💡 Looking to submit a regular payroll run? Go to the Run regular payroll in Workstream article!

Need to issue a one-time payment outside your regular payroll schedule? Use Workstream’s off-cycle payroll feature to process bonuses, corrections, reimbursements, and final pay for terminated employees, all without waiting for the next scheduled run.

Off-cycle payroll is ideal for:

Bonuses or commissions not included in a regular paycheck
Reimbursing an employee before their usual payday
Correcting an underpayment
Issuing final pay to a departing team member

You can choose your own pay period and pay date, giving you full flexibility.

📌 This article describes the old payroll view. If you see the new payroll experience, go to Run Payroll in the New Experience. You can switch between the two using Use the old view and Use the new view. In the new view, the benefits option is called Apply benefits deductions.

📌 Access needed: To run payroll and download reports, you need the Manage Payroll Operations permission enabled. If you don't have access, reach out to your Super Admin.

To start an off-cycle payroll, go to Team View > Payroll > Upcoming tab > Run off-cycle payroll.

Run off-cycle payroll

📌 After following these instructions, you'll go through the same steps as running a regular payroll:

Choose whether to upload a spreadsheet or manually enter hours and earnings
Review and approve payroll before submitting

Follow the same steps as running a regular payroll

When you run an off-cycle payroll, you’ll first need to enter a few key details:

Access payroll
1. Go to Payroll, then select the Upcoming tab.
2. Select Run off-cycle payroll.
Run payroll
1. Pay period start date and Pay period end date: These dates define the time range you're paying for. This can match your regular pay period or be any custom range.
2. Pay date: This is when your team will receive their pay. You can choose any date.
3. Frequency: Even though this is an off-cycle run, Workstream needs a pay frequency to calculate taxes correctly.
  - Choose the same frequency as your regular payroll if you’re fixing a missed payment or paying someone late.
  - Choose a different frequency if it’s a one-time payment like a bonus or commission.
4. Additional options: All three are unchecked by default. You can choose to
  - Tax all earnings as supplemental earnings - This applies flat tax rates, often used for bonuses or one-time payments.
  - Apply benefits - Include benefit contributions like health insurance or retirement.
  - Apply post-tax deductions - Deduct post-tax items like wage garnishments or loan repayments.
Select Run payroll to proceed.

FAQs: Running an off-cycle payroll

Q: When should I use off-cycle payroll instead of waiting for the next regular payroll?

A: Use it when you need to issue a payment outside your regular schedule, like missed hours, corrections, bonuses, or other urgent payouts.

Q: Can I schedule off-cycle payroll for a future date?

A: No. Off-cycle payrolls must be submitted manually. They can't be scheduled ahead of time like regular payroll.

Q: Will this affect my regular payroll run?

A: No. Off-cycle payroll is completely separate. It won't change or delay your upcoming scheduled payroll.

Q: Can I combine multiple types of pay (regular hours + bonus)?

A: Yes. You can enter regular hours, overtime, bonuses, or any custom pay in the same off-cycle run.

Run off-cycle payroll in Workstream