[Stonehenge]

I didn't want the thread title to be 50 words long, so let me explain that a little better.

I've read about quite a few people that, when firing an employee, will have their hours tallied to that moment and have a check cut for them when they let them go.

I'm wondering why people do that. Is it because you don't want the person to get angry that they have to wait for their pay, getting paid on a regular payday, like everyone else?

Here's my thought about that - I've never altered from our payday schedule, even when I fire someone. Especially when I fire someone. The reason being, even if they are angry, if they know there's several hundred dollars that I have of theirs, I think they are less likely to cause trouble, knowing that if they do, I may decide to not cut that check. And by the time payday arrives and the check is cut, and I no longer have any leverage over them, they have probably gotten over it and are well into their job hunt or have already found something else. To me, it seems that cutting that check at the moment of firing and not having that leverage is the scarier thing.

What do you think?

[Tim]

I am not positive, I would have to check with our payroll department, but I'm pretty sure it is law in Iowa that you must provide them with their final paycheck within 48 hours of being terminated.

Another reason to consider practicing this, is that it definitely gives the fired person closure. They will be less likely to come back in a few days and try to plead for their job back. Tim

[agla]

It is the law here (Massachusetts).

[Chuck Sinclair]

It's the law in California you have 48 hours.

[Pelican]

For me, it's the same reason that Tim gives, closure. You've cut all ties and have no need for the employee to return.

[jwholden]

For me, it's the same reason that Tim gives, closure. You've cut all ties and have no need for the employee to return.

I agree. Do you feel happy firing someone(OK, maybe sometimes)? Are you going to feel happy when you see them in a week to pick up that last check?

[Pelican]

jwholden brings up a good point. Firing an employee is to me the worst part of running a business. I've never been fired from a job, so I can only imagine how it feels, but it can't be good. I've never been one to intentionally cause hard feelings.

By giving the guy his final pay, you only have to deal with those feelings once.

[Paul]

There is more to it than that I would always give them their last check when they are alone, after the last crew was sent out. This keeps problem from arising with other crew members. I would send them home with that day off. They would also get their union notice stating we have paid their benefits thru that month.

Never be scared of letting a person go, it affects your bottom line and control of your other employees

[Tim]

We also isolate the employee in the same manner as Paul. Other employees should not have to witness any bad will that may arise. It never has been enjoyable firing someone for me. I have just viewed it as a necessary tragedy that comes with the job. Tim

[Stonehenge]

Yeah, I do that as best as I'm able, given our shop setup.

Whenever I need to discuss performance issues, I always ask them to hop into the truck with me, so I can keep it private (except for the occasional boil-over). It may rain all day tomorrow, so I may have an opportunity to keep this one more private. Oh yeah, forgot to mention - this was for a real-life situation.

[jwholden]

Is it poor performance, attitude, attendance?

[Stonehenge]

Yes, yes, getting to a yes.

The guy is very mechanically inclined, and is able to understand how many things work, and how to field repair them. Unfortunately, it appears this experience comes from breaking lots of things.

Performance has been deteriorating lately, attendance has been slipping (a few minutes late on a couple days, calling in just before work a couple other times...)

There were 2 clinchers:

1) Got a call from Manpower wanting to verify his references. Uh, come again? Clearly his heart is not in this.

2) Went out to inspect a lawn seeding job they completed a couple days before, under his lead - I was disappointed. Enough that I have to go back out there and do some repair work tomorrow.

[Stonehenge]

My firing went pretty well today. Told him that his performance of late had been suffering, and that it appeared that his heart was not in it. Told him of the things I thought he did well, and that he should try to find something using those skills, because they are in not as high demand on this job. And if you don't love it here, there's no sense sticking it out just to stick it out. If it's not a good match, it's best for everyone to move on.

Site - I hope your situation is going well.

[rbriggs]

It's the Law! Period.

[VoodooChile]

rbriggs,
You mean nationally, or in MA.?