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Frequently Asked Questions

This page answers common questions about the Onwards platform in natural language.

How do I calculate severance for an employee?​

To calculate severance:

  1. Navigate to your event
  2. Add the employee to the "Impacted" pool
  3. Verify the employee data (salary, hire date, termination date)
  4. Click "Run Calculations"
  5. The system will apply the calculation template for the employee's location

See: Calculation System

What is the difference between RIF and MSA?​

  • RIF (Reduction in Force): A group termination event, typically for multiple employees. Requires OWBPA compliance for employees 40+.
  • MSA (Mutual Separation Agreement): An individual negotiated separation, usually for a single employee.

See: Project & Event Management

How do I import employees from Workday?​

  1. Navigate to your event
  2. Click "Import from Workday"
  3. Enter search criteria (department, location, etc.)
  4. Select employees from the results
  5. Assign them to a pool (Impacted or Considered)

See: Employee Data Management

How do variables work in calculations?​

Variables are dynamic values that can be used in calculation formulas. They can:

  • Reference employee data (salary, tenure, age)
  • Use mathematical formulas
  • Have dependencies on other variables
  • Be overridden manually for specific employees

See: Variables System

How do I generate separation documents?​

  1. Complete calculations for all impacted employees
  2. Navigate to the Documents tab
  3. Select a document template
  4. Preview the document with merged employee data
  5. Click "Generate Documents"
  6. Download or send via e-signature

See: Document Management

What is OWBPA compliance?​

OWBPA (Older Workers Benefit Protection Act) requires special procedures for employees age 40 or older:

  • Disclosure of decisional unit information
  • 21-day consideration period (individual) or 45 days (group)
  • 7-day revocation period after signing

See: ADEA/OWBPA Compliance

How do I send documents for electronic signature?​

  1. Generate documents for your employees
  2. Navigate to the Documents tab
  3. Select employees to notify
  4. Choose your e-signature provider (Adobe Sign or DocuSign)
  5. Configure the email template
  6. Click "Send for Signature"

See: Document Management

How do I override a calculated severance amount?​

  1. Navigate to the event calculations
  2. Click on the employee's calculation
  3. Override specific variable values
  4. Add a reason for the override
  5. Save changes

The override will be tracked in the audit log.

See: Calculation System

Where can I view reports?​

Navigate to the Reports section and choose from:

  • Employee Insight Report: Detailed employee data with calculations
  • Finance Report: Severance costs and financial projections
  • Outplacement Report: Outplacement service assignments
  • Payroll Report: Integration data for payroll systems

See: Reporting System

How do I track document signature status?​

The system automatically tracks signature status via webhooks:

  • Sent: Document delivered to employee
  • Viewed: Employee opened the document
  • Signed: Employee completed signature
  • Declined: Employee rejected the document

See: Document Management