retention bonus UK US noun [C] HR, MANAGEMENT
► an extra payment that is given to an employee as a way of persuading them not to leave the company, especially at a time when the company is experiencing big changes: »
McCormick is set to get a $500,000 retention bonus at the end of his five-year contract.
»They probably offered retention bonuses - both money and new stock - to keep executives through the reorganization.
Financial and business terms. 2012.