Firing an Employee - Struggle

[docmay]

It does suck to fire employees. I have been there several times. Make sure you document. It really is a joke but nearly everyone we have fired has filed for unemployment which is a pain! In the end, you have to do what is best for the business. If you let an employee get away with stuff it sets a bad precedent for all employees. I know you will feel better when it's over and as said above you might just help him be a better employee in the future. Good luck!

[Buckshot4900]

Your heading should have read:
I HAD TO FIRE AN EMPLOYEE LAST MONTH.
Fire him and don't look back, he caused this situation with nobody's help.

[Bonbonjovi]

Document every thing! Missed calls etc.

This and also have a witness in the room when you terminate his employment,along with having all unpaid vacation, bonuses, and compensation are included at the time of termination...if you have a severance package make sure he gets all that he is entitled to...

Remember this is a business decision, dont allow yourself or him to make it into a personal decision...

Change the locks, passcodes and any other info he might have had access to, including YOUR clients...watch your backside, nowadays you never know what sets people off

[Frederick D. Be]

Have you addressed the issues with him before, letting him know that they are not acceptable and could lead to his dismissal?

Pretty much my question as well. Have you had a sit down with this person and stated it just like you did here? Also, there are other members/employees of your company...are they being affected by him as well? It may be hard for you to call the shot but you need to do what is right for yourself/your company and employees. Cheers!
Fred

[Texastaxi]

One of my best mentors told me a few things that have stuck with me, for years.

1. If you've already took the time to look for another job, it's bad enough here that I don't want you to stay.

His policy was to never make a counter offer, when someone gave their notice. He felt that if it was so bad that you've already looked for another job, that he didn't want to keep you there and you be miserable.

2. It should never be a surprise, if you get fired.

No matter what their position, people should be well informed of what they're doing right as well as wrong. Like WCB mentioned, unless it's something really bad, their mistakes should be well documented and on the 3rd strike, you're out.

IMO, the first time I heard he was asking one of MY customers for side work, he'd have been on the street. That's stealing. If he's blatant enough to ask them for work, what else is he taking from you?

As sad as it is, you need to get rid of him.

[Dusty Britches]

One of my best mentors told me a few things that have stuck with me, for years.

1. If you've already took the time to look for another job, it's bad enough here that I don't want you to stay.

His policy was to never make a counter offer, when someone gave their notice. He felt that if it was so bad that you've already looked for another job, that he didn't want to keep you there and you be miserable.

2. It should never be a surprise, if you get fired.

No matter what their position, people should be well informed of what they're doing right as well as wrong. Like WCB mentioned, unless it's something really bad, their mistakes should be well documented and on the 3rd strike, you're out.

IMO, the first time I heard he was asking one of MY customers for side work, he'd have been on the street. That's stealing. If he's blatant enough to ask them for work, what else is he taking from you?

As sad as it is, you need to get rid of him.

Good advice there ^^^

Your employee fired himself by becoming disloyal:

He can't seem to show up to work on time, he makes foolish mistakes, he doesn't turn reports in on time, he doesn't answer his company phone during work hours, he texts me he will call me back in 45 minutes when he should be readily available, he asks my clients for side jobs, etc....

He cheated you from time and money. Don't feel bad about firing him. As long as it is documented that you tried to stop this behavior by meeting with him and discussing his deficiencies, you won't have to pay unemployment on him either.