|
How to Terminate an Employee and Live to Tell the Tale
1. Employee Backdrop in Australia The whole arena of Industrial Relations and the interaction between employer and employee is conducted within the complex framework of various statutes, state and federal, regulations and rulings and common law. Unlike 'tort' law (a civil wrong such as negligence) the practice of Industrial Relations has many interlocking precepts and requirements that make it difficult for the small business practitioner to apply without assistance. 2. Terminating an Employee When considering the termination of an employee you should give careful consideration to the possible future consequences and ensure that your actions are within the law. I the heat of the moment do not make a decision that could affect you or your business long term. Take advice. A date with the Industrial Relations Commission can be expensive, time consuming and stressful. 2.1 Industrial Relations Acts - State Most State Acts in Australia place responsibility on the employer to ensure that termination of an employee was connected with, the capacity, performance or conduct of the employee; or the operational requirements of the employer's business. 2.2 Federal - Workplace Relations Act 1996 The Workplace Relations Act 1996 provides legislative requirements regarding unfair termination of employment for Federal Employers and Employees. Grounds for unlawful termination are where the termination was harsh, unjust or unreasonable. 3. Terminating an Employee In most Industrial Relations Commissions claims the sad fact is that much of your defence will relate on how well you followed proven human resource policies, procedures and determinations of the Commission. Terminating an employee's employment in haste, not following proven human resource policies and procedures will likely result in the commission finding against you in favour of your employee Off paramount importance is your ability to keep diary notes and documentation supporting your 'actions'. If you have any doubt over the process you should take ADVICE from a professional. The law can be quite harsh and unforgiving. In Australia you can be fined up to 50% of the employees' salary plus costs n the worst case. The current threshold for a hearing by the Commission is $90,400. This means in a worst case you could be ordered to pay $45,200 plus the employees' costs plus your own costs - not a good day out. The following steps are a guideline as to the minimum you should follow:- 3.1 Counselling / Correction Speak informally with the employee informing them that this is a counselling meeting and that wish to speak with them about their behaviour and/or performance and that you welcome their explanation. Document the meeting. 3.2 First Written Warning Provide the employee with a written outline of the first warning detailing the issues of performance, expected changes, timelines and review date. Let the employee provide an explanation. 3.3 Second Written Warning Provide the employee with a written outline of the second written warning linking it to the first warning. Detail the issues of performance, expected changes, timelines and review date and spell out the consequences may get serious if change does not happened. Let the employee provide an explanation. If their explanation is reasonable you may wish to provide them with some assistance. 3.4 Final Written Warning Receiving a final written warning is a serious event. In this letter you need to outline the process that has occurred to date; counselling, first and second warning and advise the employee that termination may be imminent should performance and behaviour not be resolved. Set out expectations, guidelines, performance outcomes, goals and any relevant factors and a review date. 3.5 Show Cause Letter A show cause letter requests the employee to advise you in writing why their employment should not be terminated immediately or in a set time (48 hours). If it is for an offence such as proven stealing or dishonesty as an employee, you may terminate their employment after a verbal request to the employee and a verbal response from them AND ensuring that they had an opportunity to provide you with their side of the story. 3.6 Interview and Termination Call the employee in and let them know you have taken the decision to terminate their employment. In the letter state the reason why and how you have arrived at this decision and lay out their termination entitlements. 3.7 Post Termination Once the employee has left the premises ensure that computer permissions have been changed and where appropriate advise other employees and in some cases valued clients. 4. The Process While the process may seem long and arduous the penalties can be substantial; act in haste and repent at leisure. In any good organisation there are proven strategies in place that should circumvent going down this path. That being said it is inevitable that this process is likely to occur within your business lifetime. If termination becomes a potential reality; seek help. More information available at www.biz-momentum.com Philip (Phil) Lye is Director of Biz Momentum providing professional services in employee relations (HR / IR Matters), training your people to work with you, 'coaching you' to be a better executive and commercial business consultation. Phil is a 'keynote-speaker' who speaks with passion on subjects like 'kindness and the bottom line', 'last one standing', 'down and outers and up and outers', 'more from less on your bottom line' as well as a diverse range of other topics. Phil started his working career as the 'postage clerk' in banking and finance rising through various business opportunities to CEO and CFO of two companies before leaving to start his own business in 2002. Phil holds qualifications in Accounting, Leadership, Human Resource Management & Industrial Relations. Though a qualified accountant, he chooses not to be in general practice.
MORE RESOURCES:
Jobs City of Rochester (.gov)
Careers Washington State University
Work With Us National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
JobFeed NSW Department of Education
Jobs Dublin City University
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Getting A Leg Up
Legging Up Your CompetitionLet's face it. When you graduate from college you need an edge over the competition, right? Every year thousands of college students just like you enter the job market looking for the same thing you are, a job / career.
