CPA Client Bulletin

December, 1997, pgs 2-4

Employee Termination Guidelines 
     ( A Summary of the Article )

Do's:

1. Clearly communicate the grounds for discipline.

2. Consult a labor attorney to review your company's policies.

3. Strictly adhere to your written termination policies and procedures.

4. Assess the risk of violence.

5. Perform terminations in a conference room for best results.

6. Terminate the employee in a face-to-face meeting.

7. Use a calm, nonprovocative tone during the meeting.

8. Answer questions concerning the reason(s) for termination.

9. Offer terminated employees outplacement, severance, or something.

10. Allow the employee to leave with as much pride and self-respect as possible.

Don'ts:

1. Allow any employee to terminate staff until until he or she has been trained
    how to do it legally and safely.

2. Terminate an employee alone. Have two people meet with the employee.

3. Surprise an employee with termination.

4. Terminate an employee on a Friday or before a holiday.

5. Terminate staff for economic reasons right after announcing top management raises.

6. Assume the role of best friend or say anything the employee could misconstrue.

7. Escort the employee from the premises in front of other staff.

8. Follow the employee to his or her home to reclaim company property without
    first asking the employee to return it.