How to Fire an Employee the Right Way

There are many small businesses that do not have a human relations representative to do the hiring and firing. It therefore becomes the responsibility of the business owner or manager. When the time comes to terminate an employee, no one wants a shouting match or to be sued for wrongful termination. For whatever reason you have to terminate an employee, there is a wrong way and a right way. The best way to avoid negative situations after a termination is to do four things leading up to the day of termination.

1) Information. Inform your employees of their job description and the standards they should meet. You should have a copy for them to keep to reference if they have any questions of if they forget. Also, have a signed copied of the job description on file as proof that they understand what is required.

2) Documentation. An employer should have yearly evaluations to document and discuss changes in work performance. Also, outline or record any conversations you have with your employees regarding unsatisfactory work performance, poor attitude, or anything else pertaining to their position. Dating all documents will give you and the employee markers to evaluate progress or lack of progress.

3) Communication. When an employee does something that is substandard or inappropriate communicate that to them in a private setting or through email so you minimize embarrassment in front of their coworkers. If the action only happens once, then tell them only once; no one likes to be picked on or be reminded of their mistakes. Be sure to be clear and ask them if they have any questions. This will help create a dialogue and help prevent misunderstandings.

4) Don't make it personal. It shouldn't matter if you like them or dislike them. They should not feel unjustly targeted or that you enjoyed getting ride of them. When you meet with your employee to terminate them, make the meeting short and direct. Tell them with in the first thirty seconds that they are being terminated. Tell them a few, not all, of the reasons for the termination. Give them the termination letter.

It is not easy to fire an employee, but it helps to have a plan. Before doing so, have an understanding of how things will change and how you may need to fill that position.