You’re employed for a business that’s undergone a lot of transformations recently. You’ve heard rumours about layoffs, and you’re terrified you’ll be the next. You should ask these three questions when you receive your Pink Slip if you have been an excellent employee and the layoff is not due to your actions:
- Request a Letter of Recommendation from Someone You Trust. If you want that new job, you may utilize this letter to assist you in getting it because it will highlight your strengths and successes. This will demonstrate to potential employers that your dismissal was not due to any misconduct on your part. Most people don’t think to inquire about it, and trying to go back and do so later is tough.
- Inquire about the possibility of receiving severance pay. This isn’t something you’re automatically entitled to unless your job contract specifically states it. A typical severance package includes one week of pay for every year of employment. However, this is flexible. Remind them, especially if you’ve just concluded a significant project, received an award or met a major objective. You might be able to negotiate an additional week of severance pay as a result of this.
- How much-unclaimed vacation pay are you entitled to? The majority of the time, the response is no. Some businesses allow you to carry over unused time from year to year, while others require you to utilize it or lose it. Most employers will explain their policies in the employee handbook, but asking to be reimbursed for unused vacation money may net you a few additional cash right now that you could put to better use.
If you don’t ask for severance or vacation compensation, you won’t get any of it. Remember that your boss is going through a difficult time as well, so they may be ready to extend you a little extra wiggle room. Even if they reject your request, you’ll never know unless you ask. If you miss this opportunity to ask these questions, odds are you won’t have another one. Knowing what to ask for ahead of time can give you the courage to stand up for yourself during this trying moment. Wishing you the best of luck!
