An example retention bonus agreement to retain an employee during a merger or acquisition. Dear (employee name):.This retention bonus agreement defines each aspect of your continued employment at (Company Name). A key employee retention agreement, sometimes called a stay bonus agreement, is an employment contract between a company and its employee. " Emphasize the Employee's Value. An employee retention agreement is a contract between an employer and an employer for the purposes of enticing the employee to continue working for the company. In its exhibits is a retention bonus pilot program for RNs in the Michigan Department of. The fact that the employer has the option not to pay the promised bonus does not make the bonus discretionary. Dear (employee name):. This retention bonus agreement defines each aspect of your continued employment at (Company Name).