Termination

Why do effective termination processes matter?

The decision to terminate an employee’s contract can be challenging. Even when an employee repeatedly fails to meet KPI targets or demonstrates inappropriate professional behaviour, some business owners are reluctant to begin the termination process. This is a trend seen in many corporate areas across Australia. Poor performing staff are frequently retained for far too long. Perhaps owners and managers let their personal views cloud their judgement or perhaps they are intimidated by termination processes and procedures. Whatever the reason, this reluctance and inaction can have detrimental impacts on a company.

Failing to address performance or behavioural issues when they arise and avoiding justified employee terminations can have significant negative impacts on a business. Individual and company performances can decline, proper professional culture can deteriorate and sales can be lost. If these issues are left to fester, they can create a toxic environment for employees and create stress for business owners. The longer these conditions exist within a company, the more likely it is that owners or managers may make hasty knee-jerk reactions. These impulsive decisions which ignore the proper termination process of an employee can lead to further complications for small business owners. Employees who believe they have been wrongfully terminated may launch action with the Fair Work Commission or lodge stress claims through WorkCover. While these are extreme examples, they do highlight the need for owners and managers to follow proper termination procedure.

Making the right termination decisions

At Beyond HR, our goal is to help you develop an effective exit management process. We will provide support at every step of the operational process from off-boarding exiting employees to on-boarding their replacements. We will develop clear, evidence-based performance measures for your employees to work towards. When required, Beyond HR will also conduct performance reviews or termination meetings alongside you and directly with the employee. We will work with you side-by-side until each matter is resolved and support you in whichever direction these matters take you (including any including possible unfair dismissal claims with Fair Work Australia). The transmission of knowledge between exiting employees and the new staff is critical, we can also facilitate off-boarding and on-boarding processes. Our team is available for consultations in most major cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

What makes us different?

Many HR advisors will take a standard approach to the employee termination process. This safe, traditional strategy often ignores the commercial side of the equation and fails to ask one key question: does the negative impact an employee is having on the business outweigh any potential payments via Fair Work Australia? We will provide a number of options for you to consider and help you determine the most appropriate course of action when actioning employee departures.

Even for the most experienced HR professionals, handling employee separations and employee exit processes can be daunting. By providing comprehensive and considered advice, Beyond HR will take the stress out of this process and allow you to continue running your business efficiently and successfully.

Located Australia wide, our clients are based in all states and major cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin. Contact one of our Beyond HR consultants today to find out inquire about our uniquely personal approach to human resource management and how it can benefit your business.