Question for HR folks or anyone who has done this… is it realistic and reasonable to go to HR and volunteer to be laid off in exchange for severance? We are actively going through layoffs at my company for Q1. #layoff #severance #hr
Yes do it. It's easier for them to take voluntary separation agreements than firing people that don't want to leave (potential lawsuits etc). Also people who are so attached to their jobs and on the layoff list may be low performers, so from an HR perspective it's a double win, as they might also be managed out in a matter of months
I am a high performer and I’m nervous they won’t let me go. Do you know if I can be fired (without a severance package) for asking to be laid off?
You work at a different company
Yes, some companies do that. In some cases, the volunteer need to be "accepted", if the company think you are very critical or should leave without severance, they would not "accept"it...
Your manager will obviously be informed if you speak to HR, so assume to be considered a flight risk. Not usually an issue though.