As you describe it, it is a strategy that leads to the improvement of the company. As long as employees are taken into account, they will be more willing to thank the company for these bonuses.
This is unfortunate, as it should be equally in all companies such incentives, which are a kind of engine for employees and their commitment to the company.
In my country the salaries are not so high nowadays either, but the bonuses are constant in all companies, public or private. Although it is true that not all of them comply with it, somehow they surprise the employees with some extra money.