No sad goodbyes. (Since You Asked ...).QA My company just experienced [a round of] layoffs. They told us to expect more by the middle of the year. I was surprised to learn that an employee does have some leverage in negotiating their severance package A severance package is pay and benefits an employee receives when they leave employment at a company. In addition to the employee's remaining regular pay, it may include some of the following:
tr.v. en·ti·tled, en·ti·tling, en·ti·tles 1. To give a name or title to. 2. To furnish with a right or claim to something: to? --C. John Atlanta The human resources The fancy word for "people." The human resources department within an organization, years ago known as the "personnel department," manages the administrative aspects of the employees. department should have the policy on severance packages outlined in the company manual. But according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Dr. Richard Bayer, economist, author, and COO of the career counseling Noun 1. career counseling - counseling on career opportunities counseling, counselling, guidance, counsel, direction - something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action organization, The Five O'Clock Club, most companies don't follow them because they are out of date. "Years ago, when a person worked 20 years for a company, he or she received one week's pay for every year of service; and that would be a considerable amount," explains Bayer. "Today, most people don't stay with companies that long. If you've been with a company for four years, four weeks pay isn't even an option." These outdated plans are good news for the employee, giving him or her more bargaining leverage. Bayer recommends working with a career counseling expert on your severance package. "A little bit of counseling can reap enormous benefits," he advises. "With this help you are more likely to be treated fairly, and you may be able to get thousands of extra dollars in your pocket." If you have access, ask what other employees have walked away with. That will give you a better idea of how flexible the company policy is or could be. Mail your career development questions to: Since You Asked, BLACK ENTERPRISE, 130 Fifth Ave., New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , NY 10011, or send an e-mail to alleynes@blackenterprise.com. |
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