Severance Pay
The phrase severance pay came from the fact that employers were separating workers with the intention of having them leave on good terms. It is a form of compensation given to employees upon leaving an employer, and it may include money, unused vacation time, health insurance or other benefits. It is most often offered to people who are laid off, but it also can be given to other types of employees who leave the company voluntarily.
Severance packages vary widely by industry and company, but there are certain standard components. The main part of a severance package is the amount of money an employee receives. This can be either a lump sum or paid out over a period of time. In addition, severance packages can include extended benefits such as continuing health insurance or outplacement assistance to help find new jobs. Companies that offer severance packages do so because they want to provide their departing employees with a financial cushion while finding new positions and to show their support of the former employees during this stressful time.
In the United States, no law requires companies to offer severance pay. However, if an employment contract or employee handbook stipulates that a severance package is provided when someone is fired, then the company must follow through on these promises. Likewise, if a company has pledged to give out severance payments in the event of layoffs or retirement, then it must honor those agreements as well.
Where Did the Phrase Severance Pay Come From?
While the exact amount of severance packages varies, most companies try to pay an average of one to two weeks’ salary for each year of service. Managers and senior employees typically receive more than entry-level workers. Some severance packages contain other benefits such as the option to keep company equipment or the ability to use remaining unused vacation time.
People can choose to spend their define severance pay however they wish, but it is usually taxed at the same rate as regular salary. This means that if the severance payment is significant enough to push the former employee into a higher tax bracket, they should consider having it spread out over several years in order to minimize the impact. A Northwestern Mutual financial advisor can help people plan how to spend their severance payments wisely.
both a financial cushion for departing employees and a legal obligation for employers. But where did this concept originate, and how did it evolve into the standard practice it is today?
The history of severance pay can be traced back to ancient times, where it existed in various forms across different cultures. In ancient Rome, for example, soldiers were often promised a “severance” or “severance package” upon completion of their service, which typically included land or monetary compensation. This practice aimed to ensure the loyalty and goodwill of soldiers and to provide them with a means of support as they transitioned back to civilian life.
Similarly, medieval guilds and trade organizations offered financial assistance to members who were no longer able to work due to injury, illness, or old age. These early forms of severance pay served as a form of social insurance, providing a safety net for individuals in times of need.