be able to do it, and nice to be in a position to do it,” Grenda said.

And while Grenda hopes his decision will encourage more businesses to get on-board, he claims it's not all about the cash. He says his secret to success is to communicate, to talk to staff.

“If you look after people, they will look after you. That's what we have always found in our business,” Grenda concluded.