Letting an employee go is never easy, regardless of the reason. It could be due to performance issues, the company downsizing, or any other slew of issues. However, this process doesn’t have to be the worst experience of the employee’s life. By taking a few measures, you can let employees go in the smoothest way possible so that they aren’t left totally defeated when they leave your office for good.
Be Kind
One thing you should maintain throughout the conversation is kindness. Unless you are letting this person go for a heinous act, there’s no reason you can’t have a civil conversation. Let them know how important they were to the company and that you valued them not only as an employee but as a person. Promise them severance pay and if you feel comfortable let them know that you would be happy to provide them with a reference. Just because you’re letting them go doesn’t mean you have to spit on them and kick them on the way out.
Remain Confidential
As most people would expect, it is easiest to have these kinds of conversations in private, whether they take place in your office or somewhere else. Assure them that any information that they want to be kept private will be so. However, your employees are sure to ask questions. Don’t lie, just tell them the facts, but only as much as they need to hear.
Avoid Surprises
Letting an employee go shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to them. Ideally, you would be having conversations about them underperforming prior to the time of termination, giving them a chance to improve. In cases where the company might be downsizing, every employee should be aware of potential implications beforehand, that way when they come into work and get called into your office they aren’t left scratching their head wondering what they did wrong.
Make it Quick and Direct
There’s no point in extending the conversation past its need. Assuming they aren’t caught off guard, it’s best to simply make the discussion as quickly as possible while explaining exactly why they are getting let go in the first place. Being upfront, honest, and direct with the employee will save everyone time and go a long way in avoiding arguments that go around in a circle.
Making the Tough Decisions
Nobody wants to be the person to let another go, but someone has to make the tough decisions, and as the boss, it lies with you. Whether you work at a hands-on company like Precision Restorations or one that works primarily from a desk, you’ll eventually have to let an employee or two go, and the better prepared you are for that moment, the smoother it will go.