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The Firing Checklist Every HR Pro Should Use

The Firing Checklist Every HR Pro Should Use
by Tim Gould

Firing staff members is stressful – which is why so many HR pros sometimes hurry the process along to get it over with. But that’s a big mistake.

If you don’t cross your t’s and dot your i’s before, during and after a termination, you’re setting yourself up for major problems down the line — including potential litigation from the worker you just let go.

Here’s a comprehensive list of things to keep in mind throughout the termination process to ensure everything goes smoothly – and that you stay on the right side of the law, courtesy of Amy Joseph Pedersen of the Stoel Rives law firm:

Pre-termination

• Review employees’ files for post-employment obligations. These can range from non-competition agreements to confidentiality agreements. If they exist, make a copy of the agreement to give to departing employees to remind them of their obligations.
• Get IT involved. Partner with someone in IT to sever employees’ computer access while the termination meeting is taking place. Don’t forget that many staff members have remote access that will need to be taken care of at the same time.
• Carefully choose a location and time. The best time to meet? Near the end of the day. And consider conducting the meeting in employees’ offices or in a conference room. Why? Some employees may want to engage in an extended argument about their termination, and it’s easier for you to leave employees’ offices or a conference room than to make workers leave your office.

During termination

• Explain to employees that their computer access has been cut off. But also note that you’ll work with them to get any personal info they have off their work computer.
• Get company property back. This may include phones, laptops, keycards, keys, etc. If staff members have any company documents or property at home, arrange for a time to pick those up. Finally, ask workers if they’ve emailed any company documents to themselves, and, if so, ask them to delete them.
• Ask about discrimination. If an employee complains about discrimination or retaliation, don’t dismiss it.
  Ask him or her to explain in detail why they’re claiming bias. Make notes and tell the employee you’ll investigate the claim, but make it clear your decision stands. Then, check out his or her story. If it has some merit, get in touch with a lawyer.

Read full article on HRMorning.