NewsDownsizingIndustry NewsIn-Depth ArticleTerminationUSALayoffsEnglishTerminationHR ManagementFocus AreaHuman Resources
Pink slip pandemonium — how to better prepare for terminations
2022-09-15T05:00:00Z
As employers continue to tighten their belts amidst inflation, some companies may be looking to cut staff.
Terminations aren’t fun for anyone. For the “terminatee,” it may be a shocking and mortifying experience. For the “terminator” (movie reference unintended), it can be a stressful time.
Having a checklist on hand can help make the process go smoothly and calm some nerves.
While there is no single checklist that applies in all cases, employers should generally do the following as part of the termination process:
- Have one more person present; don’t meet with the employee alone.
- Get right to the point and explain the purpose of the meeting.
- Give the reason for termination, but don’t go through a step-by-step analysis, and don’t be drawn into arguments about the reasons.
- Explain that the decision is final and cannot be reversed. Emphasize that all relevant factors were reviewed, and that everyone in management agreed.
- Outline the entire termination process, and review all the benefits and rights to which the employee is entitled.
- Prepare in advance a written summary of benefits, including any severance pay, compensation for vacation and sick time, continuation of health and life insurance benefits, other benefits, and re-employment assistance.
- Explain the company’s job reference policy, such as what the company will say to someone calling for a reference on that employee.
- If the employee is to leave the premises immediately, have any final checks, benefits, or vacation payments prepared and inform the employee how to collect personal belongings.
- Explain the disposition of other outstanding payments such as travel expense reimbursements, commissions that have not yet been calculated, or bonus payments that might be due.
- Recover any company property or identification from the employee.
- During the meeting (but not before), disable the employee’s computer passwords or otherwise lock out the employee from re-entering the computer system or from accessing emails.
- Watch the employee for signs of excessive anger or hostility; stay calm and listen to the employee. Be prepared to summon help or have an escort ready to lead the person off the premises, if needed.
Key to remember: Terminations are never fun for either side, having a checklist handy might help make the process go more smoothly.