When To Fire An Employee

It is a delicate subject which no one wants to mention but almost every medium sized business owner or HR manager in Kenya is frustrated and is thinking of firing someone.

As a manager, it’s your job to deal with rogue employees, but things became tough when you have to let them go. I admit that one time or another, I have had the feeling that there is that one member of staff who should not be on the payroll.

Majority of us would rather put the “talk” on hold because let’s face it; it is one of the most uncomfortable situations. By firing an employee, you are admitting to yourself that you made a huge mistake hiring the person and you will have to start the hiring process all over again. Who is ready for that?

In my practice, I have learned that letting go of an employee is inevitable. In this light, I have identified some of the situations that warrant such a decision.

Reasons To Fire An Employee

First and foremost, a good attitude is an asset in personal and professional life so the first thing I look for in an employee is attitude. Is his or her attitude negatively affecting the other staff’s performance? Is so, there is no compromise. You need to part ways.
I once had an employee who was not ready to cooperate with her co workers or her supervisor even after several warnings. When it reached a point where it was affecting other employees, I had to let her go.

The explanation is simple. If the rest of the staff members are unable to do their work because of one problematic employee, negativity will spread like wildfire. And believe me. You don’t want to know how it feels having one employee spreading the negative energy to the entire staff.

If this warning does not ring a bell, then you need to trust your own instincts. Ever had that cringe feeling when you write that pay cheque and you feel like you are so wrong? Your might be right after all.

Also if an employee is regularly arriving late to work, and you rarely find him or her in the office, then he does not deserve the right of that title.

Failure To Meet Expectations Is Another Reason To Fire An Employee

Another justifiable reason to fire an employee is when he or she is failing to meet your expectations even after several words of warning. Not only is he costing you time and money, but they are causing stress in the company by pushing responsibilities to other individuals. In this case the employee personality and values do not align with the company’s expectations. If he cannot meet your expectations, it’s time to say the magic words.

It is normal to feel guilty but you have to put the interests of the company first before the damage is done.

If you see these warning signs, make the tough decision and your company will thank you for it.