9 signs you're about to get a holiday bonus

Year-end bonuses are often a holiday cliffhanger for employees, says Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job."

"You may be in the dark on whether a bonus is in the cards - and if it is, how much the bonus will be - because it's discretionary and there are so many variables," she explains. "They can also cause the jitters because the amount can represent a very tangible indicator of your job performance."

Adding to this year-end mystery is the fact that most employers don't have a stated policy on bonuses because managers prefer maximum flexibility, she says. "Some firms offer alternatives to holiday bonuses, such as spot bonuses throughout the year, special perks, or small gifts. The surprise element can be good or bad, depending on your expectations."

Here are nine signs you're about to get a holiday bonus: