[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":489},["ShallowReactive",2],{"document-severance-letter-D13283":3},{"document":4,"label":21,"preview":11,"thumb":22,"thumb600":23,"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"apiDescription":5,"pages":8,"extension":10,"parents":24,"breadcrumb":28,"related":36,"customDescModule":177,"customdescription":6,"mdFm":178,"mdProseHtml":488},{"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":7,"pages":8,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":11,"thumb":12,"svgFrame":13,"seoMetadata":14,"parents":16,"keywords":15},"[DATE] [CONTACT NAME] [ADDRESS] [ADDRESS 2] [CITY, STATE/PROVINCE] [ZIP/POSTAL CODE] SUBJECT: OFFICIAL SEVERANCE LETTER Dear [CONTACT NAME], We acknowledge and recognise the effort that you've put into your job role as [JOB TITLE] during your employment with [COMPANY NAME]. Regrettably, your employment at [COMPANY NAME] stands terminated effective [DATE]",null,"Severance Letter","1",513,"doc","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/severance-letter-D13283.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13283.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#13283.xml",{"title":15,"description":6},"severance letter",[17,20],{"label":18,"url":19},"Legal Agreements","/templates/business-legal-agreements/",{"label":18,"url":19},"Severance Letter Template","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/400px/13283.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/600px/13283.png",[25,17,20],{"label":26,"url":27},"Templates","/templates/",[29,30,33],{"label":26,"url":27},{"label":31,"url":32},"Human Resources","/templates/human-resources/",{"label":34,"url":35},"Offboarding & References","/templates/offboarding-and-references/",[37,41,45,49,53,57,61,65,69,73,77,81,85,101,115,132,146,161],{"label":38,"url":39,"thumb":40,"extension":10},"Employee Dismissal Letter","/template/employee-dismissal-letter-D508","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/508.png",{"label":42,"url":43,"thumb":44,"extension":10},"Lease Termination Letter","/template/lease-termination-letter-D13724","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13724.png",{"label":46,"url":47,"thumb":48,"extension":10},"Service Agreement Termination Letter","/template/service-agreement-termination-letter-D14053","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/14053.png",{"label":50,"url":51,"thumb":52,"extension":10},"Severance Plan","/template/severance-plan-D13185","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13185.png",{"label":54,"url":55,"thumb":56,"extension":10},"Severance Package","/template/severance-package-D13238","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13238.png",{"label":58,"url":59,"thumb":60,"extension":10},"Severance Agreement","/template/severance-agreement-D525","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/525.png",{"label":62,"url":63,"thumb":64,"extension":10},"California Severance Agreement","/template/california-severance-agreement-D13912","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13912.png",{"label":66,"url":67,"thumb":68,"extension":10},"Severance Pay Agreement","/template/severance-pay-agreement-D12863","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12863.png",{"label":70,"url":71,"thumb":72,"extension":10},"Reminder Letter_Confidentialty Letter or Former Letter","/template/reminder-letter_confidentialty-letter-or-former-letter-D5173","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/5173.png",{"label":74,"url":75,"thumb":76,"extension":10},"Letter of Resignation","/template/letter-of-resignation-D512","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/512.png",{"label":78,"url":79,"thumb":80,"extension":10},"Severance Agreement (over 40)","/template/severance-agreement-over-40-D12862","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12862.png",{"label":82,"url":83,"thumb":84,"extension":10},"How To Negotiate Your Severance Package","/template/how-to-negotiate-your-severance-package-D13271","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13271.png",{"description":86,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":87,"pages":88,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":89,"thumb":90,"svgFrame":91,"seoMetadata":92,"parents":94,"keywords":93,"url":100},"EMPLOYEE TERMINATION POLICY POLICY STATEMENT [COMPANY NAME] recognizes that employment relationships may need to be terminated under certain circumstances. This Policy establishes guidelines and procedures to be followed when terminating an employee's employment to ensure fairness, professionalism, and compliance with legal requirements. SCOPE This Policy applies to all employees of [COMPANY NAME], including full-time, part-time, and temporary employees. GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION Termination may occur for various reasons, including but not limited to poor performance, misconduct, violation of company policies, breach of employment contract, redundancy, or reorganization. All terminations will be conducted in accordance with applicable employment laws and regulations. TERMINATION PROCESS Termination decisions will be made by the employee's supervisor or a designated authority, in consultation with Human Resources. Before initiating termination, efforts should be made to address performance or conduct issues through counseling, performance improvement plans, or disciplinary actions, as appropriate. If termination is deemed necessary, the employee will be notified in a private meeting. The reasons for termination will be clearly communicated, and relevant documentation will be provided. NOTICE PERIOD OR PAYMENT IN LIEU The notice period for termination will be in accordance with the employment contract, local labor laws, or company policies. In some cases, where immediate termination is required due to serious misconduct or violation of company policies, the employee may be terminated without prior notice. Alternatively, the company reserves the right to provide payment in lieu of notice, based on the employee's regular salary and applicable legal requirements. FINAL PAYMENTS AND BENEFITS All outstanding salary accrued vacation leave, and other entitlements will be paid to the terminated employee in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.","Employee Termination Policy","3","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/employee-termination-policy-D13489.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13489.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#13489.xml",{"title":93,"description":6},"employee termination policy",[95,97],{"label":31,"url":96},"human-resources",{"label":98,"url":99},"Employee Termination","employee-termination","/template/employee-termination-policy-D13489",{"description":102,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":103,"pages":8,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":104,"thumb":105,"svgFrame":106,"seoMetadata":107,"parents":109,"keywords":108,"url":114},"[DATE] [CONTACT NAME] [ADDRESS] [ADDRESS 2] [CITY, STATE/PROVINCE] [ZIP/POSTAL CODE] SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR EMPLOYMENT REFERENCE Dear [Contact name], We have received an application for employment from [Name], seeking a position with our firm in the capacity of [Position]. We understand the applicant was previously employed by your firm. Accordingly, we would appreciate a reference on the individual, including confirmation of the dates of employment with you, performance evaluation and reason(s) for termination. Please advise whether your reference should be held confidential. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME] [YOUR TITLE] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] [YOUREMAIL@YOURCOMPANY.COM] [IF SENT BY EMAIL YOU MAY INCLUDE THIS NOTICE] This email is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed and/or otherwise authorized personnel. The information contained herein and attached is confidential and the property of [SENDER]","Request for Employment Reference","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/request-for-employment-reference-D498.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/498.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#498.xml",{"title":108,"description":6},"request for employment reference",[110,111],{"label":31,"url":96},{"label":112,"url":113},"References & Recommendations","references-recommendations","/template/request-for-employment-reference-D498",{"description":116,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":117,"pages":118,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":119,"thumb":120,"svgFrame":121,"seoMetadata":122,"parents":124,"keywords":123,"url":131},"EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - AT WILL EMPLOYEE This Employment Agreement for \"At Will\" Employee (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective this [DATE], BETWEEN: [EMPLOYEE NAME] (the \"Employee\"), an individual with his main address at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Corporation\"), an entity organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS In consideration of the covenants and agreements herein contained and the moneys to be paid hereunder, the Corporation hereby employs the Employee and the Employee hereby agrees to perform services as an employee of the Corporation, on an \"at will\" basis, upon the following terms and conditions: APPOINTMENT The Employee is hereby employed by the Corporation to render such services and to perform such tasks as may be assigned by the Corporation. The Corporation may, in its sole discretion, increase or reduce the duties, or modify the title and job description, of the Employee from time to time, and any such increase, reduction or modification shall not be deemed a termination of this Agreement. ACCEPTANCE OF EMPLOYMENT Employee accepts employment with the Corporation upon the terms set forth above and agrees to devote all Employee's time, energy and ability to the interests of the Corporation, and to perform Employee's duties in an efficient, trustworthy and business-like manner. DEVOTION OF TIME TO EMPLOYMENT The Employee shall devote the Employee's best efforts and substantially all of the Employee's working time to performing the duties on behalf of the Corporation. The Employee shall provide services during the hours that are scheduled by the Corporation management. The Employee shall be prompt in reporting to work at the assigned time. NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST Employee shall not engage in any other business while employed by the Corporation. Employee shall not engage in any activity that conflicts with the Employees duties to the Corporation. Employee shall not provide any service or lend any aid or assistance to any party that competes with the services offered by the Corporation. Employee shall not provide any services to clients or prospective clients of the Corporation outside of the provision of services for the Corporation, whether such services are provided with or without compensation or remuneration. CORPORATION PROPERTY Employee acknowledges and agrees that while employed by the Corporation the Employee may be provided with use of computer equipment and other property of the Corporation. The use and possession of the such items shall be subject to any policies, requirements or restrictions established by the Corporation. Such items may only be used in performance of the Employee's duties for the corporation. On request of the Corporation, the Employee shall immediately deliver any such items to the Corporation. Upon termination of employment, Employee shall have the affirmative duty to return any such item to the Corporation whether a request is made or not. The obligation to return Corporation property shall extend and include any and all work product, client property, proprietary rights, intangible property, and all other property of the corporation regardless of the form or medium. COMPENSATION The Corporation shall pay the Employee such hourly compensation as determined by the Corporation. Payment shall be at the same time as the Corporations usual payroll to other employees. BONUS & BENEFITS Payment of any bonuses shall be at the complete discretion of the Corporation. No guarantee or representation that any bonuses will be paid has been made to the Employee. Standard benefits that are provided to other non-management employees shall be offered to the Employee, subject to the Corporation's policies and the terms and conditions of such benefits. WITHHOLDING All sums payable to Employee under this Agreement will be reduced by all federal, state, local, and other withholdings and similar taxes and payments required by applicable law. QUALIFICATIONS OF EMPLOYEE The employee shall satisfy all of the qualification that are established by the Corporation. TERM OF AGREEMENT There shall be no guaranteed term of employment. Employer acknowledges and agrees that Employee shall be an \"At Will\" Employee and that Employee's employment may be terminated at any time by the Corporation, with or without cause. FEES FROM EMPLOYEE'S WORK The Corporation shall have exclusive authority to determine the fees, or a procedure for establishing the fees, to be charged to clients by the Corporation for services that are provided by the Employee. All sums paid to the Employee or the Corporation in the way of fees, in cash or in kind, or otherwise for services of the Employee, shall, except as otherwise specifically agreed by the Corporation, be and remain the property of the Corporation and shall be included in the Corporation's name in such checking account or accounts as the Corporation may from time to time designate. CLIENTS AND CLIENT RECORDS The Corporation shall have the authority to determine who will be accepted as clients of the Corporation, and the Employee recognizes that such clients accepted are clients of the Corporation and not the Employee. All client records and files of any type concerning clients of the Corporation shall belong to and remain the property of the Corporation, notwithstanding the subsequent termination of the employment. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Corporation shall have the authority to establish from time to time the policies and procedures to be followed by the Employee in performing services for the Corporation. This may include, but is not necessarily limited to, employment policies, computer use policies, Internet access policies, email policies, and all other policies, procedures, directives, and mandates established by the Corporation, whether or not in written form or formally adopted. Employee shall abide by the provisions of any contract entered into by the Corporation under which the Employee provides services. Employee shall comply with the terms and conditions of any and all contracts entered by the Corporation. TERMINATION Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employee is an \"at will\" employee of the Corporation. As such, no term of employment is created hereby and employee may be terminated at any time in the sole discretion of the Corporation, whether there exists any cause for termination or not. CREATIONS AND INVENTIONS Employee acknowledges and agrees that any and all work product of the Employee that is conceived or created during the Employee's employment with the Corporation is the exclusive property of the Corporation. This shall include any and all copyrights, trade secrets, confidential information, patents, trademarks, trade dress, ideas, concepts, plans, business plans, business concepts, techniques, inventions, drawings, artwork, logos, graphics, web pages, databases, software, programs, CGI's, plug ins, applications, brochures, inventions, marketing plans and concepts, and all other ideas and work product of the Employee. