what is a retention bonus 
a retention bonus is a one time lump sum payment given to an employee with the stipulation that the employee must stay on the job for a certain length of time or relinquish part or all of the money it may be paid to a new employee as an incentive to take the job or to any valued employee at the start of a crucial business cycle or project retention bonuses have become increasingly popular in recent years as companies in highly competitive industries strive to attract and keep their best talent understanding retention bonuses