Is There a Good Way to Fire an Employee?

Is There a Good Way to Fire an Employee?

You may be wondering if this is a trick question.  It isn’t…. the goal is to help make a bad situation as “okay” as it can possibly be.  Although I can’t cover everything in this article I can provide some general tips that will help you develop a process. 

Firing an employee should always be the last step in a structured process but when you have to terminate an employee…

Don’t let emotions take over.

Acting in the heat of the moment can often bring negative results.

Have an exit process.

Do you have a process to have the employee return company property, collect their personal items, or their last paycheck?   Are you prepared to provide the employee with the information regarding any possible benefits they may have through the company? 

Don’t do it alone.

Having someone else in the room eliminates the possibility of an employee claiming you said things you didn’t.

What do you say?

Keep it simple.  This is life changing news and it isn’t good for you or the employee to drag it out.  Invite them in, sit them down and say… “I'm sorry, but your employment with the company has been terminated as of today.” 

Never argue.

Most people who get fired are fairly quiet. Some get mad. Some argue and then get mad.  No matter what the reaction, stay calm. Be professional and don’t speak without thinking and open yourself up to possible legal issues. 

And finally…

Accept that you'll feel terrible. No matter how much the employee deserved to be let go. Feeling terrible about playing a role in changing someone's life for the worse is something you will (or should) never get used to.