When facing a redundancy or a mutual separation from your job, the severance package offered by your employer is a crucial part of the process. While the initial offer might seem acceptable, it's often in your best interest to carefully review it and consider a counter offer. This article will guide you through the process of crafting a Sample Letter Counter Offer Severance Package, ensuring you understand your rights and how to negotiate for a more favourable outcome.
Understanding Your Severance Counter Offer
Receiving a severance package is typically a gesture of goodwill from an employer when your employment is ending through no fault of your own. However, the initial offer is not always the best you can get. It is always advisable to thoroughly examine the proposed terms before accepting.
A counter offer is your opportunity to propose alternative terms that better suit your needs and acknowledge your contributions. This could involve discussing:
- Increased financial compensation
- Extended health insurance coverage
- Continued outplacement services
- Payment for accrued but unused leave
Here's a quick look at common elements of a severance package and potential areas for negotiation:
| Component | Typical Offer | Counter Offer Possibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Base Pay | Weeks per year of service | More weeks, especially for long tenure or specific roles |
| Health Benefits | COBRA subsidy for a period | Longer subsidy, continuation of specific benefits |
| Outplacement | Standard services | Enhanced services, longer duration |
Sample Letter Counter Offer Severance Package for Increased Financial Compensation
Dear [HR Manager Name],
Thank you for providing the severance package proposal dated [Date of Offer]. I appreciate the company's consideration during this transition. After careful review, I would like to propose a revised offer.
While the offer of [Number] weeks' pay is appreciated, I believe that given my [Number] years of dedicated service and my role as [Your Job Title], a more appropriate compensation would be [Number] weeks' pay. This reflects my contributions to [mention specific achievements or projects if possible].
I am confident that we can reach a mutually agreeable settlement. I am available to discuss this further at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter Counter Offer Severance Package for Extended Health Insurance Coverage
Dear [HR Manager Name],
Thank you for the severance package presented on [Date of Offer]. I am grateful for the offer of continued health benefits. However, I would like to request an extension of this coverage.
The proposed [Number] months of continued health insurance is helpful, but I am concerned about securing new coverage within this timeframe, especially considering my family's current medical needs. Therefore, I would like to propose extending the company-provided health insurance for an additional [Number] months, bringing the total to [Total Number] months.
I believe this adjustment would provide me and my family with much-needed security during this period. I look forward to your favourable consideration of this request.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter Counter Offer Severance Package for Continued Outplacement Services
Dear [HR Manager Name],
Thank you for the severance proposal dated [Date of Offer]. I want to express my appreciation for the inclusion of outplacement services.
The current offer of [Number] months of outplacement support is a valuable resource. However, in light of my [mention your industry or specific situation], I feel that a more comprehensive and extended service would be highly beneficial for my job search. I would like to propose an extension of these services for an additional [Number] months, for a total of [Total Number] months. This would allow me more time to leverage the expertise of the outplacement firm.
I am eager to transition into a new role and believe this enhanced support will significantly aid my efforts. I am available to discuss this matter further.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter Counter Offer Severance Package for Payment of Accrued Leave
Dear [HR Manager Name],
Thank you for forwarding the severance package details on [Date of Offer]. I have reviewed the information provided.
I noticed that the proposed package does not explicitly include payment for my accrued but unused [mention type of leave, e.g., holiday, annual leave]. As per company policy and my employment contract, I am entitled to payment for [Number] days/weeks of accrued leave. I would therefore like to request that this be included as part of my severance settlement.
I believe this is a standard and fair inclusion, and I trust you will consider this request. Please let me know if you require any further information from my side.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Negotiating your severance package is a vital step in managing your departure from a company. By understanding the components of a typical offer and knowing how to articulate your needs, you can significantly improve your financial and professional standing. Remember to remain professional and factual in your communications, and don't hesitate to seek legal advice if you are unsure about any aspect of your agreement or counter offer.