Here is how Block's severance package compares to other tech companies in past layoffs
Business Insider
February 28, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Jack Dorsey's Block is laying off nearly half of its workforce, with approximately 4,000 employees affected. Despite the sweeping nature of these layoffs, Block has gained attention for offering a generous severance package, which includes 20 weeks of salary (plus an additional week per year of tenure), six months of healthcare coverage, a $5,000 stipend, and the option to keep work devices. Additionally, equity will vest through May 2024. This approach has been praised as "relatively generous" compared to other tech companies.
When comparing Block's severance package to others in the industry, Amazon offers 90 days of full pay and benefits for laid-off employees, while Meta provides 16 weeks of base pay plus two additional weeks per year of service, along with six months of health insurance. Airbnb offers 14 weeks of base pay plus an extra week per year, plus a year of COBRA coverage for U.S. employees. Google and Microsoft have also implemented significant severance packages, including accelerated vesting periods and healthcare coverage.
In contrast, companies like X (Twitter), under Elon Musk's leadership, provided only three months' salary to laid-off employees. This stark difference highlights the varying approaches tech companies take in handling layoffs and severance packages. Block's package stands out for its comprehensive benefits, which aim to support employees during a challenging time while maintaining the company's reputation for fairness and transparency.
The comparison of severance packages across major tech companies underscores the importance of such offerings in employee relations and corporate responsibility. While layoffs are often necessary for cost-cut
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/28/2026