golden handcuffs

pl.n. Slang (used with a sing. verb)
A lucrative incentive to an executive intended to discourage resignation or ensure long-term cooperation after departure.

An incentive given to existing employees in hopes that they will decide to stay with the company.

Investopedia Says:
Employee stock options are an example of golden handcuffs. Often, much of the compensation received must be given back if the employee leaves for another company.

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Contract that ties a broker to a brokerage firm. If the broker stays at the firm, he or she will earn lucrative commissions, bonuses, and other compensation. But if the broker leaves and tries to lure clients to another firm, the broker must promise to give back to the firm much of the compensation received while working there. Golden handcuffs are a response by the brokerage industry to the frequent movement of brokers from one firm to another.

Financial benefits that an employee will lose upon resigning, as in The company's presented all the middle managers with golden handcuffs, so they can't afford to leave. This slangy business expression dates from the 1970s.

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