Part 1: Dealing with Sudden Termination Trauma

This resource has multiple chapters. Use the navigation on the side or below to browse each chapter.

When you do fire someone, how do you deal with the trauma of sudden termination? I want to speak as a caregiver about something I have observed. Sometimes, we have to fire staff without warning. In the typical scenario...

Hi Theresa. Letting people go is always hard, and maybe we feel especially conflicted about it in a Christian organization. I want to speak as a caregiver about something I have observed. Sometimes, we have to fire staff without warning.

In the typical scenario, HR shuts down computer access, walks into someone's office, fires them, gives them 15 minutes to pack up their belongings, gets their keys, etc., and in the worst cases, security comes and escorts them to their car and watches them leave. Everyone around them is stunned, especially in a Christian organization where no one has a clue why it was handled this way. People are traumatized, and HR or leadership is not forthcoming with information.

Here are my questions?

1. How can I as a leader manage the aftermath of this legally and in a caring fashion?

2. Is there some comments that I can make which will help people process through this? Do I bring in counselors?

Any ideas might help.

_________________________________________

Disclaimer: not official legal or psychological advice or opinion