How To Conduct A Proper Termination

Last week, several clients did what sometimes needs to be done:  they terminated an employee’s employment.

Some of the reasons for last week’s terminations included:

• Attendance issues; refusal to adhere to their job description.
• Alcohol and substance abuse on company property.
• Complaints from team members and clients about the employee; creating a toxic work environment.

Some points to remember when terminating an employee:

• Let the employee know of the decision in person, face-to-face.
• Make certain you have a witness present.
• If you cannot terminate in person, terminate by phone or Zoom, but do have a witness present.
• The message to the employee should be short; the decision has been made – there is no need for a detailed explanation.
• Kansas is a right to work, employee “at will” state, so you do not need to do anything else.
• Do not provide a termination letter.   It is not required or needed, and to the employee it feels as if they are being terminated twice.  Once is enough.
• All documentation pertaining to the termination should be placed in the former employee’s personnel file – nowhere else.

If you have questions or concerns about how to conduct a proper termination, please feel free to contact HR Partners anytime for assistance on terminations or for any other HR matter.  (785) 233-7860.