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that all creations shall be \"works made for hire\" as defined in the [ACT OR CODE]. Notwithstanding the fact that this material may be considered to be a work made for hire, Employee agrees, during Employee's employment and thereafter, which covenant shall survive any termination of the employment relationship, to execute any and all documents requested by the Corporation to confirm the Corporation's ownership and control of all such material, including but not limited to assignments of copyright, confirmations of work for hire status, waivers of proprietary rights, copyright application, and any other documents requested by Corporation. 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NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows: NON-DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION Both Parties understand and agree that each Party may have access to the confidential information of the other party. For the purposes of this Agreement, \"Confidential Information\" means proprietary and confidential information about the Disclosing Party's (or it's suppliers') business or activities. Such information includes all business, financial, technical, and other information marked or designated by such Party as \"confidential\" or \"proprietary.\" Confidential Information also includes information which, by the nature of the circumstances surrounding the disclosure, ought in good faith to be treated as confidential. For the purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information does not include: Information that is currently in the public domain or that enters the public domain after the signing of this Agreement. Information a Party lawfully receives from a third Party without restriction on disclosure and without breach of a non-disclosure obligation. Information that the Receiving Party knew prior to receiving any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Information that the Receiving Party independently develops without reliance on any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Each Party agrees that it will not disclose to any third Party or use any Confidential Information disclosed to it by the other Party except when expressly permitted in writing by the other Party. Each Party also agrees that it will take all reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information of the other Party in its possession or control. TERM The term of this Agreement is [number] of [years/months] from the date of execution by both Parties. TITLE The Receiving Party agrees that all Confidential Information furnished by the Disclosing Party shall remain the sole property of the Disclosing Party. DISCLAIMER","Non Disclosure Agreement Nda","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12692.xml",{"title":139,"description":6},"non disclosure agreement nda",[141,142],{"label":18,"url":130},{"label":143,"url":144},"Confidentiality Agreements","confidentiality-agreement","/template/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",{"description":147,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":148,"pages":149,"size":150,"extension":10,"preview":151,"thumb":152,"svgFrame":153,"seoMetadata":154,"parents":155,"keywords":159,"url":160},"INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT This Independent Contractor Agreement (\"Agreement\") is made and effective [Date], BETWEEN: [INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR NAME] (the \"Independent Contractor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS Independent Contractor is engaged in providing [Describe] business services, its Employer Tax I.D. Number is [Insert], and its Business License Number is [insert]. Independent Contractor has complied with all Federal, State, and local laws regarding business permits, sales permits, licenses, reporting requirements, tax withholding requirements, and other legal requirements of any kind that may be required to carry out said business and the Scope of Work which is to be performed as an Independent Contractor pursuant to this Agreement. Independent Contractor is or remains open to conducting similar tasks or activities for clients other than the Company and holds themselves out to the public to be a separate business entity. Company desires to engage and contract for the services of the Independent Contractor to perform certain tasks as set forth below. Independent Contractor desires to enter into this Agreement and perform as an independent contractor for the company and is willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual promises and conditions contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows: TERMS This Agreement shall be effective commencing [Date], and shall continue until terminated at the completion of the Scope of Work which shall occur no later than [Date] or by either party as otherwise provided herein. STATUS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR This Agreement does not constitute a hiring by either party. It is the parties intentions that Independent Contractor shall have an independent contractor status and not be an employee for any purposes, including, but not limited to, [laws]. Independent Contractor shall retain sole and absolute discretion in the manner and means of carrying out their activities and responsibilities under this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be considered or construed to be a partnership or joint venture, and the Company shall not be liable for any obligations incurred by Independent Contractor unless specifically authorized in writing. Independent Contractor shall not act as an agent of the Company, ostensibly or otherwise, nor bind the Company in any manner, unless specifically authorized to do so in writing. TASKS, DUTIES, AND SCOPE OF WORK Independent Contractor agrees to devote as much time, attention, and energy as necessary to complete or achieve the following: [Describe]. The above to be referred to in this Agreement as the \"Scope of Work\". It is expected that the Scope of Work will completed by [Date]. Independent Contractor shall additionally perform any and all tasks and duties associated with the Scope of Work set forth above, including but not limited to, work being performed already or related change orders. Independent Contractor shall not be entitled to engage in any activities which are not expressly set forth by this Agreement. The books and records related to the Scope of Work set forth in this Agreement shall be maintained by the Independent Contractor at the Independent Contractor's principal place of business and open to inspection by Company during regular working hours. Documents to which Company will be entitled to inspect include, but are not limited to, any and all contract documents, change orders/purchase orders and work authorized by Independent Contractor or Company on existing or potential projects related to this Agreement. Independent Contractor shall be responsible to the management and directors of Company, but Independent Contractor will not be required to follow or establish a regular or daily work schedule. Supply all necessary equipment, materials and supplies. Independent Contractor will not rely on the equipment or offices of Company for completion of tasks and duties set forth pursuant to this Agreement. Any advice given Independent Contractors regarding the scope of work shall be considered a suggestion only, not an instruction. Company retains the right to inspect, stop, or alter the work of Independent Contractor to assure its conformity with this Agreement. ASSURANCE OF SERVICES Independent Contractor will assure that the following individuals (the \"Key Employees\") will be