A reward bonus may be either a one-time offer or a periodic payment. While reward bonuses are usually given in cash, they sometimes take the form of stock compensation, gift cards, time off, holiday turkeys, or simple verbal expressions of appreciation.

The type of bonus you receive will determine when it is paid out. Year-end bonuses are typically paid within the first few months of the new year. Annual bonuses may be paid at the same time each year, although the company typically sets the timeline for when they will be paid to employees.