You work for a
company that has been going through a lot of changes and upheaval. Word is
going around about lay-offs and you worry you will be next. If you've been an
exemplary employee and the lay-off is not because of anything you have done, be
sure you ask these three questions as you are being handed your sack letter:
1. Ask for a Letter
of Reference. You can use this to help you land that new job because it will be
beneficial to have a letter that praises you and your accomplishments. This
will show future employers that your termination was a business decision and
not because of any wrong-doing on your part. Most people forget to ask about
this, and it is difficult to try to go back later and ask for one.
2. Ask about
severance pay. You are not automatically guaranteed this unless it was
stipulated in your employment contract when you were hired. Typically, one week
of severance is given for each year of service to the company, but this can be
negotiable. And, especially if you have recently finished an important project,
been honoured or achieved a major goal, be sure to remind them. It may buy you
another week of severance pay they were not planning on giving.
3. Are you entitled
to unused vacation pay? In most cases, the answer is no. Some companies allow
you to roll over your unused time from one year to the next, while others have
a use it or lose it policy. Most companies will explain their rules in the
employee handbook, but asking to be paid for your unused vacation pay just may
earn you a few extra kwachas you could use right now.
You may not get any
severance or vacation pay, and you especially wont if you don’t ask for it. Don’t
forget, this is a very difficult situation for your boss, too, so he or she may
be willing to give you more than had been planned on. You will never know
unless you try, and the worst they can do is say no. If the moment passes,
chances are you won’t have another opportunity to ask these questions again.
Knowing ahead of time what to ask for may give you the confidence to speak up
for yourself at this difficult time. Good luck!
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