Do employers still offer severance packages?

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In the past, many if not most employers have offered some sort of severance when laying off employees, particularly if companies have gone through restructuring or downsizing. Although not legally required, it has been a general practice of many employers to offer at least one week of pay for every year of service. These days, I am finding that more employers are often handing an employee one last paycheck for days already worked, then escorting them from the premises.

Other generous employers not only provide a severance package, but also provide former employees with a range of outplacement services to help them quickly find a new job, including resume preparation, skills analysis, retraining opportunities, and or other job search assistance.

Yesterday I spoke with someone who had been a successful retail store manager for more than 10 years. He had participated in SWAT teams to bolster performance at other stores, more than doubled his own store’s earnings, and retained 100% of his full-time employees. One day he was briefly told that his services were no longer required, and was offered no severance at all. It just doesn’t seem right.

What is the case in your experience? Please respond. I still want to research the topic further and see how we can help both companies and job seekers alike.