The new rule mandates that businesses inform their employees that they have at least five days to review any separation or severance arrangements.
A severance clause aims to ensure that a contract will survive the deletion of an unenforceable provision. For example, where a court later deems that a particular provision of a contract is no longer, or was never, enforceable, this deletion would not invalidate or deem unenforceable the entire contract.
Specifically, California Gov Code 12964.5(b)(4) sets a mandatory waiting period of at least five business days. This period allows employees the necessary time to review the severance agreement thoroughly and consult with legal counsel to ensure the terms are fair and in their best interest.
“If any term of this Agreement is to any extent invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced, such term shall be excluded to the extent of such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability; all other terms hereof shall remain in full force and effect.”
Here is an example of a termination clause: “Party A and Party B have the right to terminate the Contract under material breach, change in circumstances, insolvency, and mutual agreement. To terminate the Contract, the terminating party must provide 30 days of written notice to the other party.
How to Structure a Severance Agreement Determine Eligibility: Decide which employees will be offered a severance agreement based on company policy or specific circumstances. Consult Legal Counsel: Work with an attorney to draft the agreement to ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
Showcase past contributions including things you worked on with other teams so that the recipient knows that you were a contributor and an asset to the company. Focus on events and aspects of your job that paint the entire experience in a positive light and avoid sounding bitter or resentful.