The termination interview (Nugget # 3)

Wrapping up

For the purposes of this nugget lets assume that we are not dealing with an employee covered by a collective agreement or other type of works agreement.

HRAskMe has personally conducted terminations and provided HR support on scores of others. We can say with absolute confidence that the termination interview will likely be one of the most stressful actions you will take as a manager. There's just no getting around this reality. From our personal experience here are a few suggestions that might help you after the interview:

Write an e-mail describing the interview, being specific about what you said and how the employee reacted. Address this to your manager and HR with a copy to yourself. A record made soon after the fact could be useful in the event of any legal action.

Brief other members of the work group remembering to maintain the privacy and dignity of the departing employee. In most cases the team need only hear from you that the employee is leaving and when. You do not need to say that the employee was terminated just that he is leaving. If pressed for reasons simply repeat the message of confidentiality. Be ready to discuss workload.

Take care of yourself. You will feel lousy so schedule an easy day for yourself.

The foregoing is not intended to be legal advice.