How To Fire An Employee The Right Way

"Nothing happens until the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change." — Arthur Burt

You know who John is. You've been putting the conversation off for months, and now it keeps you up at night, and holds your (and everyone else's) attention at work.

John was dragging the team down and everyone knew it. John knew it too, but he was comfortable with where things were at; a cushy job, not too much responsibility, and no one leaning over his shoulder telling him how things needed to change.

It worked for awhile, until the business started to grow and the needs of the role and the business were changing.

The longer you keep John in the position, the worse it gets for the team, and for the business.

But you're paralyzed by inaction.

And the inaction is wasting resources; Your team's resources because they have to pick up the slack, your own resources in having to deal with the difficult situation, and the wasted potential of what could be accomplished by having the right person in the seat.

Here's what it looks like when you handle it right:

Firing someone who doesn't fit the role is never easy - it comes with a lot of emotions that many small business owners/founders may not be used to or comfortable with, but it's important to stick to the basics and the facts; these will be your guide.

1. Consult employment standards to know where to begin.

   Your local provincial employment law outlines what the law is when it comes to termination. In BC, it's the BC Employment Standards Act.

2. Consider severance costs.

   There are your local employment standards, and then there is Common Law, which considers more than the basics of a provincial Employment Standards Act. Consult with an Employment Lawyer if your situation is tricky. Typically, if your former employee takes your company to court, the court will consider the Bardal Factors to determine an appropriate severance entitlements.

3. Understand that occasionally firing employees is normal and healthy.

   Your business will grow and change, and so will the people who need to be part of the company. This is not shameful or indicative of failure - it's a normal part of business.

The kindest thing you can do for your team, and for John is to act sooner than feels comfortable.

I help small business owners navigate these kinds of situations. Reach out if you're sitting on a difficult conversation.