Employee Terminated Due to Downsizing (Managing Essentials™ Series)

New Just-In-Time Performance Management Tool! You have an employee who is terminated due to downsizing. What do you do? There are four steps you can take to help the situation.

It’s a good idea to write down and practice what you plan to say. Anticipate possible reactions and think through the best responses. Coordinate the necessary documentation and final papers with human resources for your manager. Try to schedule the termination early in the day and week, in a private area. Have a second person present. Tell the employee the decision to terminate has been made and allow a reaction. Stay in control and deal with arguments and emotion by saying, "I understand you’re upset, but the decision’s been made, and we need to move on." You may have to say it several times.