Guide
Employee Bonus Policy Template
Use this page to structure a clear bonus policy before employees receive confusing or inconsistent payout messages.
Policy sections to include
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Eligibility: who can earn a bonus and when.
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Bonus types: annual, STIP, retention, discretionary, commission or holiday.
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Approval workflow: who reviews, approves and exports payout data.
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Payment timing: payroll month and cut off dates.
Sample wording
Eligibility: Employees may be eligible for a bonus only if they meet the active employment, performance and plan participation requirements stated in the applicable bonus plan.
Approval: Bonus payouts must be reviewed by the employee manager, HR and finance before payroll submission.
Trust note
This is a planning template, not legal advice. Have employment counsel review any policy before publishing it to employees.