If your business needs to reduce personnel costs or your total number of employees without making layoffs, you should consider employee buyouts as an option. An employee buyout offers employees an option to leave a position voluntarily for a financial package that includes pay and, in some cases, benefits as well. Unlike severance pay, which occurs as a result of poor performance, you can offer your employees a buyout option to give them an opportunity to exit the company freely before you make large-scale layoffs.

For some employees, a buyout provides more benefits than downsides. Employees considering early retirement may find an employee buyout more appealing than waiting around for downsizing. This option allows an employee at the ending stage of their career to access their pension, while also receiving a package that offers financial stability. Instead of waiting around for termination, offering an employee a buyout gives your employees an opportunity to seek other employment opportunities without the burden of missing multiple paycheques.

As an employer , you should offer your employees a buyout to avoid accelerating a bankruptcy or terminating more employees than necessary. Employee buyouts are a good way to reduce operating expenses, while also preventing bad press and liability concerns. Choosing to offer employee buyouts prior to layoffs can make the difference between staying in business and closing your doors.

Employee buyouts provide benefits to both the employer and employee. Employees can use the employee buyout offer to find other employment while staying financially afloat. Employers can use a buyout offer to save money and avoid making large scale layoffs. Instead of downsizing, you can use employee buyouts to restructure your business for financial success.