Q&A for How to Fire an Employee

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  • Question
    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.
    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.
  • 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.
    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.
  • Question
    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.
    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.
  • 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.
  • 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."
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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?
    Spaceship
    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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