When an employee is faced with the prospect of being laid off or terminated from their job, a severance agreement may be presented as a way to ease the transition. However, if the terms of the severance package offered are not satisfactory, it may be appropriate to negotiate a counter offer in order to receive a fair and reasonable arrangement.
Here is an example letter that can be used as a guide when negotiating a severance agreement:
Dear [Employer],
Thank you for presenting me with a severance agreement regarding my termination from [company name]. After reviewing the terms and conditions of the agreement, I would like to propose a counter offer regarding the severance package.
As an employee who has dedicated [number of years] years to the company, I believe that my contributions and loyalty warrant a more equitable severance package. While I appreciate the offer made, I feel that the terms do not fully reflect the value I have brought to the company and the difficulties I will face in finding new employment.
Therefore, I propose the following changes to the severance agreement:
– An increase in the severance payment from [amount offered] to [desired amount].
– A continuation of health insurance coverage for [number of months/years] after my termination date.
– An extension of the time frame for exercising my stock options for [number of months/years] beyond the standard limit.
– A favorable reference letter from the company highlighting my skills, accomplishments, and contributions.
I believe these modifications would more accurately reflect my contribution to the company and the challenges I will face in finding new employment. Please let me know if these proposed changes are acceptable. I am open to further discussions and negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
When negotiating a severance agreement, it is important to remember that the employer is also looking to protect their own interests. Therefore, it is essential to present valid reasons for any counter offer and to be willing to negotiate and compromise. With a well-crafted letter and thoughtful approach, a more favorable severance agreement can be achieved.