Chapter 10 – Separating and Retaining Employees

Brief Description
Involuntary turnover is basically firing personnel when they would prefer to stay. Voluntary is just as it sounds, the employee’s decide to leave for reasons of their own. Both are costly to a company due to the need to recruit, train, and hire replacements. Employees continually evaluate whether the company is being fair with them or not. Consequences should be consistent, expected, and in proportion to the significance of the behavior. Employee discipline should not result in wrongful discharge, such as a termination that violates an implied contract or public policy. Discipline should be administered evenly and without discrimination. Reasons for disciplinary actions should be shared only with those who need to know them. When termination in part of a plant closing, employees should receive the legally required notice. Like a hot stove, discipline should give warning and have consequences that are consistent, objective, and immediate.
Emotional Hook
Who really likes to get fired? If you were going to get fired, how would you want it done? Outside of sales, I’ve been fired from almost half the jobs I’ve had. With sales, you can always walk to your next job so it was never an issue for me. Since my personality doesn’t fit in allot of places, I’m glad to have been fired.
Key Points
Right and wrong way to fire someone.
How much notice should both parties give?
Facilitative Question
Legally, what’s the best way to terminate an employee?