How to Tell an Employee, You're Fired

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (24 Ratings)

No one but Catbert enjoys firing anyone, even when it's unavoidable. It won't be fun, but here's how to do it right.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Human Resource services
Spiral notebooks
Manila file folders
Computer discs

Step 1

Make sure your documentation ducks are in a row before the meeting. Have important paperwork with you, such as previous performance reviews, probationary warnings or other relevant personnel material.
Step 2

Decide the details of the employee's departure before you sit down with him. How long will he have to clear out? Does he have a company car or a laptop to return?
Step 3

Arrange to have a human resources representative present. Not only can the representative give the fired employee information and answer questions about severance and continuation of benefits, but she can also ensure that the meeting follows the company's HR guidelines.
Step 4

Get right to the point. The employee's fate has been decided, so just say it.
Step 5

Take responsibility. Even if you're not the one who decided to take the action, if asked directly, "Whose decision was this?" be prepared to say, "Mine."
Step 6

Offer whatever assistance your company provides in the way of outplacement, counseling or other services, no matter how acrimonious the parting.
Step 7

Communicate the essentials of the employee's departure to other members of the department. Avoid details about why he was let go; it's unprofessional and could have unpleasant legal repercussions.
Step 8

Document the meeting, and follow up with an HR letter confirming the details of your conversation.

Comments

kandiamo said

Flag This Comment

on 9/14/2009 It's not recommended to fire in your office as your chair generally faces the door. An irate employee may use furniture placement to physically trap you in your office while they threaten or vent. If your office is close to the lobby or clinic area, this shouting will be readily heard by customers/patients and will not reflect well as to the safety of your business. Some customers may leave believing it's better to miss an appointment than risk being shot by someone 'going postal'. It's also a matter of confidentiality for the embarrassed employee not to have their peers hear everything that went down when they were fired.

A better plan is to reserve a conference room (where there is little to destroy or throw) and take the chair at the end of the table nearest the door, indicating the chair opposite or with a corner between you and the employee. You can choose to calmly leave...

srobison62 said

on 8/5/2009 When it comes to disciplining an employee I try to always be in a situation where the employee knows whats coming. I dont think anyone should ever receieve a write-up or termination in a state of surprise. I lay out the guidelines clearly (ex. Blank number of write-ups is instant termination) and when the time comes, the employee knows exactly what to expect.

uttie said

on 1/21/2009 If I have to fire someone, it's usually after much time has been spent to develop and/or discipline that person and after management has discussed every possible alternative. So at that point I feel not like I'm kicking someone out the door but instead I'm helping them get started on the road to find something/somewhere that is better suited for them.

Golightly678 said

on 9/9/2008 I like everyones comments, but as an employer, DO NOT say 'Get a grip, it's not like you're dying" I've had more than one fired person come back and repeat a seemingly harmless comment like that and when they're applying for unemployment or making claim against you, you HAVE to have your ducks in a row, so just fill out paperwork when they mess up (YES and make them sign it, I had one girl claim she was never written up, YES she was, 3 times!), the BIGGEST help, and be sure you explained to them along the way their mess ups and repurcusions (sp?) of those infractions. Overall, the claims happen, get over it, employees have no idea what they are really doing when they make them. They are just pissed. THEN i want to say "GET OVER IT IDOT" but never to their face!