Terminating An Employee

It’s an unfortunate truth that you’ll likely have to fire an employee at some point in your career, whether for cause or because you have to make staffing cuts. While this is never easy, knowing how to let someone go gracefully can make it a slightly less painful – and much less damaging – process.

We’ve written a series of guides intended to help you through the processes of terminating an employee and accepting an employee’s resignation.

In these articles, you’ll find information on:

  • How to respond professionally when an employee gives notice.

  • What should go into a severance package and who gets one.

  • How to professionally fire or lay off an employee.

  • What questions to ask in an exit interview.

Featured Article

10 Ways to Handle Employee Resignations

Discover the most effective ways for employers to respond to an employee's resignation and handle the transition without any hiccups.

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Reasons To Fire An Employee

Firing an employee isn’t an easy thing to do. However, sometimes an employee ends up being a determinant to the organization and needs to be let go. There can be various reasons for this, from unethical behavior, illegal actions, or just not being able to meet the expectations of the job. Key Takeaways: Termination is […]

How To Downsize A Small Business

Summary. Downsizing a small business is difficult, but it might be a necessary step to keep the company solvent and relevant in your industry. Learn what downsizing is and why a company would want to downsize. We also have some tips to make downsizing easier. If you’re considering downsizing your small business, you’ve probably considered […]

Termination Letter (With Examples)

A termination letter is not legally require but it is an important part of an employee file.

8 of My Most Bizarre ‘Firing’ Stories

No matter how often you’ve done it, letting someone go from your business is never easy. You might expect a few harsh words. There may be tears. Gosh there may even be a hug. What’s my number one piece of advice? Expect the unexpected …

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How to Respond to Employees in Exit Interviews: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Have you ever been caught off guard by a surly employee in an exit interview? Or have you been unable to extract any helpful information because the person got stuck on the first question and wouldn't stop talking about it? Beginning an exit interview is like a box of chocolates; you never know what sort of employee you’re gonna get.

Terminating An Employee Highlighted Articles

Severance Packages [Employer Guide]

The practice of offering severance packages is uncommon in the United States due to most positions being at will. Severance agreements are a way to ensure that employees stay financially healthy even after they no longer work for the company. It’s a way to show goodwill and maintain a positive relationship with former employees. Key […]

10 Ways to Handle Employee Resignations

Discover the most effective ways for employers to respond to an employee's resignation and handle the transition without any hiccups.

How To Handle An Employee Resignation

It is rarely an easy situation to handle an employee’s resignation. Even if you are parting on good terms, the loss of an employee results in a transition process that requires careful execution. The best way to handle an employee’s resignation is to be prepared for any situation. Luckily most employee resignations follow a similar […]

6 Things To Avoid Doing When An Employee Resigns

Reacting correctly to an employee who gives notice will smooth out his or her experience. If the employee has a good experience with you on the way out, your other employees will know about it. Here are five things you must never do when an employee gives notice.

Exit Interview Questions

Regardless of how well your company is run or how high your employee morale is, there will inevitably come a time when an employee chooses to leave your company to move on to something different. When an employee decides to leave your business, it’s important to understand why they’re resigning so that you can address […]

How To Fire An Employee

Letting go of an employee is never an easy task. It’s a stressful situation for everyone involved, no matter what the reason for termination is. There are also legal considerations that come into play which can further complicate the process. These tips and instructions for firing an employee can help your business get through this […]

Layoff, Reduction, and Recall Policy [Template]

Sometimes in business, things don’t always go according to plan. When you need to reduce spending in order to stay afloat, layoffs can be an option that gets put on the table. Layoffs are one of the most difficult things you can face as a manager or supervisor, so understanding how the process works and […]

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The 10 Reasons People Really Quit Their Jobs [Infographic]

People quit their jobs for a number of reasons. Smart companies are prepared for when their people inevitably move on.

5 Tips On How To Handle Staff Resignations

There are certain tactics employers should keep in mind in order to help prevent the repercussions of a sudden and unexpected change or loss in staff.

Firing Employees: Top 5 Lessons

Previously, Greg Weiss guest posted about "Why Treating Departing Employees Well is Smart Business". Then our own Paul Slezak told some really wacky tales in "8 of My Most Bizarre ‘Firing’ Stories". Today we'll finish our series on this uncomfortable topic with my top 5 lessons learned about firing employees.

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Why Treating Departing Employees Well is Smart Business

Whatever the reason, the decision to let someone go is hard on both sides. Treating employees with dignity, regardless of their position in your organisation, is not only morally and ethically right, but it makes sound business sense.