Workplace Security
Employment Termination
Businesses both big and small deal with this situation daily. The horrific event that unfolded at Freight Car America on an early Tuesday morning in Roanoke VA. When a longtime employee, in the midst of being fired, pulled out a gun and killed three people and wounded several more before his rampage ended with the taking of his own life is just one of a hundred examples. This is a risk every employer faces. A job termination is an especially delicate task. Commonwealth security staff have years of experience dealing with the threats that face such a volatile situation. We at the Commonwealth Guard have intergraded access control technology and advanced security procedures that greatly reduce the risk of violence. When the time comes Commonwealth Guard will be there to stand with you in this challenging time.
According to a national survey of company security executives, 26 percent perceive the act of firing employees as “significantly contributing” to the risk of violence in the workplace. Not surprisingly, the issue is seen as particularly problematic by security leaders at large organizations.
Security Fact
Employment Termination
Terminate in person
Always conduct the termination meeting in person and have the decision-maker and another management official present in the meeting as a witness. The decision-maker regarding the termination is usually a manager or executive in the organization.
Keep It Short
The meeting should last no longer than 10–15 minutes. It should simply provide a short, clear statement about the final decision, inform the employee of the effective date of their termination, and how logistical details will be handled (final paycheck, benefits, removal of personal property, etc.).
Never terminate on the spot
It's never wise to terminate an employee on-the-spot without any investigation, conversation, or discipline—no matter how grave the offense is. Rather, if the issue or misconduct is very serious, consider suspending the employee pending an investigation and carefully review all of the evidence.