available to perform, and will perform, the Services hereunder until they are completed (identify by title and name as applicable): [Name of Key Employee, Title] [Name of Key Employee, Title] The Key Employees may be changed only with the prior written approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. COMPENSATION Independent Contractor shall be entitled to compensation for performing those tasks and duties related to the Scope of Work as follows: [Describe] Such compensation shall become due and payable to Independent Contractor in the following time, place, and manner: [Describe] NOTICE CONCERNING WITHHOLDING OF TAXES Independent Contractor recognizes and understands that it will receive a [specify tax] statement and related tax statements, and will be required to file corporate and/or individual tax returns and to pay taxes in accordance with all provisions of applicable Federal and State law. Independent Contractor hereby promises and agrees to indemnify the Company for any damages or expenses, including attorney's fees, and legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of independent contractor's failure to make such required payments. AGREEMENT TO WAIVE RIGHTS TO BENEFITS Independent Contractor hereby waives and foregoes the right to receive any benefits given by Company to its regular employees, including, but not limited to, health benefits, vacation and sick leave benefits, profit sharing plans, etc. This waiver is applicable to all non-salary benefits which might otherwise be found to accrue to the Independent Contractor by virtue of their services to Company, and is effective for the entire duration of Independent Contractor's agreement with Company. This waiver is effective independently of Independent Contractor's employment status as adjudged for taxation purposes or for any other purpose. Neither this Agreement, nor any duties or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned by either party without the consent of the other. TERMINATION This Agreement may be terminated prior to the completion or achievement of the Scope of Work by either party giving [number] days written notice. Such termination shall not prejudice any other remedy to which the terminating party may be entitled, either by law, in equity, or under this Agreement. NON-DISCLOSURE OF TRADE SECRETS, CUSTOMER LISTS AND OTHER PROPRIETARY INFORMATION Independent Contractor agrees not to disclose or communicate, in any manner, either during or after Independent Contractor's agreement with Company, information about Company, its operations, clientele, or any other information, that relate to the business of Company including, but not limited to, the names of its customers, its marketing strategies, operations, or any other information of any kind which would be deemed confidential, a trade secret, a customer list, or other form of proprietary information of Company. Independent Contractor acknowledges that the above information is material and confidential and that it affects the profitability of Company. ","Independent Contractor Agreement","6",62,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/independent-contractor-agreement-D160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#160.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[156],{"label":157,"url":158},"Consultant & Contractors","consulting-contractor-business","independent contractor agreement","/template/independent-contractor-agreement-D160",{"description":162,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":163,"pages":164,"size":165,"extension":10,"preview":166,"thumb":167,"svgFrame":168,"seoMetadata":169,"parents":170,"keywords":175,"url":176},"Employee Handbook Understanding employment at [YOUR COMPANY NAME] Revised on [DATE] Prepared By: [YOUR NAME] [YOUR JOB TITLE] Phone 555.555.5555 Email info@yourbusiness.com www.yourbusiness.com Table of Content Table of Content 2 Welcome to [YOUR COMPANY NAME]! 5 1. Organization Description 6 1.1 Introductory Statement 6 1.2 Customer Relations 6 1.3 Products and Services Provided 7 1.4 Facilities and Location(s) 7 1.5 The History of [YOUR COMPANY NAME] 7 1.6 Management Philosophy 7 1.7 Goals 8 2. The Employment 9 2.1 Nature of Employment 9 2.2 Employee Relations 9 2.3 Equal Employment Opportunity 10 2.4 Diversity 10 2.5 Business Ethics and Conduct 12 2.6 Personal Relationships in the Workplace 13 2.7 Conflicts of Interest 13 2.8 Outside Employment 14 2.9 Non-Disclosure 15 2.10 Disability Accommodation 16 2.11 Job Posting and Employee Referrals 17 2.12 Whistleblower Policy 18 2.13 Accident and First Aid 20 3. Employment Status and Records 21 3.1 Employment Categories 21 3.2 Access to Personnel Files 22 3.3 Personnel Data Changes 23 3.4 Probation Period 23 3.5 Employment Applications 24 3.6 Performance Evaluation 24 3.7 Job Descriptions 25 3.8 Salary Administration 25 3.9 Professional Development 26 4. Employee Benefit Programs 27 4.1 Employee Benefits 27 4.2 Vacation Benefits 27 4.3 Military Service Leave 29 4.4 Religious Observance 29 4.5 Holidays 29 4.6 Workers Insurance 30 4.7 Sick Leave Benefits 31 4.8 Bereavement Leave 32 4.9 Relocation Benefits 33 4.10 Educational Assistance 33 4.11 Health Insurance 34 4.12 Life Insurance 35 4.13 Long Term Disability 35 4.14 Marriage, Maternity and Parental Leave 36 5. Timekeeping / Payroll 40 5.1 Timekeeping 40 5.2 Paydays 40 5.3 Employment Termination 41 5.4 Administrative Pay Corrections 42 6. Work Conditions and Hours 43 6.1 Work Schedules 43 6.2 Absences 43 6.3 Jury Duty 45 6.4 Use of Phone and Mail Systems 45 6.5 Smoking 46 6.6 Meal Periods 46 6.7 Overtime 46 6.8 Use of Equipment 47 6.9 Telecommuting 47 6.10 Emergency Closing 48 6.11 Business Travel Expenses 49 6.12 Visitors in the Workplace 51 6.13 Computer and Email Usage 51 6.14 Internet Usage 52 6.15 Workplace Monitoring 54 6.16 Workplace Violence Prevention 55 7. Employee Conduct & Disciplinary Action 57 7.1 Employee Conduct and Work Rules 57 7.2 Sexual and Other Unlawful Harassment 58 7.3 Attendance and Punctuality 60 7.4 Personal Appearance 60 7.5 Return of Property 61 7.6 Resignation and Retirement 61 7.7 Security Inspections 62 7.8 Progressive Discipline 62 7.9 Problem Resolution 64 7.10 Workplace Etiquette 65 7.11 Suggestion Program 67 Acknowledgement of Receipt 68 Welcome to [YOUR COMPANY NAME]! On behalf of your colleagues, we welcome you to [YOUR COMPANY NAME] and wish you every success here. At [YOUR COMPANY NAME], we believe that each employee contributes directly to the growth and success of the company, and we hope you will take pride in being a member of our team. This handbook was developed to describe some of the expectations of our employees and to outline the policies, programs, and benefits available to eligible employees. Employees should become familiar with the contents of the employee handbook as soon as possible, for it will answer many questions about employment with [YOUR COMPANY NAME]. We believe that professional relationships are easier when all employees are aware of the culture and values of the organization. This guide will help you to better understand our vision for the future of our business and the challenges that are ahead. We hope that your experience here will be challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding. Again, welcome! [PRESIDENT NAME] President & CEO 1. Organization Description 1.1 Introductory Statement This handbook is designed to acquaint you with [YOUR COMPANY NAME] and provide you with information about working conditions, employee benefits, and some of the policies affecting your employment. You should read, understand, and comply with all provisions of the handbook. It describes many of your responsibilities as an employee and outlines the programs developed by [YOUR COMPANY NAME] to benefit employees. One of our objectives is to provide a work environment that is conducive to both personal and professional growth. No employee handbook can anticipate every circumstance or question about policy. As [YOUR COMPANY NAME] continues to grow, the need may arise and [YOUR COMPANY NAME] reserves the right to revise, supplement, or rescind any policies or portion of the handbook from time to time as it deems appropriate, in its sole and absolute discretion. Employees will be notified of such changes to the handbook as they occur. 