Terminations

Clear criteria help organizations conduct fair workforce reductions

09/22/2025

When leaders decide a reduction in force is unavoidable, HR plays a central role in ensuring the process is legally sound, fairly applied and handled with respect.

Controversial posts, public demands: What HR should do

09/22/2025

What should an employer do when confronted with a demand to fire an employee over social media posts that may attract unwanted attention to their employer?

Don’t add fuel when you fire: 6 tips for terminations

09/15/2025

If you supervise employees in any capacity, there will come a time when you need to let someone go. Here are some tips for making the best of a bad situation and avoiding legal trouble in the process.

‘Resign or be fired’ may be the riskiest offer

08/22/2025

Have you ever presented an employee the option to resign or get fired? Maybe you believed you were helping the employee to graciously exit the workplace without the embarrassment of a termination. However, doing so today just may fall under the no-good-deed-goes-unpunished category.

Discover work mistakes during FMLA? Here’s what to do

06/23/2025

Employees who take FMLA leave are protected from retaliation for doing so. That’s led to the mistaken belief among some employees that they can’t be disciplined or fired while on leave. That’s not the case.

Downsizing DEI? RIFs may backfire

06/12/2025

It may be tempting to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies entirely. But before you do so, consider the potential unintended consequences, especially if you lay off everyone you hired to run the programs. Those sidelined employees who were supposed to help you create a diverse workplace may sue you.

Use this checklist to lawsuit-proof your termination process

06/02/2025

Nothing is more likely to spur a lawsuit than a termination for misconduct or poor performance. Former employees may feel they have nothing to lose by suing you. That’s why you must prepare carefully. Before making a termination decision, you should follow these steps.

OK to terminate even if handbook doesn’t address obvious employee wrongdoing

05/19/2025

If an employee does or says something that clearly requires immediate discharge, don’t let the lack of a handbook policy stop you from acting. Courts usually side with employers that fire workers for behavior that runs counter to the employer’s best interest.

Avoid these 4 layoff lawsuit triggers

05/15/2025

In addition to being gut-wrenching for HR, layoffs are a legal landmine. Here are four layoff errors to avoid.

How to fire a probationary employee without triggering a wrongful-discharge lawsuit

05/09/2025

The good news is it’s generally easier to terminate probationary employees than regular employees. Here’s how to pull it off without triggering a lawsuit.