{
  "id": 14457634,
  "title": "Stellenabbau: So vermeiden Führungskräfte die teuersten Fehler bei der Abfindung",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/stellenabbau-so-vermeiden-fuhrungskrafte-die-teuersten-fehler-bei-der",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-14T13:22:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/karriere/kuendigung-wie-sie-teure-fehler-bei-der-abfindung-verhindern/100252136.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "In Deutschland, many businesses are downsizing their workforce, with the German industry alone shedding over 120,000 positions last year. Focusing on executive roles, Volkswagen is among those cutting around 5,500 management positions globally, a quarter of its management. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the topic of severance pay. Generally, there is no automatic right to severance pay in Germany. However, during restructuring, employers often negotiate a social plan with works councils, which establishes severance pay based on social criteria like employment duration or number of children. This right is unique, as it cannot be taken away once agreed upon. The legal minimum is half a month's gross salary per year of service. For instance, with an 8,000 Euro monthly salary and 15 years of service, this would amount to 60,000 Euro. Importantly, the social plan's sum is merely a minimum, even if employers claim otherwise. Nevertheless, individual negotiations can lead to a higher payout, particularly for long-term executives without valid grounds for dismissal. A full month's salary per year of employment is customary. However, works councils usually do not apply to \"executive employees,\" including CEOs and managing directors. It may be worthwhile to explore these options. For every month of employment, there is an entitlement. André Kasten, a labor law attorney at Kanzlei Abeln, emphasizes that the notice period in severance negotiations thus has monetary value. Employers sometimes offer a sprinter premium to encourage quick signing, but this usually ranges up to three months' gross salary. The quick departure only makes sense in certain cases, such as when a new position is in sight. Additionally, negotiating other benefits like vacation time, use of a company car, and open bonus or commission claims for the current business year is crucial, as these often determine the majority of the actual value.",
  "summary": "Freistellung, Bonus, Dienstwagen: Bei der Verhandlung zählt jedes Detail – Manager verschenken leicht einen fünf- bis sechsstelligen Betrag. Eine Checkliste und Beispielrechnungen zeigen, worauf es ankommt.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Handelsblatt",
        "title": "Downsizing: How managers avoid the most expensive mistakes when it comes to severance pay",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/stellenabbau-so-vermeiden-fuhrungskrafte-die-teuersten-fehler-bei-der",
        "published": "2026-10-12T14:31:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}