💡 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.
📌 Access needed: To run payroll and download reports, you need the Payroll management 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
When you run an off-cycle payroll, you’ll first need to enter a few key details:
Access payroll
Go to Payroll, then select the Upcoming tab.
Select Run off-cycle payroll.
Run payroll
Pay period start and end dates: These dates define the time range you're paying for. This can match your regular pay period or be any custom range..
Pay date: This is when your team will receive their pay. You can choose any date.
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.
Additional options: 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.