Common Mistakes Managers Make When Terminating Employees

Terminating an employee, whether for performance or financial reasons, is probably the least favorite part of your job. Most people like to avoid conflict – not tackle it head-on. Unfortunately, most managers will have to terminate an employee (or two or more) during their career. We can’t make the process painless but we can help you avoid some of the most common mistakes managers make when terminating an employee.

Clear Message: Be kind and respectful to the employee but don’t beat around the bush during the termination meeting. Be direct and let the employee know that you’re terminating the employment relationship. Don’t use words like “change” or “different direction”. These terms may lead the employee to believe that they’re being re-assigned or that their job duties are changing. Confusion doesn't help the employee or you.

Avoid Long Delays: Don’t unnecessarily delay the inevitable. If you’ve made the decision to terminate an employee, it doesn't do you or the employee any good to delay the process. Indeed, if you delay without reason something might happen that’ll make the termination risky or that’ll require you to keep the employee (e.g., the employee gets injured on the job or files a complaint about unlawful treatment).

It Shouldn't be a Surprise: If you have properly addressed the performance problems or insubordination leading up to the termination then the employee shouldn’t be surprised by your decision. Have you put the employee on an improvement plan or have you given the employee a written warning? If not, you may want to do so prior to termination.

Don’t Make it About You: Don’t spend time talking about how bad the decision makes you and other managers feel. Let the employee know that you’re sorry it didn’t work out and provide them with the reason for termination so that they don’t come up with one on their own. Enough said.

Plan Ahead for the Meeting: Don’t think that you can just handle the termination meeting without preparing for it. You’ll need to decide what you’ll say, what documents you must have ready for the employee, and how you should arrange to provide the employee with their final paycheck. Unprepared managers are much more likely to say something they shouldn’t, forget to have the employee sign the required paperwork, etc. This’ll make the termination very risky for the company.

Avoid the above mistakes to help make the termination process easier on you and the employee. No termination is entirely risk free; however, if done correctly and with forethought, the risks can be significantly reduced.

© 2013 ePlace Solutions, Inc. October 2013 Newsletter