When an employee leaves, it's rarely a pleasant experience.
Terminations are difficult, time consuming and intrusive on an already busy day. And this holds true even when a valued employee ventures off to uncharted waters. No matter how amicable the parting, you're still left with a pile of papers and a job to fill at your restaurant
The result? Often it's a hurried process, incomplete paperwork, a grumpy attitude and burned bridges. Instead, here are some Trade Secrets to help create a smooth transition, gain valuable information, and even create a raving fan for you restaurant.
Keep it professional
No matter what the circumstances surrounding the termination, resist the urge to make it personal or emotional. If your employee has been let go, let them know why with the hopes that they will learn from their "mistakes" and fare better in the future. Let's face it, we deal with a lot of young people who are just beginning to learn about the responsibilities of holding down a job and being part of a team.
Keep an open mind
By taking a bit of time to talk to an employee who is leaving you have the opportunity to gain some insight. "Why are you leaving?" What we could we do to make this job better for the person who fills your place?" "Would you recommend this job to others? Why or why not?" These are just a few of the questions you can ask during an exit interview, and most likely they'll be candidly and openly answered. For more information on Exit Interviews, read "Was It Something I Said?".
Keep on top of it
Nowadays there are so many details that are involved in management of an employee from a human resources perspective, it's crucial to have systems in place to ensure that all relevant steps are taken. Create a checklist of all tasks necessary to complete the termination procedure, from uniform sign-in to issuing the final paycheck. For all employees, complete the checklist and keep a copy on file for later reference. Download my own customizable Termination Checklist from the Employee Orientation Through Termination Protocols & Forms Manual.
Keep the door open
If you can manage to do all of the above, your employees may leave with a positive outlook on their time with your company. Someday they may come back to be part of your team. Someday they may send a friend or relative to you for a job. Someday they may send a new guest through your doors. So remember, even when one door closes, there's a good chance another will open in its place.
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