When to Fire an Employee

Analyzing when it is time to accept that a performance improvement will not happen

Nov 2, 2006
Joni Rose

Woman leaving office - Stock xchng

Firing an employee is never easy. To be sure you are making the right decision, make sure you have done all you can to support their development first.

Making the decision to terminate an employee can be agonizing. Be sure they are the wrong person for the bus by ensuring that you have done all you can as their supervisor.

The following list is meant to give an objective perspective of what can be done with poor performance. As each situation is unique, you may not be able to provide all of the options listed. However, using this list as a guide will help you gain perspective especially when personalities are clashing.

Have I provided all the necessary training so that this person is successful?
Have I considered transferring them to another department or role?
Is their workload reasonable?
Do they have all the resources they need to be successful?
Have I coached and supported their development along the way?
Have I communicated my performance expectations clearly (in writing with a deadline for improvement and clear consequences)?
Have I communicated both positive and negative feedback in a constructive manner?
Has this employee been welcomed into the team?
Has my boss approved my decision to terminate this employee?
Have I documented all the incidents that have lead up to this point?
Do the human resources and legal departments believe I have handled the situation appropriately?
Have I made the necessary preparations so that the team can function without this individual?
Will I be able to sleep at night knowing I have done the right thing?
Is there anything on this list I can’t say yes to?

If the answer to question 14 is yes, you may need to consider trying to manage their performance a bit longer. If your answer to question 14 is no, it is time to accept that the decision to terminate is your best option. Sometimes it is best to recognize that the employee is better off looking for a new job that is a better fit.

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