Benefits: The decision to dismiss an employee, for whatever reason, can frequently be a difficult and uncomfortable one. And there are always some risks-for example, the employee could sue you for unlawful discharge. Generally speaking, you can significantly reduce this risk if you can show that you fired an employee for proper business reasons and that you acted in good faith during the termination process. The attached file contains two documents designed to ease the task of terminating an employee and help manage some of the risks. The first is a termination meeting script, which will help you say and do the "right" things at the termination meeting. The second is an exit interview form. By presenting the departing employee with this opportunity to comment, you not only give yourself a good chance of gaining valuable information but also make the process less painful for the employee and possibly less risky for you.

File Description: The file contains a three-page document (a one-page checklist and two-page exit form) in rich text format (RTF) that is suitable for use with most word processing programs used in the Windows environment.

Termination meeting checklist

For assistance on downloading a file, click here.

Special Features: The employee termination documents include the following special features:

• Sets forth 12 steps in conducting a termination meeting.
• Includes suggestions on handling benefits, the final paycheck, and transfer of projects.

Employee Exit Interview Form

• Gives departing employees a chance to comment on things that could be important to them and to you, including an assessment of their working relationship with their co-workers, how they viewed their job, and working conditions and practices.

For background information and information on related topics, see using proper termination procedures to avoid lawsuits.