Negotiating a Great Severance Package

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For those of you who are staring a layoff in the face, or if you want to be prepared for a possible separation of employment in your next position, I'd like to add my advice on negotiating a severance package. And yes, this is something you can negotiate. As career strategist and job search coach, and I've helped dozens of clients successfully negotiate severance packages.  

 I advise my clients to use many of the same tactics as you would in a salary negotiation.

First of all, you need to have clear in your mind what you want, and what's important to you. For example, if paid health insurance is a must, make that your priority.

Secondly, throughout the process, you want to be genuine and sincere in discussing severance agreements, not cold and calculating. You will get a lot further that way. I understand you most likely angry - ok, furious - and hurt, but don't let that get in the way of making the best out of a decidedly awful situation.

Next, use vulnerability to your advantage; it can be very powerful. Describe your financial situation to the employer, and the personal difficulties this separation will cause. You will find that when you use this strategy, it plays to your employer's desire to make you happy - and dare I say - their guilt over letting you go. For instance, "I do have some impending financial needs... Perhaps the company could approve a slightly higher package. Is there any way we can pursue this together?" Or, "Can you see your way clear to adding 3 more months to the severance agreement? That would easy my family situation immensely."

Also, in negotiating, it's a great rule of thumb to use questioning, rather than demanding, in your discussions. You will find the most persuasive negotiators use questions. It will allow you to gain control of the situation by getting valuable information from the employer. For example, you wouldn't say, "That severance wouldn't be any good for me." Instead, you might say, "Robert, could you tell me how you think this can work for me?" Or, "Is there a chance you could extend the length of the severance (or the health benefits) a little longer?"

In both of these examples, see how there are only questions - no demands. By inviting your soon-to-be-former employer to explore the situation, you are giving them the freedom to reach their own conclusions on whether or not their separation offer is unreasonable. With this approach, you come across as sincere, realistic, and slightly vulnerable; never as cold or calculating, or as an employee who is "forcing their hand."

And there's one last piece of advice I'd like to offer: When you do find a new job, by all means negotiate your "exit strategy" before signing an employment contract. I advise negotiating for at least 6 month's severance (and 12 months for six figure professionals), including benefits. It's much easier to get a fair separation agreement when the employer is excited about hiring you than it is when things go south and they're put in a position where they have to let you go. And make that separation clause be effective due to any change in your job, and not just a lessening of responsibilities or a lay off. In other words, there might be a company reorganization, and yes, you can still have your same position, but you'll have to do it in Detroit. If you don't want to move, you should be able to receive the severance you negotiated at the start of your employment.

 In my experience, I have found my clients have been able to easily negotiate 1 to 3 months more in compensation, or a 10-15% higher increase during the severance term using these techniques. I've also found that my higher paid clients and those in higher positions in the company have an easier time negotiating the terms of their severance packages.However, I've seen these techniques work successfully at all career levels.

With whatever position you're leaving, it is always best to gain as much control of your situation as possible. It will not only serve you financially, but emotionally as well. Most people don't know they have any influence in a severance package once they're laid off, especially when feeling devastated about the loss of their job. However, you may find a few brief conversations with your employer will pay off great dividends.  

Source: http://business-negotiation.blogspot.com/2012/07/negotiating-great-severance-package.html

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