How much severance for housekeeper?

[Scratchy]

How many weeks pay you would give to a loyal and trustworthy housekeeper of 25 years who due to age/health is unable to continue working?

Edit to add: During the pandemic, I paid her over 9 months while she did not work, which I am considering factoring in to some degree. She returned to work earlier this year but has great difficulty getting the job done. She is now 75 yo.

Many thanks for any responses!

[Brat]

One week for each year if you can afford that.

[badatmath]

Agree one week per year. If that isn't affordable, I guess whatever seems right.

[savory]

You know what you can afford. But, it would seem after 25 years, I might think of her as a relative. Housecleaning is very personal. Keep up the pandemic program. It sounds like it may be very helpful to her. And if that is true, a real blessing for you.

[ivinsfan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by savory You know what you can afford. But, it would seem after 25 years, I might think of her as a relative. Housecleaning is very personal. Keep up the pandemic program. It sounds like it may be very helpful to her. And if that is true, a real blessing for you.

I'm not certain from the post if this a in the house everyday housekeeper or someone coming one or twice a week to do cleaning.



Does anyone think that matter in terms of severance and I'm sure if the lady retired or the OP has to let her due being unable to do the work.

[ProspectiveBum]

It seems like I’m in the minority here, but my understanding is that one doesn’t receive severance when retiring. If you were letting her go, that would be different. To my mind, you’ve already gone well above and beyond in continuing to pay her through the pandemic. Any amount you choose to bestow above what you’ve already done is certainly a generous gift, but I don’t feel anything should be expected or required.

[CardsFan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProspectiveBum It seems like I’m in the minority here, but my understanding is that one doesn’t receive severance when retiring. If you were letting her go, that would be different. To my mind, you’ve already gone well above and beyond in continuing to pay her through the pandemic. Any amount you choose to bestow above what you’ve already done is certainly a generous gift, but I don’t feel anything should be expected or required.

If I understand OP correctly, they are "letting her go" for lack of ability. Seems reasonable to me if she cannot do the job.

While this is not really "severance pay", I would probably give a good bye gift. How much? Depends on the relationship. I would think 10 weeks normal cost would be OK.

FWIW, we have never had a housekeeper, so I have no idea how others might feel.

[Freedom56]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scratchy How many weeks pay you would give to a loyal and trustworthy housekeeper of 25 years who due to age/health is unable to continue working? Edit to add: During the pandemic, I paid her over 9 months while she did not work, which I am considering factoring in to some degree. She returned to work earlier this year but has great difficulty getting the job done. She is now 75 yo. Many thanks for any responses!

It's refreshing to see that there are good natured people like you in this world.

[Scratchy]

Appreciate the responses. 1 week/year which would be 25 weeks was helpful as a baseline but I did consider the recent pay while she was not working and decided on 4 months, i.e 18 weeks, which came out to a round number.

For clarification, I was letting her go because I perceived she was not up to the work and was concerned about her getting injured at 75 years old with some visible limitations in mobility.

Very sad goodbye after 25 years, but I suppose all good things must come to an end.

[ProspectiveBum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CardsFan If I understand OP correctly, they are "letting her go" for lack of ability. Seems reasonable to me if she cannot do the job.

I see from OP’s clarification that your read on it was correct.

In that situation, I agree that some severance is warranted, and think OP’s decision to offer 18 weeks is extremely generous and kind-hearted.

[Teacher Terry]

That’s really nice of you Scratchy.