3 Guidelines When Terminating an Employee

3 Guidelines When Terminating an Employee

Unfortunately, some employees don’t work out – their behavior or poor performance escalates and they eventually need to be terminated. Many organizations have questions about properly carrying out terminations, including what to do to address the problem, when it’s appropriate to terminate an employee, and how they facilitate the termination itself. Here are 3 guidelines when terminating an employee.

1. Address the behavior or performance problem.

Directly address the problem before you terminate an employee, whether it be a behavioral issue such as attendance, tardiness, conduct, attitude, or inappropriate behavior; or poor performance. Approach termination with fairness by bringing the problem to the employee’s attention, counseling or coaching them on understanding the problem and disciplinary consequences if they do not change, and providing the necessary training and support for improvement.

For behavioral issues…

  • Use internal counseling or mediation to try to resolve the problem or change the behavior.
  • Refer the employee to an employee assistance program (EAP) if the problem warrants outside assistance.
  • Avoid making assumptions about the reasons for an employee’s behavior (i.e. employee has a mental/emotional issue) and acting upon them.
  • If you have a discipline policy (recommended), follow the steps.

For performance issues…

  • Reiterate performance expectations and/or standards to the employee.
  • Counsel the employee on performance gaps and uncover the reasons for those gaps.
  • Create and document a performance improvement plan or a set of steps to improve performance.
  • Identify ways to support the employee’s performance, such as through coaching or training
  • Follow-up on the performance improvement plan or set of steps within a specific timeframe.
  • If you have a discipline policy for performance issues, follow the steps.

2. Compile/review all written documentation and seek legal consult.

Once you have properly addressed the behavioral or performance problem, exhausted all the steps in your discipline or performance improvement policy, the employee has not improved performance or changed their behavior, and you make the decision to terminate, you need to prepare written documentation of the following:

  • Specific observed incidences/measurements of behaviors or performance problems
  • Steps that were taken to address the problem to include…
    • all communication with the employee about the issue to include dates of communication and transcripts or summaries of the communication that took place
    • all measures you took to resolve the problem or support the employee
    • all discipline that occurred as a result of the problem
    • all documentation, plans, or agreements that were created while addressing the problem
  • Past performance evaluations, emails, employee files, etc.

Some termination decisions can be difficult to navigate legally. Employers risk being sued for wrongful termination or retaliation especially if the employee…

  • Has a disability such as a medical condition, pregnancy, or psychological issue
  • Is currently being accommodated under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Requested or is out on FMLA leave under the Family Medical Leave Act
  • Recently filed a workers’ compensation claim
  • Is a member of a protected class (i.e. over the age of 40, minority, etc.)
  • Has been involved in union activities or made grievances/complaints about work conditions
  • Was treated inconsistently with regard to the same policy or performance issue compared to other employees

In all of these situations, proceed with caution, be conscious of timing, and seek legal counsel before terminating an employee. Additionally it’s especially crucial to have written documentation supporting that the termination is based on specific behavioral or performance issues and not related to a disability, condition, or other unrelated factor.

3. Plan and prepare for the termination.

Prepare the termination letter, review it with legal counsel, and plan a private termination meeting, including at least one other individual as a witness. Carefully consider timing and location of the termination meeting…do not plan the meeting amongst other employees, around holidays, etc.  Write a script, rehearse it, and keep it very short; but be sure to include a few fact-based reasons for termination. Finally, keep the termination meeting professional. Avoid emotionally-charged responses which can lead to lawsuits.

You will also need to prepare administratively for the termination.

  • Calculate severance (if applicable). Write a severance letter.
  • Coordinate outplacement services.
  • Discuss or provide information on health insurance continuation under COBRA.
  • Issue final paycheck.
  • Arrange for payment of accrued vacation time, company expenses, retirement, and other company benefits owed to the employee.
  • Provide a list of company belongings to be returned (keys, credit cards, laptop, materials, tools, cell phone/mobile device, furniture, records/manuals, and other property).
  • Arrange for changing security passwords and departure from the facility.
  • Deactivate computer network and phone access.
  • Communicate the employee’s departure. Keep it simple. Allude to the employee no longer being with the organization, who will be taking on his/her duties in the meantime, and who to contact with questions or concerns.

A termination can be a lengthy, arduous, and legally-risky process, and one that organizations should avoid with sound hiring practices, performance management, and supportive training and development practices that help employees succeed and meet their goals. Nonetheless, if your organization finds itself needing to let go of an employee, be sure you follow these practices to ensure a smooth and compliant termination that keeps you out of court.

Please note that by providing you with research information that may be contained in this article, ERC is not providing a qualified legal opinion. As such, research information that ERC provides to its members should not be relied upon or considered a substitute for legal advice. The information that we provide is for general employer use and not necessarily for individual application.

Additional Resources

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
ERC’s Preferred Partner, Ease@Work, provides employee assistance, work/life and wellness services to companies throughout Ohio with employees throughout the United States. ERC members receive one free management referral or consultation and one free seminar annually. 

Outplacement Services
CareerCurve, ERC’s Preferred Partner, delivers outplacement and career transition services to individuals and organizations.