Guide

Annual bonus: how it works

Annual bonuses are usually expressed as one number or percentage, but most plans also include business performance multipliers, individual ratings, eligibility rules, and proration.

Annual bonus = target bonus × company factor × individual factor × proration factor
AdjustmentWhat it meansWhy it matters
Company factorBusiness performance multiplierStrong individual performance may not fully pay if company results are weak.
Individual factorPerformance rating multiplierPersonal review outcome affects payout.
ProrationPartial-year adjustmentNew joiners and role changes often reduce the bonus.