Conducting a Termination Meeting

Scheduling. If circumstances permit, schedule the termination meeting at the end of the workday or prior to a weekend, so that the employee will have the opportunity to go home to engage family and friends for support. Termination of employees may be a necessary reality of the workplace, but the employer should not lose sight of the emotional impact of a termination.

If at all possible, avoid termination during a holiday. Terminating an employee during a festive season appears cold and "heartless" to outsiders, perhaps including other employees. Of course, for egregious infractions, the employer may have no choice.

Witnesses. Generally, a termination meeting should involve two management personnel: the person responsible for termination, and a witness. The witness may take notes if helpful.