Latest Articles
Return to office (RTO) – productivity programs or stealth layoffs?
Amazon made headlines with a full return-to-the-office policy in early 2025: Five days a week, for all employees, from January.…
Layoffs Ahead? What Paramount Deal means for employees in Berlin
After the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, Layoffs at Paramount Germany are imminent. Up to 3,000 jobs are…
5 things to do when you believe that termination is around the corner
Sometimes, a termination comes “out of the blue”. But not always. Often, there are signs that an employee might get…
Termination of Executives in Germany
Many employees assume that executives (leitende Angestellte) in Germany have no protection against dismissal. That is incorrect. Executives are also…
One-fifth rule for severance pay in Germany
Severance payments in Germany are fully taxable, and employers usually pay them as a single lump sum, which can push…
Termination due to illness in Germany – is this even legal?
Many employees need to take an (extended) sick leave, or are absent due to health problems, at some point in…
Performance improvement plan (PIP): Rights, risks, and how to respond
A performance improvement plan (PIP) is officially designed to help employees improve their performance. In practice, however, it often serves…
Severance pay in Germany: Calculation, Rules & Tips
In theory, most employees in Germany might not have a legal claim for a severance package. In practice, however, severance…
Holiday entitlement during notice period in Germany
When your employment ends, questions about unused vacation days often arise. Can you still take your holidays during your notice…
Termination during parental leave in Germany: Is this legally permissible?
Employees on parental leave enjoy special protection against dismissal. Employers may only terminate employment in ‘special cases’ and with official…