Negotiate Your Severance?

Question

My company had layoffs. I and a colleague were among the layoff. My colleague has strongly hinted to me that they negotiated for a better severance deal. They won&rsquo;t be specific, on account of the NDA.I&rsquo;ve never heard of this happening. Why would the employer agree?The severance agreement is the usual thing: a pittance if you refuse, and a lot more if you accept. You&rsquo;re already fired, what leverage do you have?

GianFabien · Accepted Answer

I had that experience. Head office wanted a head count reduction. Local management wanted access to my expertise. The deal was sweetened to entice me to be available for a period of time as consultant / mentor. Ended up doing 6 months part-time work on contract. Earned more in that six months that I did the for entire year before.

andsoitis · Answer

You have no leverage. When you negotiate salary, it is because they compete to attract talent. Why would anyone pay more than they absolutely have to to let someone go?Your colleague, if they did in fact do it, probably looked foolish.