Firing

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.

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.

Document termination decision before telling worker

02/28/2025

Always document disciplinary decisions the moment you make them—and before you tell the employee. That way, you can successfully argue that you could not have retaliated against the employee because the decision was made before you knew about their request.

How to ‘lawsuit-proof’ your next termination meeting

02/18/2025

Terminations are probably the hardest things HR professionals have to handle—and probably the most legally dangerous. One wrong word can trigger a lawsuit. You need to keep calm and communicate your message without escalating the tension. Here’s a 10-step process to follow.

Use objective reasons to justify terminations

12/02/2024

Ensure that all terminations are based on solid business reasons. And be sure to carefully document why you decided to terminate, even if you don’t share the rationale with the employee.

Fired whistleblower triggers wide-ranging investigation

09/19/2024

An employee of a day care center who raised health concerns about the center’s kitchen will receive $43,295 in back pay. But it may cost the employer far more.

Fair firing: Avoid masking performance issues with layoffs

08/23/2024

A recent survey by ResumeBuilder.com has unveiled a concerning trend in corporate layoff practices: Many layoffs aren’t intended to cut costs; they’re a way to cull poor performers from the payroll.

Firing for social media posts? Not so fast

08/22/2024

As the election approaches, hopefully you have reminded employees that such discussions in the workplace must be respectful. But what about employees who keep politics out of the office and production floor but use social media like Facebook, X and Instagram to comment and share other political commentary? Should you punish such activity if the views expressed run counter to your company’s stand on DEI or other company values?

No, you can’t use high medical costs as an excuse to terminate a sick worker

05/13/2024

A car dealership is out $325,000 and must train managers and supervisors on the ADA and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

‘This is a business’: Google CEO fired back and fired protesting employees

05/08/2024

Employees have the right to think whatever they want to think and hold whatever opinions they want to hold. But when employees act on those opinions in a way that disrupts their workplace and their employer’s business, they’ve crossed the line and should be held accountable … not for their beliefs, but for their actions.