Of all the employment decisions employers make, none get litigated more often than termination decisions. To protect your company, review these questions before any termination.

  1. Does the employee have a contract of employment? If so, what does it say about grounds for termination?
  2. Has the employee acknowledged in writing that employment is terminable at will?
  3. Does the employer have any policies requiring it to take specific steps before termination? If so, has it taken those steps?
  4. Has the employee recently engaged in protected activity, such as complaining about discrimination, harassment, or some unethical or unlawful activity?
  5. Has the employee asked for an accommodation for a disability? Is there reason to believe that the reason for termination may be attributable to a disability?
  6. What is the reason for the termination?
  7. How strong is the evidence to support that reason?
  8. Has the issue been addressed with the employee? If so, is that documented?
  9. How long has the employee worked for the company?
  10. Does the employer plan to refill the position? If not, how will the former employee's duties be covered?
  11. Is the employee in any protected category that is underrepresented within the organization?
  12. Has the employer considered less severe actions (warning, suspension, a cut in pay)?
  13. Has the employer dealt with similar issues in the past? If so, is this issue being handled consistently with the prior ones? If not, what's the basis for treating this one differently?
  14. If the reason for termination is performance related, has the employee received performance evaluations that identify the problem?
  15. Has the employee received any awards or positive recognition?
  16. If the reason for termination is based on misconduct, has the employee been given a chance to tell his or her side of the story? Has the issue been investigated?
  17. Is there reason to believe that the employee has not received all the compensation and meal or rest breaks that applicable law requires?
  18. Does the person hold any other positions with the organization (such as being a corporate officer or director or trustee of a benefit plan)?
  19. If the employee challenges the decision, what grounds does the company think the employee will raise?
  20. Is there any particular reason why the decision may be perceived as unfair?
  21. Are there steps the company needs to take before termination to preserve client or customer relationships?
  22. Are there steps the company needs to take before termination to protect its information systems or confidential information?
  23. Is there any pending or threatened litigation that will require the employee's involvement?
  24. Is there reason to be concerned that this employee may react violently?

The answers to these questions will help you determine if termination is appropriate and if you should take further steps, such as consulting experienced counsel, to protect your company.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.