Here's how you can negotiate severance packages effectively in the tech field.

Before you start negotiations, take time to assess your contributions, skills, and the value you’ve added to the company. Having a clear understanding of your worth will give you confidence and a strong foundation during discussions.

I think this is the primary concern, everytime I have augmented an agreement to take less pay I have almost always regretted it, save a few specific cases. I think this is the first concern to be negotiated. This in my opinion is to be done prior to engagement. Accept only the highest package available within your limits of effective reasoning.

There are market standards to contemplate and there are benchmarks to consider. Professionals talk with their peers, professionals evaluate offers at times with associates within their network. I think legal here is a stron term, I would say ethical is the relevant terminology. That said in todays global climate an offer could be discussed over email between two buddies or at drinks with a friend.

Choose the right moment to negotiate. If your company is going through a rough patch or restructuring, it might be a good time to ask for a more favorable severance package.

I've made the mistake of making and receiving offers or hosting talks where none ought to have been had, I feel that talks should take place at critical moments to prevent the 6 sigma negotiation spread (range) beyond the scope that it ought to be limited to.

As engineers I feel this is where we are most weak, we tend to assume logical deduction on the part of the host of the process. Fight for every buck you are worth. A low offer could signal a few yellow flags if not several or worst case red flags. Never make the first offer,if you do, benchmark it against relevant market standards.

You potential ought to be known by your network as well as potential clients, this adds some amount of leverage to your position, avoid taking untenenable postures in conversation.

Think beyond the severance package. Ask about any opportunities for consulting or freelance work with the company in the future. Keeping the door open for future collaborations can be beneficial.