what is a golden handshake 
the term golden handshake refers to a clause in an executive s contract that provides them with a significant severance package if the employee loses their job due to firing restructuring negligence or retirement golden handshakes are normally provided to top executives in the event that they lose employment the amount paid out is commonly negotiated before the contract is signed payment of a golden handshake can be made in a variety of ways including cash and stock options golden handshakes and other similar perks have come under scrutiny because they don t necessarily motivate the employee 