How to Let Go of an Employee

Are you going to let go of an employee? The decision of letting an employee go is a hard one, but the process is even more complicated, right? Or, so it seems. Read on as this article gives you the tips and proper steps which you can use to let go of an employee.

Why Would You Let Go of an Employee?

• Weak performance
• Breaking any work laws, deeming the workplace unsafe
• Trust issues or failures to meet expectations
• Etc.

Letting the Employee Redeem Themselves

• Warn the employee about their poor performance and give them another chance if possible.
• If the employee is behind on work, allow them to catch up.
• Monitor the employee closely and ask them for reports in a timely manner.
• If the employee cannot keep up with the work, assign them to a slower-moving project or pair them up with another senior employee.
• If there is no progress with the employee, it's time to let them go.

How to Tell an Employee that You are Letting Them Go

• Set up a date and time that works for both you and the employee.
• Plan an overview of what you will say beforehand.
• Be kind and friendly to the employee and state your real reasons why they are not suitable for the company, don’t make them feel like they are not needed.
• Keep the conversation simple and short, and don’t overload the employee with information.
• Ask the employee what your company can improve.
• Offer assistance to them in finding a new job if desired.
• Address any further concerns or questions, and end the meeting.

How to Break Off/Let Go With an Employee

• Don’t spring it onto the employee as a surprise; plan everything.
• Don’t let emotions control you; think strategically. If the employee is a bad hire and negatively affects your business, let them go, even if you are emotionally attached to them.
• If needed, test the employee by allowing them to improve themselves.
• Choose a proper time and place (Ex: Don’t do it in a place where other employees are present).
• Keep the situation private since it could affect the employee you are firing and the other employees.
• Be transparent with the employee and tell them exactly why you made your decision.
• Follow all the local laws and regulations regarding firing an employee since it could cause legal problems if you don’t adhere to the legal aspects.
• Let the employee leave with dignity, don't ruin it by only telling them what they did wrong; also, tell them why they were a valuable part of the team.
• Follow up with the employee. (Ask them if they found a new job and how they are doing, and offer your assistance to them if they are still looking for a job).

Conclusion

Letting go/firing an employee is a hard decision; but, in that case, let the employee know right after your decision and proceed with proper steps while still maintaining the employee's dignity and confidence. Also, abide by laws put in place to not get into legal trouble.

“The day firing becomes easy is the day to fire yourself”-Tom Peters