Can You Lose Your Annual Bonus if You Resign Before It is Paid
An employee in Georgia works for a company that pays annual bonuses in January. He worked for the entire year, but resigned with a last day scheduled in January. He thought that would protect his bonus, but his employer is stating that he won't get a bonus because his last day is before the date upon which bonuses will be paid. Can he still get a bonus, or can his employer take the bonus away?
Re: Can You Lose Your Annual Bonus if You Resign Before It is Paid
Absent a contract to the contrary, or a firm policy on the matter that the employee can prove to exist, bonuses are given at the discretion of the employer. When bonuses are at the employer's discretion, employees can be denied bonuses when they resign before they are paid out. If the employee believes that he can prove a binding contract or policy, he should consult a lawyer.