1.2 Customer Relations Customers are among our organization's most valuable assets. Every employee represents [YOUR COMPANY NAME] to our customers and the public. The way we do our jobs presents an image of our entire organization. Customers judge all of us by how they are treated with each employee contact. Therefore, one of our first business priorities is to assist any customer or potential customer. Nothing is more important than being courteous, friendly, helpful, and prompt in the attention you give to customers. [YOUR COMPANY NAME] will provide customer relations and services training to all employees with extensive customer contact. Customers who wish to lodge specific comments or complaints should be directed to the [TITLE AND NAME OF THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE] for appropriate action. Our personal contact with the public, our manners on the telephone, and the communications we send to customers are a reflection not only of ourselves, but also of the professionalism of [YOUR COMPANY NAME]. Positive customer relations not only enhance the public's perception or image of [YOUR COMPANY NAME], but also pay off in greater customer loyalty and increased sales and profit. 1.3 Products and Services Provided You will find more information about our products and services by reading the [YOUR COMPANY NAME] Corporate Brochures. 1.4 Facilities and Location(s) Head Office: [ADDRESS] [CITY], [STATE] [ZIP/POSTAL CODE] [COUNTRY] 1.5 The History of [YOUR COMPANY NAME] [DESCRIBE THE HISTORY OF YOUR COMPANY HERE] 1.6 Management Philosophy [YOUR COMPANY NAME] management philosophy is based on responsibility and mutual respect. Our wishes are to maintain a work environment that fosters on personal and professional growth for all employees. Maintaining such an environment is the responsibility of every staff person. Because of their role, managers and supervisors have the additional responsibility to lead in a manner which fosters an environment of respect for each person. People who come to [YOUR COMPANY NAME] want to work here because we have created an environment that encourages creativity and achievement. [YOUR COMPANY NAME] aims to become a leader in [DESCRIBE YOUR COMPANY'S FIELD OF EXPERTISE]. The mainstay of our strategy will be to offer a level of client focus that is superior to that offered by our competitors. To help achieve this objective, [YOUR COMPANY NAME] seeks to attract highly motivated individuals that want to work as a team and share in the commitment, responsibility, risk taking, and discipline required to achieve our vision. Part of attracting these special individuals will be to build a culture that promotes both uniqueness and a bias for action. While we will be realistic in setting goals and expectations, [YOUR COMPANY NAME] will also be aggressive in reaching its objectives. This success will in turn enable [YOUR COMPANY NAME] to give its employees above average compensation and innovative benefits or rewards, key elements in helping us maintain our leadership position in the worldwide marketplace. 1.7 Goals [DESCRIBE YOUR COMPANY'S GOALS HERE] 2. The Employment 2","Employee Handbook","34",280,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/employee-handbook-D712.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/712.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#712.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[171,172],{"label":31,"url":96},{"label":173,"url":174},"Company Policies","company-policies","employee handbook","/template/employee-handbook-D712",false,{"seo":179,"reviewer":190,"quick_facts":194,"at_a_glance":196,"personas":200,"variants":225,"glossary":252,"clauses":283,"how_to_fill":334,"common_mistakes":375,"faqs":392,"industries":420,"comparisons":437,"diy_vs_pro":450,"educational_modules":463,"related_template_ids_curated":466,"schema":475,"classification":477},{"meta_title":180,"meta_description":181,"primary_keyword":182,"secondary_keywords":183},"Severance Letter Template (Free Word)","Free severance letter template for formally notifying employees of termination and severance terms. Used in 190+ countries. Free Word and PDF download.","severance letter template",[15,184,185,186,187,188,189],"severance letter template word","severance letter free download","employee severance letter","termination and severance letter","severance package letter","severance offer letter template",{"name":191,"credential":192,"reviewed_date":193},"Bruno Goulet","CEO, Business in a Box","2026-05-02",{"difficulty":195,"legal_review_recommended":177,"signature_required":177},"medium",{"what_it_is":197,"when_you_need_it":198,"whats_inside":199},"A Severance Letter is a formal written notice an employer sends to an employee being terminated, summarizing the severance package and the conditions attached to it. This free Word download gives you a structured, professionally worded template you can edit online and export as PDF to deliver to departing employees in a consistent, documented way.\n","Use it any time you terminate an employee without cause — through a layoff, restructuring, or position elimination — and offer severance pay or benefits continuation in exchange. It is also appropriate when closing out a fixed-term role early with a negotiated settlement.\n","Date and recipient details, a clear statement of termination and effective date, severance pay formula and total amount, benefits continuation terms, return-of-property instructions, a reference to any release agreement required to receive payment, and signature block.\n",[201,205,209,213,217,221],{"title":202,"use_case":203,"icon_asset_id":204},"HR managers","Issuing consistent severance notices during a company-wide layoff","persona-hr-manager",{"title":206,"use_case":207,"icon_asset_id":208},"Small business owners","Documenting severance terms when letting go of a long-tenure employee","persona-small-business-owner",{"title":210,"use_case":211,"icon_asset_id":212},"Operations directors","Standardizing the offboarding process across departments during a restructure","persona-operations-director",{"title":214,"use_case":215,"icon_asset_id":216},"Startup founders","Providing written severance terms to early hires during a pivot or wind-down","persona-startup-founder",{"title":218,"use_case":219,"icon_asset_id":220},"Finance executives","Confirming the severance cost obligation in writing for accounting and accrual purposes","persona-cfo",{"title":222,"use_case":223,"icon_asset_id":224},"Legal and compliance teams","Creating a paper trail that supports a mutual release and prevents wrongful termination claims","persona-legal-counsel",[226,230,233,236,240,244,248],{"situation":227,"recommended_template":228,"slug":229},"Terminating an employee as part of a mass layoff","Layoff Termination Letter","lease-termination-letter-D13724",{"situation":231,"recommended_template":38,"slug":232},"Dismissing an employee for cause with no severance offered","employee-dismissal-letter-D508",{"situation":234,"recommended_template":58,"slug":235},"Formalizing the full legal release tied to the severance payment","severance-agreement-D525",{"situation":237,"recommended_template":238,"slug":239},"Notifying the employee of their last working day during notice period","Termination Notice Letter","notice-of-termination-D517",{"situation":241,"recommended_template":242,"slug":243},"Accepting a voluntary resignation while offering a severance