"There's an emotional component that comes with getting let go. That feeling is valid. But you can't let that emotion drive you to do something irrational. I've been yelled at point-blank to my face. Doing that just opens you up to all kinds of issues. In that moment, I'm less willing to be flexible and meet you where you are."
"An example of an irrational move is publicly bashing the company. Your severance agreement might have a non-disparagement clause, so if you speak negatively about the company, you could nullify your cash severance, an acceleration of your stock options, or your health insurance for you and your family. The same or worse could happen if you take confidential information with you, such as by forwarding an email from your work account to your personal email on your last day."
Former chief people officer Pav Stojkovic has overseen hundreds of layoffs and recommends calm, strategic responses when separated from a job. Emotions are valid but acting irrationally—yelling, publicly bashing the company, or taking confidential information—can forfeit severance, stock accelerations, or health insurance and make HR less willing to be flexible. Employees should attempt to negotiate better severance and ask for their employee file. Even those fired for poor performance may still qualify for unemployment benefits. Companies may include non-disparagement clauses in agreements; violating confidentiality or disparagement terms can nullify post-employment protections. Requesting documentation and negotiating terms can materially affect financial and health coverage outcomes.
Read at Business Insider
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