Step-by-step
employee termination guide. Includes letters of termination
Letters of termination might be the most difficult writing an
employer or human resources manager has to do during a workday.
It's difficult to fire anyone, but a good letter can ease the
pain of a firing. Also it provides the employee with something
from which to start a new life.
When the time comes to write letters of termination, you might
not be feeling compassionate toward the employee in question.
But writing a sensitive letter, within reason, can serve you
well in the future and keep your company out of legal trouble.
Employees who receive letters of termination are usually not
taken by surprise, because managers have warned them that such
a letter might be heading their way. Not only do you want the
letter to be sensitive to the employee's feelings, but you also
need to give detailed reasons for the termination.
Well-Written Letters of Termination Not Too Difficult
When writing your letters of termination, include some simple,
and obvious, details. For example, clearly explain the reasons
for termination; whether it is a firing for cause, a lay-off,
or restructuring. If the employee is being fired for reasons
other than internal company matters, be sure to outline exactly
what behavior precipitated the firing. If necessary, highlight
parts of the company's manual that were violated. Include the
impact the employee's behavior had on the company or department.
If the firing is due to a lay-off, restructuring or downsizing,
you can express some sensitivity in the letters of termination.
You simply indicate you have enjoyed working with the employee,
if this is true. You might also highlight useful and exceptional
work the employee did, all while making clear the termination
is not a debatable issue. In addition, you might say you are
sorry the change in the company will also impact the employee,
and you hope the best for them.
Once you have described in detail the reasons in your letters
of termination, you can begin to help the employee make this
major shift in their life. You can do this in various ways. You
might perhaps help the employee get job counseling or tell them
where to get assistance with a resume. You also might offer information
about how to get back on track in the work world as quickly as
possible.
Don't
write any letters of termination until you check this guide
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