incentive","Voluntary Separation Agreement","separation-agreement-D13184",{"situation":245,"recommended_template":246,"slug":247},"Issuing a final pay summary with accrued PTO and deductions","Final Paycheck Letter","final-demand-for-payment_letter-D214",{"situation":249,"recommended_template":250,"slug":251},"Confirming post-employment reference and recommendation terms","Employment Reference Letter","request-for-employment-reference-D498",[253,256,259,262,265,268,271,274,277,280],{"term":254,"definition":255},"Severance Pay","A lump sum or series of payments made by an employer to a terminated employee, typically calculated as a number of weeks' salary per year of service.",{"term":257,"definition":258},"Effective Termination Date","The specific calendar date on which the employment relationship legally ends and the employee's duties and access cease.",{"term":260,"definition":261},"COBRA Continuation","A US federal provision allowing terminated employees to continue employer-sponsored health insurance coverage at their own expense for up to 18 months.",{"term":263,"definition":264},"Mutual Release","A legal provision in which both employer and employee agree to waive all claims against each other as a condition of receiving the severance payment.",{"term":266,"definition":267},"WARN Act","The US Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, which requires employers with 100+ employees to give 60 days' advance notice of mass layoffs or plant closings.",{"term":269,"definition":270},"Garden Leave","A notice period during which the terminated employee is paid but excused from performing duties and prohibited from starting new employment.",{"term":272,"definition":273},"Non-Disparagement Clause","A provision prohibiting either party from making negative public statements about the other following the termination.",{"term":275,"definition":276},"Accrued PTO Payout","Payment of unused paid time off owed to the employee at termination, which is legally required in many US states and Canadian provinces.",{"term":278,"definition":279},"Outplacement Services","Career transition support — such as resume coaching, job search assistance, and interview preparation — offered as part of a severance package.",{"term":281,"definition":282},"Release of Claims","A written agreement in which the employee surrenders the right to sue the employer for claims arising from the employment or its termination, in exchange for the severance benefit.",[284,289,294,299,304,309,314,319,324,329],{"name":285,"plain_english":286,"sample_language":287,"common_mistake":288},"Date, sender, and recipient block","States the date the letter is issued, the employer's name and address, and the employee's full name, job title, and address.","[DATE] | [COMPANY NAME] | [ADDRESS] | Dear [EMPLOYEE FULL NAME],","Using the employee's informal nickname instead of their legal name as it appears on payroll records — this creates a mismatch with the release agreement signed later.",{"name":290,"plain_english":291,"sample_language":292,"common_mistake":293},"Statement of termination and effective date","Clearly states that employment is ending, the reason category (position elimination, restructuring, or layoff — not cause), and the exact last day.","This letter confirms that your employment with [COMPANY NAME] as [JOB TITLE] will end effective [DATE] due to [position elimination / restructuring].","Using ambiguous language like 'we are parting ways' instead of explicitly stating termination. Vague language creates disputes about whether the separation was voluntary or involuntary.",{"name":295,"plain_english":296,"sample_language":297,"common_mistake":298},"Severance pay amount and payment schedule","States the total severance amount, how it was calculated, and when and how it will be paid — lump sum or installments.","You will receive a severance payment of $[AMOUNT], equivalent to [X] weeks of your base salary of $[WEEKLY RATE], paid as a [lump sum on DATE / bi-weekly over X weeks].","Omitting the calculation basis. If the employee later disputes the amount, a letter that states only the total — not the formula — is harder to defend.",{"name":300,"plain_english":301,"sample_language":302,"common_mistake":303},"Benefits continuation terms","Describes what happens to health, dental, vision, and any other benefits after the termination date, including COBRA election instructions if applicable.","Your health benefits will continue through [DATE]. You will receive COBRA election paperwork from [CARRIER / ADMINISTRATOR] within 14 days of your termination date.","Promising to pay COBRA premiums in the letter without confirming the financial commitment in the release agreement — creating an untracked obligation.",{"name":305,"plain_english":306,"sample_language":307,"common_mistake":308},"Accrued PTO and final pay","Confirms the payout of any unused vacation or PTO balance owed at termination and when the final paycheck will be issued.","Your final paycheck, including [X] hours of accrued, unused vacation valued at $[AMOUNT], will be issued on [DATE] via [direct deposit / mail].","Omitting the accrued PTO payout in states or provinces where it is legally required — exposing the company to a wage claim even after the release is signed.",{"name":310,"plain_english":311,"sample_language":312,"common_mistake":313},"Return of company property","Lists items the employee must return — laptop, access cards, documents, and credentials — and the deadline for returning them.","Please return all company property, including your laptop ([SERIAL NUMBER]), access badge, and any confidential documents, to [CONTACT NAME] by [DATE].","Not specifying a return deadline or method. Without one, employees retain equipment indefinitely and the employer has no documented basis to withhold the final paycheck in states that permit it.",{"name":315,"plain_english":316,"sample_language":317,"common_mistake":318},"Confidentiality and non-disparagement reminder","Reminds the employee that existing confidentiality and non-disparagement obligations survive termination, referencing the original employment agreement.","Your confidentiality and non-disparagement obligations under your [Employment Agreement / Offer Letter] dated [DATE] remain in full force following your separation.","Attempting to introduce new confidentiality obligations in the severance letter that were not in the original agreement — these are unenforceable without fresh consideration.",{"name":320,"plain_english":321,"sample_language":322,"common_mistake":323},"Release agreement requirement","States that receipt of the severance payment is contingent on the employee signing a separate release of claims, and sets the deadline for doing so.","Payment of the above severance is contingent upon your execution of the attached Separation and Release Agreement no later than [DATE], which is [21 / 45] days from the date of this letter.","Paying severance before the release is signed and the revocation period has passed — making it nearly impossible to enforce the release if the employee later files a claim.",{"name":325,"plain_english":326,"sample_language":327,"common_mistake":328},"Outplacement and transition support","Describes any career transition assistance the company is offering — resume coaching, job search support, or LinkedIn recommendation — as part of the package.","As part of your severance package, [COMPANY NAME] will provide [X months] of outplacement services through [PROVIDER NAME] at no cost to you.","Offering outplacement verbally but not including it in the letter. Verbal commitments made during a termination meeting are frequently disputed and difficult to enforce without written confirmation.",{"name":330,"plain_english":331,"sample_language":332,"common_mistake":333},"Closing and signature block","A professional closing statement wishing the employee well, followed by the authorized