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How do you politely fire someone?

Madison Boehm
Business Owner and Advisor
Madison Boehm is a Business Advisor and the Co-Founder of Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers based in southern Florida. She specializes in business development, operations, and finance. Additionally, she has experience in the salon, clothing, and retail sectors. Madison holds a BBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from The University of Houston.

Madison Boehm

Business Owner and Advisor

Expert Answer

Letting an employee go is never easy, but sometimes it's a necessary evil. If you want to be polite, go straight to the point and end things positively. Make it clear that it is not personal and offer to write a letter of recommendation to another company.

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Question

What to say to an employee you are firing?

Madison Boehm
Business Owner and Advisor
Madison Boehm is a Business Advisor and the Co-Founder of Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers based in southern Florida. She specializes in business development, operations, and finance. Additionally, she has experience in the salon, clothing, and retail sectors. Madison holds a BBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from The University of Houston.

Madison Boehm

Business Owner and Advisor

Expert Answer

No matter what they did, it's always better to leave on a positive note. First off, explain the reasons behind your decision — just cut the emotions out and make it pretty cut and dry. And then, the best thing to say is that it's not a good fit for the company. You could even tell them something like, "Hey, this is your strengths and your weaknesses, this is what we've figured out" to help them on their journey.

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When should you terminate an employee?

Madison Boehm
Business Owner and Advisor
Madison Boehm is a Business Advisor and the Co-Founder of Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers based in southern Florida. She specializes in business development, operations, and finance. Additionally, she has experience in the salon, clothing, and retail sectors. Madison holds a BBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from The University of Houston.

Madison Boehm

Business Owner and Advisor

Expert Answer

As a business owner, you need to understand if you hired the right person for the right position. Maybe the employee is a great person, but isn't working the way you expected. If you don't have the perfect mix of employee and position, the results will definitely impact your business.

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Question

Someone I'm employing punched his co-worker on the job. Should I fire him?

Community Answer

Physical violence isn't/shouldn't be tolerated in any workplace. You''ll have to look at the situation carefully and make the call whether some kind of censure or flat-out firing him is the appropriate response.

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Question

How do I fire an employee who has developed a drug problem?

Community Answer

Be firm. You have to explain to him that his drug problem is affecting the way he works and that others are being affected by it. Say this, for example: "Adrian, you have developed a serious drug problem over the past 2 months. It has affected your work ethic and your relationships with business partners dramatically. We have given you warnings, and there's nothing more that can be done. I have no choice, I am going to have to let you go."

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Can a Senior Supervisor fire employee over the phone?

Community Answer

While this is certainly possible, it's best to do so in person. The method of firing may also depend on the contractual terms and conditions, so be sure to read those first.

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Can you issue a written warning or fire someone for not turning up for work on a bank holiday when they should be at work?

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Community Answer

If you hire employees who are at will, then you can fire them for any reason, even for no reason. Just as long as it is not a prohibited reason, such as discrimination, you can fire employees at will for not turning up.

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