Human Resources
5 Worst Ways to Fire Someone
Oct 21, 2015
It is never easy to fire an employee. From the productivity of the workplace, to the morale of the rest of the staff; it’s important to understand the right way to fire someone, and the ugly truth about firing the wrong way.
Here are several ways NOT recommended during the firing process.
1. By Email or Text
Face-to-face conversations are always the best way to handle any form of confrontation. By sending an email or a text message, it becomes a very unprofessional way to handle the situation. This is especially true if you are dealing with an employee who has been part of your team for many years.
2. Via Social Media
Although social media has become one of the main forums in which we communicate, it’s never okay to fire someone via Facebook message or tweet. Tweets are public and a Facebook message is worse than an email or text.
3. Outside of the Office
Most companies have luncheons or conferences that they attend several times a month. Although this is a great time to get one on one time with specific employees, it’s not the opportune time to fire someone. Often times at these events, third parties are involved and being outside the walls of the company itself seems inappropriate.
4. Not Giving Notice
Termination meetings are the key to giving proper notice and legality when it comes to letting an employee go. The termination meeting should be short and to the point. Be specific about what will happen next: benefits, vacation time, pay, etc. Reviewing proper documents and having their final paycheck printed and ready to go will ensure a smooth employee exit. Be fully prepared to answer all questions that could arise when the termination is announced. You don’t want to have to get back in touch with the employee to answer further questions.
5. Involving Personal Reasons
It becomes easy to get caught up in a confrontation, especially when the reasons to fire someone are blatantly obvious. However, by bringing in personal reasons to fire someone it makes the firing process less valid. If you speak upon their unprofessionalism vs. the personal reasons why you may or may not like someone, you are being reasonable and looking for the best interests for your company.
Although firing an employee isn’t a “fun” part of the job, hopefully with these helpful tips it makes the process a little easier. Always remembering to remain professional, reasonable, and valid within your firing process, will result in the best outcome for your company and it’s staff.