SC Employment Laws

Location: South Carolina

A friend (59F) received this letter from her employer on Tuesday. There have been ongoing issues with middle management for years and it finally came to a head a few weeks ago when another co-worker had an outburst in the middle of the office, basically going off on management and the company in general. I’m not sure if anyone else has received letters similar or if she’s being targeted by management for voicing her opinion in several meetings that have been held over the last few weeks (some one-on-one and others in a group setting).

I guess I’m just looking for advice for her because she has given this small company all these years of her life and now, after coming back from vacation and a week before an important surgery, they are giving her this letter with only three (3) days to make a decision. I don’t know how to calculate if the severance package is a fair deal, and I definitely know that if she doesn’t take the severance package and continues employment, she won’t be offered another severance package when they let her go (which is what I’m sure they’re banking on).

Any identifying information has been redacted from the letter and text was copied/pasted from images of the letter. I think it pisses me off more that the letter isn’t even on a company letterhead or isn’t an official looking document, just something someone used ChatGPT to create or stole off the internet.

—

To: _______

Date: July 15, 2025

First, we would like to recognize and sincerely thank you for your 20 years of service here at _____. We also acknowledge that much has changed over the past two decades. Like many organizations, ____ has evolved, our leadership has shifted, our priorities have changed, and our culture continues to move in new directions.

We understand that this may no longer feel like the same company it was when you first joined.

What once felt aligned may now feel different. We also recognize that you’ve expressed ongoing frustration and dissatisfaction with your current role.

It is our goal to ensure you’re in a role and environment that genuinely supports your long-term happiness-whether that’s here or elsewhere.

To that end, we have two paths forward and want to give you the opportunity to choose what is best for you and support you on this choice.

Option 1: Recommitment to Continued Employment

If you would like to continue in your role, we welcome that-but it must come with a renewed commitment to contributing positively to our team and workplace.

 Going forward, we expect:

– Respectful and professional communication with management and colleagues.

– A cooperative, team-first attitude that aligns with our current culture and leadership direction.

– Constructive engagement in day-to-day responsibilities and collaborative work.

– A clear effort to foster a positive and inclusive environment for everyone.

 To support you in this effort, we will provide regular check-ins and feedback over a 90-day period. During this time, it is critical that we see consistent progress and a positive shift. If these expectations are not met, we may need to take further action, including potential separation from the company.

 Please note: If you choose this path and it does not work out, the severance package described below will no longer be available.

 Option 2: Supported Transition with Severance

If you feel that continuing here is no longer the best fit, we understand. After many years, it’s natural for people-and companies-to grow in different directions. With that in mind, we are offering a one-time voluntary severance package to support your transition if you choose to move on.

 This severance package includes:

– A monthly payment of $5,457.68 for five (5) months, issued on the 15th of each month from August through December 2025, for a total cumulative amount of $27,288.40. This monthly amount includes an amount equal to 20 weeks of base pay, and an amount equal to the employer portion of your monthly medical insurance premium, plus the 2% COBRA administrative fee, through December 31″, 2025.

 – A one-time payment of $2,500, paid immediately upon execution of the agreement and expiration of any applicable revocation period. This amount is intended to support any career transition needs, such as resume preparation, coaching, or insurance continuation.  *The package is contingent upon the signing and acceptance of a standard separation and release agreement.

This offer is being made in recognition of your long-standing service and the importance of ensuring a respectful, supported transition.

Next Steps

We want to be clear that this is not punitive. We truly care about you as a person and want you to feel supported in choosing what’s best for your future. Whether you decide to continue here or explore a new opportunity elsewhere, we are here to support that decision.

Please take the time you need to reflect and inform us of your decision by July 18^th. If you have questions, or if you’d like to talk through the options in more detail, we are available to speak confidentially at any time.

Whatever path you choose, please know you have our respect and appreciation and our hope that it leads to greater satisfaction in your work and life.