Vlog | 4 Tips for a Smooth Employee Termination

Employee Termination.

Today I want to talk to you about smooth employee termination. It is never a fun topic but a critical one. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the employee termination.

#1 – Document

Always make sure you have documentation leading up to the termination if possible. There may be some instances that warrant immediate termination but for performance issues or they are violating policies, you want to make sure you are having conversations with the employee to give them the opportunity to improve. Document all of your conversations along the way.

Many states are “at will” states which means you can fire an employee for any reason or no reason at all, as long as it is not an illegal reason. Documentation is essential to protect your business in the case an employee reports you for illegal termination.

#2 – Research State Requirements

Learn the final pay and documentation requirements that your state requires you provide to the employee at the time of termination. Many states are different. For example, in California, you have to pay all final wages at the time of the termination. Look up the law or talk to your HR department beforehand.

#3 – Terminate Midweek

Many people terminate on Fridays, but what weekday is the best to deliver the dreaded news? I suggest that you terminate midweek. This gives the person the opportunity to file for unemployment, reach out to their network and research other employment opportunities while the work week is still in full swing. They don’t feel like they have to wait two days to get started.

#4 – Communicate Properly

Before the termination, know and rehearse what you are going to say to the terminated employee. Practice and role play with another manager or a member of your HR team. It will make the conversation go so much smoother.

While I recommend you do communicate the termination to the rest of your staff, you do not need to be specific regarding the reasons why. Keep it short and simple.

Thank you for watching and let me know if there are any topics I can address for you in my next vlog!

 

Tandem HR

Tandem HR is a Chicago Professional Employer Organization (PEO), and IRS certified PEO assisting hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses. For more information visit TandemHR.com or call 630.928.0510.