The term refers to compensation provided to an employee in place of other benefits or entitlements, typically those an employee would have received had they remained employed for a specific period. A common example involves receiving a sum of money instead of working a required notice period after resignation or termination. This financial settlement allows the employee to leave immediately without fulfilling the standard notice obligation, while the employer meets their contractual commitments.
Such arrangements provide flexibility for both parties. For the employee, it offers immediate freedom to pursue new opportunities or manage personal affairs. For the employer, it can streamline transitions, prevent potential disruptions during the notice period, or facilitate organizational restructuring. Historically, this practice evolved from established labor laws and contractual agreements designed to protect both employer and employee rights during employment transitions.