Let’s talk about handling those “difficult” employees we encounter as HR professionals. You know, the ones who regularly seem to make our lives a bit more ‘interesting’?

We’re supposed to be giving advice in HR, but sometimes it’s hard for us to know!

I spoke with Emily Lord, Senior HR Consultant with HR West. She is a master of reframing (not spinning) and handling people with decency. She recognizes these are tough and says:

1⃣ Mis’s happen: Miscommunications. Mistakes. Misunderstandings. Watch for them and don’t be afraid to acknowledge them!

2⃣ Shine a light on blind spots. Ever had a team member genuinely unaware of a problem? This is when performance management is most likely to work well.

3⃣ Reflect on the role of leadership: Sometimes it’s not the employee and we have to walk a fine line in HR.

4⃣ Don’t wait, take the plunge: Procrastination won’t solve anything, my friends! Don’t let probation pass knowing there’s a problem to solve!

Find Emily at www.hrwest.ca for consulting in Western Canada.

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First of all, don’t use the word ‘fire’. That’s the first rule in terminating someone’s employment in a kind and professional manner.

And terminating someone’s employment is not easy. It’s clearly not easy for the employee, but it’s not easy for HR or the Manager either. (If it is, find a new job.) If you are like most people and it makes you anxious, this video shows you how to can accomplish this tough job with empathy and respect.

This was the focus of this discussion with LHH Knightsbridge in a variety of roles and, as a career transition specialist, has been present for many terminations. She shared her considerable insight:

3⃣ In addition to the employee, there should be 2-3 people present during the termination meeting: the direct manager, the HR representative, and, possibly, the career transition specialist

3⃣ It’s the manager’s role to advise the employee that their employment is being terminated. The manager’s statement should be brief and to the point, taking no more than 2-3 minutes.

The HR representative will go through the details of the termination, including any severance pay or benefits the employee may be entitled to.

Remember to thank the departing employee for their contributions!!

Check out the video if you have to do one to ensure that this often difficult meeting is as smooth and respectful as possible.

Find LHH Knightsbridge and Kim at www.lhh.com.

I (Andrea) am an HR Consultant in Western Canada. Find me at www.thehrhub.ca.

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