Yes. An employer can claw back a bonus, but this depends on the terms of the contract. If the contract states that the employer can claw back a bonus, the employer will likely do so. The clawback terms may apply under certain circumstances or undesirable events. For instance, clawback can happen in the case of fraud or any other supporting provision outlined in the contract. Below are different cases in which the employer can claw back a bonus.
- When an employee breaches a restrictive agreement between them and the employer.
- When the employer pays the bonus but later discovers that it was overestimated.
- A specific negative event occurs which triggers the employer to clawback the bonus.
- When the employer discovers that they paid the bonus after the employee seriously breached duties.
Clawbacks differ from one industry to another or state. Different organizations may have different clawback policies. So, it would help if you didn’t assume that clawback policies are the same for all organizations or states. This is why it is important to check the contract’s terms to be sure that you are applying steps in the contract.
How Do You Claw Back a Signing Bonus?
You can claw back a signing bonus if the employee leaves before their contract ends. This happens when an employer pays their employee a full signing bonus, but the employee decides to leave before their anniversary. However, before this happens, there must be a written agreement showing that the employee agreed to the clawback terms if they left the company within a certain period. If a written agreement exists, then the employee would have to repay the company’s money based on the terms of the agreement.
Generally, the employer and employee have a written agreement stating that a clawback applies when the employer leaves the company voluntarily. The written agreement may also indicate how the clawback will be paid. The agreement is vital in proving that the employee received a bonus and agreed to pay back the signing bonus based on the terms of the agreement.
Can a Company take Your Bonus Away if You Quit?
Your employer can take your bonus away if you quit the company. However, there are a few exceptions to this, but everything revolves around what the written agreement says. If your employment contract has a clause that states you will be paid your bonus after leaving the company, you have a chance to recover it. If you work with your company on a scheduled bonus period, it’d be best to wait until you receive your most recent bonus before you quit.
It is worth noting that if you are on a commission plan, this dynamic may not apply to you. However, some commission plans have clauses at the bottom of the contract saying that the company reserves the right to change its policies or plan. This is why it is important to read your bonus plan carefully to stay updated with the terms. It; also be important to speak to an experienced attorney to help you understand your right and ensure your employer is working within your rights.
Do I Have to Return a Retention Bonus?
Sometimes, you may need to return a retention bonus if the company demands it. But you can keep it if the company doesn’t ask for it even if you end the contract. When you get the bonus, stay faithful to the company for the intended time. The duration you stay with the company depends upon the agreement and the employer’s requirements.
The agreement may provide the specific time you are expected to work for the company and show when the bonus is due. If there is no agreement, the employee may decide whether to remain loyal to the company or quit. The employer can set a time frame following the completion of a company project or after successfully managing a time of change.