Letting Go Of Employees: Protocols And Basic Etiquette

Letting go of any employee is difficult for management. But such a decision is often necessary to business growth and staff productivity. Management should therefore do it as gracefully as possible. Here’s how:

Be direct and firm 

Avoid being longwinded with your statements. Be forthright and clear.Iif you are letting an employee go, the news should be delivered at the beginning of the meeting. Then patiently answer any administrative questions, such as the issuance of the final check or payment and other insurance claims and benefits.

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Make sure that a witness is present

Have someone from the Human Resources division or a trusted employee present. This will help you in any possible lawsuit or claims of illegal or unethical conduct.. 

Never embarrass the employee

Never let go of the employee in front of everyone else in the office. Do this in private, with only a trusted witness on hand. Understand that when an employee is dismissed, it affects the morale of the rest of the workers, especially if they have formed friendships with the affected employee.

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Make sure that such an action is legal

It’s very important that you consult a lawyer before dismissing any employee. Provide the entire employment file to your attorney and obtain his or her opinion on the legality of the termination.

Atty. Daniel E. DeKoter practices civil litigation, business and employment law, and estate planning and administration. He graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy and English at Calvin College in 1977 and obtained his juris doctorate from the University of Iowa in 1980. For more on his practice areas and work, visit this website.