signatory's name, title, and signature.","We thank you for your contributions to [COMPANY NAME] and wish you every success. | Sincerely, | [AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY NAME] | [TITLE] | [COMPANY NAME]","Having an unauthorized person sign the letter — such as a direct manager instead of an HR director or executive — which can expose the company to arguments that the terms were not formally authorized.",[335,340,345,350,355,360,365,370],{"step":336,"title":337,"description":338,"tip":339},1,"Enter the date and both parties' details","Add today's date, the company's legal name and address, and the employee's full legal name, job title, and address at the top of the letter.","Use the employee's name exactly as it appears in their employment file — this ensures it matches the release agreement they will sign.",{"step":341,"title":342,"description":343,"tip":344},2,"State the termination reason and effective date","Clearly identify the reason category — position elimination, restructuring, or workforce reduction — and enter the exact last day of employment.","Avoid blending performance language into a position-elimination letter. Mixing reasons creates legal ambiguity and can undermine a release of claims.",{"step":346,"title":347,"description":348,"tip":349},3,"Calculate and confirm the severance amount","Enter the total severance figure, the formula used (e.g., 2 weeks per year of service), and whether it will be paid as a lump sum or in installments aligned to regular payroll.","Check your employment agreement or company policy first — a contractual severance obligation supersedes whatever you enter here.",{"step":351,"title":352,"description":353,"tip":354},4,"Describe benefits continuation and COBRA","State the exact date benefits end and whether the company will cover any portion of COBRA premiums. Reference the COBRA election packet the employee will receive.","Confirm with your benefits administrator the exact benefits end date before drafting — it is often the last day of the month in which termination occurs, not the termination date itself.",{"step":356,"title":357,"description":358,"tip":359},5,"List accrued PTO and final paycheck details","Calculate any unused PTO balance, state the dollar value, and confirm the date and method of the final paycheck delivery.","Verify your state or province's rules on PTO payout — some jurisdictions require it regardless of company policy; omitting it creates a wage claim risk.",{"step":361,"title":362,"description":363,"tip":364},6,"Specify property return requirements and deadline","List each item of company property the employee must return, the name of the person to return it to, and the return deadline.","Include device serial numbers or asset tags where possible — this removes any dispute about which specific items were covered.",{"step":366,"title":367,"description":368,"tip":369},7,"Set the release agreement deadline and attach it","State the number of days the employee has to review and sign the release (21 days for most employees; 45 days for ADEA group reductions), and attach the release as a separate document.","Do not staple or merge the release into the severance letter itself — they serve different legal functions and should be signed separately.",{"step":371,"title":372,"description":373,"tip":374},8,"Have an authorized signatory sign the letter","Confirm that the HR director, CEO, or another officer with authority to bind the company signs the letter before delivery.","Deliver the letter in person where possible, and follow up immediately with an emailed PDF copy to create a documented delivery timestamp.",[376,380,384,388],{"mistake":377,"why_it_matters":378,"fix":379},"Paying severance before the release is signed","Once the money is paid, the employee has little incentive to sign the release — and the employer has lost all leverage to obtain a waiver of claims.","State clearly in the letter that severance is contingent on execution of the release, and hold payment until the revocation period (typically 7 days) has expired.",{"mistake":381,"why_it_matters":382,"fix":383},"Omitting accrued PTO from the final pay statement","In many US states and Canadian provinces, accrued vacation is treated as earned wages — failing to pay it is a wage violation that a release of claims cannot waive.","Calculate the exact PTO balance as of the termination date, state the dollar amount in the letter, and include it in the final paycheck regardless of whether it is mentioned in the release.",{"mistake":385,"why_it_matters":386,"fix":387},"Mixing termination-for-cause language with a severance offer","Including performance issues or misconduct references alongside a severance offer creates contradictory documentation that undermines both the business reason for termination and the validity of the release.","Use a clean position-elimination or restructuring rationale in the severance letter. If there are performance concerns, address them in a separate documented process — not here.",{"mistake":389,"why_it_matters":390,"fix":391},"Setting a release deadline that violates the ADEA review period","Employees aged 40 and over are entitled to 21 days to review a release under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, and 45 days in a group reduction. A shorter deadline voids the age-discrimination waiver.","Default to 21 days for individual separations and 45 days for any group termination that includes employees 40 or older, and state the deadline explicitly in the letter.",[393,396,399,402,405,408,411,414,417],{"question":394,"answer":395},"What is a severance letter?","A severance letter is a formal written notice from an employer to a terminated employee that summarizes the severance package being offered — including pay amount, benefits continuation, and any conditions such as signing a release of claims. It creates a written record of the terms and serves as a reference document throughout the offboarding process.\n",{"question":397,"answer":398},"Is a severance letter the same as a severance agreement?","No. A severance letter describes the package and the conditions attached to it; a severance agreement is the binding legal document the employee signs to waive claims in exchange for the payment. The letter typically accompanies the agreement as a plain-language summary. Both documents are usually delivered at the same time, but they serve different functions.\n",{"question":400,"answer":401},"Does an employer have to offer severance?","In the US, there is no federal law requiring severance pay. However, if an employment contract, offer letter, or company policy promises severance, those terms are legally binding. In Canada and the UK, statutory notice or termination pay is required by law regardless of whether a written severance offer is made. Always check the applicable employment standards legislation for the employee's work location.\n",{"question":403,"answer":404},"What is a typical severance formula?","The most common formula in North America is one to two weeks of base salary per year of service, with a floor of two to four weeks for shorter-tenure employees. Executives and senior managers often negotiate one to three months per year of service. The formula should be stated explicitly in the letter alongside the total dollar amount to prevent disputes.\n",{"question":406,"answer":407},"Does the employee need to sign the severance letter?","The severance letter itself does not typically require the employee's signature — it is a notice, not a contract. The employee's signature is collected on the separate release of claims agreement, which is the legally binding document. Some employers include an acknowledgment line on the letter for receipt confirmation, but this does not constitute acceptance of terms.