Golden handcuffs refer to financial incentives designed to retain valued employees within an organization, often in the form of lucrative stock options or equity bonuses. Some synonyms for this phrase include golden handcuffs syndrome, retention bonuses, loyalty bonuses, or golden hellos. Employers use these to ensure that their employees stay with the company for an extended period and perform up to the expected level. However, some people consider it a trap and feel stuck in their jobs because of the promise of these perks. Regardless of opinions, golden handcuffs remain a popular method of retaining talented employees.