Your employees provide the support that’s fundamental for the company’s success. However, not everyone is a good fit for the role, even after being hired. Although firing a team member is a challenging process, it sometimes has to be done to ensure growth. This guide will explain the steps you and the HR department should take if you are faced with this challenging task.

Before

If an employee is falling behind in work or performance, make sure they have access to all the resources they need to succeed. Handing out an employee handbook with information on policies, procedures, duties, and company values is a good way to refresh their memory on what’s expected of them.

Additionally, the management team should conduct performance reviews to notify employees of changes to their responsibilities and expectations. Give employees with a track record of poor performance the chance to improve. Keep a record of their progress, and document it if they don’t improve within the agreed time frame.

During

If you’ve decided to dismiss an employee after failed attempts to improve, remain professional and courteous. Speaking with them in person is the best option to maintain respect. You should also have an HR department representative in the room during the conversation to answer additional questions and tie up loose ends.

After

After the conversation about termination, have the employee return company property, like keys to the office and any issued laptops, tablets, and phones. These items should be documented and marked as returned to avoid confusion.

Notify the team once an employee is let go. Quickly relay the information professionally so that it doesn’t infringe upon the dismissed employee’s rights. Let your team know that the person no longer works at the company, and don’t discuss details or speak negatively of them. During this conversation, focus on reassigning duties and preparing everyone for the future.

If your company doesn’t have an HR department to handle terminations, contact the team at PayrollHR Hawaii in Kilauea. This reliable HR outsourcing company has over 10 years of experience and knows how to handle terminations with tact and professionalism. To find out how they can help your business, visit their website or call (808) 828-2070.