Petite Modeling: What Should You Wear to Your First modeling Photo Shoot?
If you're looking into making the petite modeling industry your career and are wondering what you should bring to your first photo shoot then this article is for you.Don't take this lightly.
Resumes, Networking, Headhunters - Useless Without Marketing Sweet Spot
A career transition is no longer about getting your hands on a list of contacts, networking with headhunters, or going online to look for work. It's better than that.
How To Deal With A Nightmare Boss
It can happen to anyone. there's a change in the organization and -- suddenly -- you find yourself working for the boss from Hell.
Mystery Shopping for Fun and Profit
How would you like to get paid to go shopping? That's right! Get paid to shop for clothes, eat in restaurants, watch movies, play golf, travel, and so on.You can have your cake and eat it too! Enjoy the best ofboth worlds.
The Quickly Changing Landscape Of The Job Market
Does it seem that with every passing year it's getting harder and harder to find good paying jobs? If you think so, you're not alone in your thoughts. In fact, this is a common complaint that many people have and it is even worse for those that do not have a college education.
Hiring Managers: Preventing "Fall-Off's" and Counter Offers
"Bill, thanks so much for your assistance with this search. We're very happy that Robert has accepted the position.
Managing Emotions During Career Change and Job Search, Part Two
Half the battle in successfully managing your emotions during a job search or career change process is in recognizing and naming what you're feeling. Most of us could barely brainstorm a dozen or so emotions, yet many, many more exist.
Avoid a Three-ring Circus with These New Interviewing Strategies
I referenced the circus because I just finished another interviewing book that recommends asking for the job before leaving the interview. I can envision up to 15 qualified professionals each asking the interviewer for the job.
Believe And Get Hired
Good things seem to come in bunches, especially in a job search. Ever wonder why?Example: ever know someone (perhaps you?) who, after many weeks in a fruitless job hunt, suddenly hit a "hot streak" and landed two or three interviews in a matter of days?What happened? What changed? Did the job market suddenly improve? Perhaps.
Resume Writing - Get That Job
Looking for a new job, whether it is with a new company or a promotion within your own organisation, requires time and effort. To make your job search more effective you need to take five fundamental steps on the road to success:· Analysing your skills· Writing a winning Resume· Managing your job search· Coaching for interview success· Negotiating your job offerStep 1: Analysing your SkillsThe most crucial step in the job search process is to assess what skills you have to offer to your future boss.
Networking - A Key Factor in a Successful Job Search
In today's economy, job seekers need an edge beyond their experience, education and specific industry and job-related skills, in order to find and secure a position. Regardless if you are looking for an opportunity as CEO, Vice President, IT Manager or Customer Service Representative, you need effective tools to compete within a market that is job-poor and candidate rich.
Continuing Professional Development
Continuing professional development (CPD) is promoted by the CIPD to support the systematic development and accreditation of its members. The aim is that the continuing search to improve knowledge and skills through exposure to new experiences benefits both the individual and the business.
7 Secrets of a Highly-Effective Resume Cover Letter
Just like the late, great Rodney Dangerfield, the "humble" cover letter gets no respect.Job-seekers spend so much time and energy on their resumes they've got nothing left to offer their poor, neglected cover letters.
Dont Forget to Say, Thank You
One of the biggest mistake for job seeks is to not follow up an important interview with a thank you note to the people who interviewed them. Human Resources experts note that as few as 10% of interviewees take the time to say, "thank you.
How to Pick the Best Career for You: Part 3
Marketing-with-Intent precisely drives you to your target and with greater speed because you are using the right mode of transportation, an accurate compass and a clear vision of where you're headed. You'll differentiate yourself from your competition by using the right vehicle to uncover the best career for you.
A Cover Letter Tip Guaranteed To Land You More Job Interviews!
Looking for a new job?I'm about to reveal one of the most powerful cover letter tips you'll ever discover. This little-known secret can dramatically increase your job interview requests all by itself.
Wake Up and Learn Something New
The US Government has just released last month's job creation figures. It was the lowest number in two years.
The Inevitable Job Interview Question: "Why Did You Leave (Are Planning To Leave) Your Last Position
This is a question that you can almost count on being asked at your next interview What the interviewer wants to know is, "Why are you available?"The answer you give could set the tone for the rest of the interview. For instance, if you were to indicate that you were bored or burned out at your last job, the interviewer would quickly become concerned about your performance at this company.
How To Receive Payment as a Freelance Translator?
A problem most freelance translators are facing with is how to receive payment. In particular: How to receive payment for small jobs.
|