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Firing

Pick one good reason to justify firing

02/18/2015
A poor performer may disappoint on many levels, doing lousy work and failing to get along with others … harassing co-workers and fudging time sheets. While you should document all the problems, you don’t have to cite every one when you terminate the employee. Pick one and stick with it.

No cooperation? Start progressive discipline

02/09/2015
Some employees have such a chip on their shoulders that they balk at work that falls outside their usual duties. When lack of cooperation crosses the line into insubordination, it’s time to implement your progressive discipline system.

Gov’t employers must offer pre-termination hearing

02/02/2015
Public employees can’t be terminated without a pre-dismissal hearing of some sort, to give the employee an opportunity to learn why she’s being fired and a chance to speak up. The hearing doesn’t have to be formal, but simply firing the worker without explanation isn’t an option.

Cut lawsuit risk: Before firing, give worker time to tell her side of the story

02/02/2015
One way to reduce the possibility of a lawsuit (or look good to a judge if you are sued) is to refrain from cutting off employees from talking during the termination meeting. Take the extra time to let workers tell their side of the story before you fire them.

Feel free to discipline–or fire–disabled worker who disrupts and threatens co-workers

01/26/2015
Don’t let a disabled employee get away with behavior you wouldn’t tolerate in other employees. There’s no reason to put up with threats and intimidation.

After firing, can you erase a worker’s phone?

01/15/2015
Employees are increasingly using their personal smartphones for work purposes. But when employees depart, those phones may contain a wealth of confidential company data. What to do?

Why was Joe fired? Stay mum

01/12/2015
Post-termination communication is one area in which managers can get into trouble. Managers should follow these best practices when communicating about an employee’s departure.

Firing right after EEOC complaint? That’s an invitation to trouble

01/06/2015
If you happen to make the final termination decision immediately after an employee files an EEOC complaint, timing alone may be enough to send the case to trial.

No such thing as too many reasons to fire

01/05/2015

Sometimes, employers make mistakes and fire employees for a reason later deemed illegal. But if that same employer finds evidence after the fact that would have supported the termination decision on its own, that may serve as a get-out-of-jail card.

Discrimination: Title VII

01/04/2015

HR Law 101: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination against workers on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. An array of federal and state laws further refine the definition of discrimination …