\n",{"question":409,"answer":410},"How long does an employee have to review a severance offer?","Under US federal law (ADEA/OWBPA), employees aged 40 and over must be given at least 21 days to review an individual severance offer, and 45 days when the offer is part of a group reduction. Employees also have 7 days after signing to revoke their acceptance. Shorter review periods void the waiver of age-discrimination claims. There is no mandated review period for employees under 40, though 5 to 10 business days is standard practice.\n",{"question":412,"answer":413},"Can a severance letter include a non-compete clause?","A severance letter can reference an existing non-compete from the employee's original employment agreement, reminding them the obligation survives termination. It should not attempt to introduce a new non-compete — that requires fresh consideration and a signed agreement, not a unilateral notice. In jurisdictions that ban or limit post-employment non-competes, even reminder language should be reviewed carefully.\n",{"question":415,"answer":416},"What happens if the employee refuses to sign the release?","If the release is not signed within the stated deadline, the employer is generally not obligated to pay the discretionary severance amount. Any wages earned, accrued PTO owed by law, and statutory notice pay must still be paid regardless. The employer should document the refusal and confirm in writing that the severance offer has lapsed.\n",{"question":418,"answer":419},"Should the severance letter mention COBRA?","Yes. Employees often have immediate questions about health coverage after receiving a termination notice. Including a brief statement of the benefits end date and confirming that COBRA election paperwork will arrive within 14 days reduces follow-up questions and demonstrates good-faith administration of the termination process.\n",[421,425,429,433],{"industry":422,"icon_asset_id":423,"specifics":424},"Technology / SaaS","industry-saas","Layoffs during funding gaps or post-acquisition restructuring often involve simultaneous batch severance letters with equity vesting acceleration referenced separately.",{"industry":426,"icon_asset_id":427,"specifics":428},"Financial Services","industry-fintech","Regulatory licensing and FINRA registration obligations must be addressed at termination, and the severance letter often coordinates the U5 filing timeline with the offboarding notice.",{"industry":430,"icon_asset_id":431,"specifics":432},"Retail / Hospitality","industry-retail","High-volume seasonal workforce reductions require standardized severance letters that can be issued at scale while still meeting state-specific final-pay timing requirements.",{"industry":434,"icon_asset_id":435,"specifics":436},"Professional Services","industry-professional-services","Client non-solicitation reminders are particularly important in professional services severance letters, where departing employees have direct relationships with billable clients.",[438,441,443,446],{"vs":58,"vs_template_id":439,"summary":440},"severance-agreement-D13282","A severance agreement is the binding legal contract the employee signs to waive claims in exchange for the severance payment. A severance letter is the plain-language notice that describes what is being offered and under what conditions. The two documents are typically delivered together — the letter summarizes terms the agreement formalizes.",{"vs":38,"vs_template_id":232,"summary":442},"A dismissal letter terminates employment for cause — misconduct, gross negligence, or a serious policy violation — with no severance obligation. A severance letter applies to involuntary separations without cause, such as layoffs or position eliminations, where a payment is offered. Using a dismissal letter format when severance is being offered sends contradictory signals to the employee and their counsel.",{"vs":228,"vs_template_id":444,"summary":445},"employee-layoff-termination-letter-D12996","A layoff termination letter notifies the employee that their position is being eliminated and their employment is ending. A severance letter goes further by detailing the specific financial package attached to that separation. In many offboardings, both documents are issued together — the layoff letter announces the decision, the severance letter describes the terms.",{"vs":447,"vs_template_id":448,"summary":449},"Termination Letter","termination-letter-D521","A general termination letter closes the employment relationship but does not specify any post-separation payment. A severance letter is used specifically when the employer is offering compensation beyond final wages — creating a documented record of the offer and the conditions (typically a signed release) required to receive it.",{"use_template":451,"template_plus_review":455,"custom_drafted":459},{"best_for":452,"cost":453,"time":454},"HR teams and small business owners issuing standard layoff or restructuring severance notices","Free","15–20 minutes per letter",{"best_for":456,"cost":457,"time":458},"Companies conducting group reductions involving employees aged 40 or over, or any termination with non-compete or IP concerns","$200–$500 for an employment attorney review","1–2 days",{"best_for":460,"cost":461,"time":462},"Executive separations with equity, golden parachute provisions, or material litigation risk","$1,000–$3,000+","3–7 days",[464,465],"severance-pay-basics","employee-offboarding-checklist",[235,232,467,232,251,468,469,470,471,472,473,474],"employee-termination-policy-D13489","employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541","non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692","independent-contractor-agreement-D160","employee-handbook-D712","job-offer-letter-long-D12769","exit-interview-form-D510","acknowledgment-of-obligations-D503",{"emit_how_to":476,"emit_defined_term":476},true,{"primary_folder":96,"secondary_folder":478,"document_type":479,"industry":480,"business_stage":481,"tags":482,"confidence":487},"offboarding-and-references","letter","general","all-stages",[483,479,484,485,486],"termination","offboarding","employment","severance",0.95,"\u003Ch2>What is a Severance Letter?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>A \u003Cstrong>Severance Letter\u003C/strong> is a formal written notice issued by an employer to an employee being terminated without cause — typically through a layoff, position elimination, or organizational restructuring — that summarizes the severance package the company is offering and the conditions attached to it. It identifies the termination date, states the severance pay amount and formula, describes benefits continuation, and references any release of claims the employee must sign to receive payment. Unlike a bare termination notice, a severance letter creates a clear, documented record of what was offered, reducing the likelihood of disputes about the terms of departure.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Why You Need This Document\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Ending an employment relationship without a written severance letter leaves both parties exposed. Employees who receive only a verbal offer frequently misremember the terms — or dispute them entirely — once the emotion of the meeting has passed. Employers who cannot produce a written record of what was offered and when have no reliable basis to enforce a release of claims or defend against a wrongful termination complaint. A properly drafted severance letter also ensures that time-sensitive legal requirements — such as the 21-day ADEA review period for employees aged 40 and over — are documented and met, protecting the validity of any waiver the employee signs. This template gives you a professionally structured starting point that covers every material component of the severance notice, so you can focus on managing the conversation rather than constructing the paperwork from scratch.\u003C/p>\n",1781185969419]