Another common “red flag” in a retention agreement is the stipulation that the employee's receipt of the bonus will be determined in the employer's “sole discretion.” You do not want to put this type of power in your employer's hands.
Generally speaking, a retention bonus ranges from 25-95% of the employee's base salary. The company must offer an amount that is meaningful to the employee for it to properly incentivize him/her to sign the retention contract.
A: Retention bonuses don't begin until the company is sold or changes hands. The period can range from 12 months to as long as 36 months after the sale closes. The payout of the bonus can occur incrementally over that time or as a lump sum at the end of the period.
The lesson is this: In proposing a retention bonus or agreement to your employer, you should first emphasize (a) why it would be in the interests of the employer, and, then (b) what benefit will come about to the employer if it offers the retention bonus.
Most often, companies only give retention bonuses to highly skilled employees that may be difficult to replace. Similarly, employees with specific company or project knowledge are more likely to receive a retention bonus.
How to Craft an Effective Employee Retention Letter Step 1: Start with a Professional Introduction. Step 2: Establish the Employee's Value. Step 3: Detail the Retention Bonus Terms. Step 4: Address Resignation and Termination Scenarios. Step 5: Include Legal and Administrative Clauses.
The lesson is this: In proposing a retention bonus or agreement to your employer, you should first emphasize (a) why it would be in the interests of the employer, and, then (b) what benefit will come about to the employer if it offers the retention bonus.