Introducing HowMuchSeverance.com
In today’s fast-changing employment landscape, both employers and employees face uncertainty when it comes to severance entitlements. The calculation of severance can be complex. In Ontario, this depends not only on Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA), but also on judicial precedents and the specific terms of employment agreements. To simplify this process, we developed HowMuchSeverance.com (HMS) — an intelligent tool designed to estimate potential severance entitlements in Ontario. HMS illustrates how thoughtful legal innovation can make complex legal concepts more accessible, actionable, and scalable for everyone involved.
Determining severance entitlements can be one of the most time-consuming and uncertain aspects of employment law. Lawyers must consider multiple factors, including statutory minimums, reasonable notice under the common law, contract terms, and mitigation obligations, among others. For organizations, this complexity can make workforce planning difficult — particularly when considering restructuring, budget reductions, or new hires.
HowMuchSeverance.com brings structure, transparency, and efficiency to that process in Ontario. The tool draws on three key inputs: (1) the legislated minimum entitlements for termination pay and severance pay in Ontario pursuant to Ontario's Employment Standards Act (ESA); (2) case law interpreting what constitutes reasonable notice under the common law, tailored to employee-specific factors, such as length of service, position, and age; and (3) contractual terms that may expand, restrict, or otherwise define entitlements. By combining these data points, HMS provides an estimated severance range for a given employment scenario — offering valuable insights for lawyers, organizations, and employees alike.
For legal professionals, HMS demonstrates how legal work can be streamlined and scaled without compromising quality. It allows firms to: (1) generate qualified leads by engaging users seeking clarity about their rights or obligations; (2) save time on preliminary calculations and consultations; and (3) provide value to potential clients upfront while building credibility through accessible expertise. It’s a clear example of how innovative tools can extend a firm’s reach, enhance client service, and strengthen professional reputation.
HMS is equally useful for employers and HR professionals. Organizations can use the tool to: (1) assess potential severance liability when considering workforce reductions or organizational changes; (2) plan for budget and risk management with more informed estimates; and (3) evaluate potential future liability when hiring in Ontario, to better understand termination cost exposure. By offering fast, reliable insights, HMS helps organizations make strategic, informed decisions while minimizing legal uncertainty.
HowMuchSeverance.com is more than a calculator — it’s an illustration of what’s possible when legal knowledge and technology meet. It shows how innovation can make law more efficient, transparent, and accessible, while creating practical value for both clients and practitioners on the one hand, and organizations on the other hand. The tool is built for Ontario, but it can be readily adjusted for other jurisdictions in Canada, and abroad. As the legal profession continues to evolve, tools like HMS represent the next step: smarter, data-informed, and client-focused solutions that deliver clarity and confidence in an increasingly complex environment.