Can Your Boss Take Away Your Bonus?

Think you're getting a holiday bonus? Watch this before you celebrate. Holiday bonuses are usually not guaranteed. Employers love to hype it up as tradition, appreciation, "we always do this." But unless the bonus is actually written in your offer letter, your contract, the handbook or an official policy, they can legally reduce it, delay it, or decide not to give it at all. And here's the big issue: whether it's discretionary versus non-discretionary. If it depends on performance, hours, metrics, deadlines — that's not discretionary. So your employer must follow their own rules and fairly pay what you're entitled to. But if it's fully discretionary, they have the green light to do whatever they want. If your discretionary bonus is not paid or cut because of discrimination, you may have a claim, and I can tell you exactly what to look for. If you have questions about this, give me a call to discuss.