Stories abound in the media of disgruntled employees who, after being terminated, lash out at their employers and coworkers in violent ways. That’s why it’s so important to follow a plan of action during a termination meeting.

Here are some tips on how to minimize violence during these difficult situations:

• Remove any dangerous objects in the room that can be used as a weapon.
• Have another manager or human resources representative present at the meeting.
• Keep security personnel nearby but not in the room itself. Prearrange a signal so a guard knows when to enter the room to help you.
• Be prepared with the facts warranting the termination. Don’t make small talk. Be firm but caring and give specific reasons.
• Discuss company assistance after termination.  This can include health benefits and job counseling.
• Take all threats seriously. Call security personnel immediately. Contact a mental health professional if needed.

Terminations: A Complete Guide for California Employers

Whether it’s a termination (for violent behavior or other reasons), constructive discharge, layoff, or forced resignation, ending an employment relationship is a legal minefield that you should navigate only after careful consideration and adequate preparation.

Knowing when to terminate an employee is just as important as knowing how to terminate an employee. Even though most employment relationships are “at-will,” meaning you can terminate the employee at any time, what you say and do during the employment relationship can significantly impact how you must treat employees before letting them go.

Don’t make a move without checking out our brand-new reference manual, written specifically for California employers.

Terminations: A Complete Guide for California Employers covers everything you need to know about both voluntary and involuntary separations, including:

• Lawful vs. unlawful employee terminations;
• Employee discipline;
• The importance of documentation;
• How to create a paper trail that protects you in the event of litigation or threatened litigation;
• A step-by-step process for investigating alleged workplace misconduct;
• Termination considerations for all situations: poor performance, misconduct, personality issues, insubordination, tardiness, and absenteeism;
• Special pretermination considerations to keep in mind for employees on leave, unionized employees, and more;
• The state and federal rules on mass layoffs and RIFs;
• What to do when an employee resigns—and when a departure might be considered a constructive discharge;
• Important termination and resignation documentation you must keep on file;
• Payroll considerations for departing employees: final paycheck rules and more;
• Tips for effective termination meetings and exit interviews that both provide you with needed information and help keep you out of legal trouble;
• Legal do's and don’ts for giving references;
• Employee rights to unemployment benefits in California;
• How to protect your company from termination-related lawsuits;
• And much more!

It’s like having a California employment lawyer on call, working on your most pressing termination questions and concerns, at a fraction of the cost!

Best of all, we’ll send you a brand-new edition each year so you always have the most up-to-date policies available. Don’t delay—order today, and make sure your termination processes are in order, before you get sued.

Download your free copy of Win the Online Recruiting War today!