If companies actually paid employees not to compete they would be able to keep them. Correct me if I'm wrong, but--at least where I live--non-competes lack legal authority (even before they were outlawed) because most companies don't provide compensation for limiting an ex-employee's ability to make a living in their field in the future.
So, it's conceivable that an ex-employee could receive 6 months severance in trade for a non-compete of that length, but I doubt it's very popular.
So, it's conceivable that an ex-employee could receive 6 months severance in trade for a non-compete of that length, but I doubt it's very popular.