Employee Terminations: Avoiding Costly Mistakes Before, During and After Dismissal

Overview:

An employee termination may take only a few minutes, but the consequences of a poorly handled decision can follow an employer for years. A manager may believe there are sufficient grounds for dismissal, yet HR must consider whether performance concerns were properly documented, expectations were clearly communicated, and the decision can be justified if challenged. Even in an at-will employment relationship, inconsistent treatment, inadequate preparation, and mistakes during the termination process can expose organizations to costly disputes.

Recent cases demonstrate the financial consequences employers can face. In September 2026, a federal court upheld a $4.25 million arbitration award involving a former financial advisor who challenged the circumstances surrounding his dismissal over an expense-reporting issue. In October 2026, California labor authorities announced the recovery of nearly $2 million for 136 former employees following an abrupt business closure that left workers without final paychecks and legally required layoff notices. Although these cases involved different circumstances, they illustrate how disputes over dismissals and employment separations can carry substantial financial consequences, sometimes years after the employment relationship has ended.

Termination decisions often reach HR at a point when managers believe the matter has already been settled. There may be pressure to act quickly, particularly when performance problems have persisted or workplace relationships have deteriorated. Yet the circumstances surrounding a dismissal deserve careful consideration. A decision that appears straightforward to management may raise difficult questions about fairness, consistency, or whether the organization is adequately prepared to explain its actions. How HR handles these situations can make a significant difference in preventing unnecessary conflict and protecting the organization's interests.

Drawing on 40 years of practical human resources experience, Bob McKenzie brings valuable insight into the decisions and challenges surrounding employee terminations. This webinar will help HR professionals recognize potential problems before they escalate, exercise better judgment when difficult employment decisions arise, and approach sensitive separations with greater confidence. Attendees will gain a practical perspective on balancing business needs, legal considerations, and employee dignity while reducing the likelihood of avoidable mistakes that can lead to costly consequences.

Note: This webinar is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Areas covered during the Session:

• Discussion on “Employment at Will”
• No Surprises
• The Importance of Work Standards
• The Concept of Fairness
• Events Leading to Termination
• Documentation
• Planning the Termination Discussion
• Holding the Termination Discussion
• Written Termination Letter
• What Not To Do
• Post Termination
• Reductions in Force
• Action Items

Why Should You Attend?

Employee terminations carry significant legal, financial, and reputational risks, particularly when decisions are made without sufficient preparation or supporting documentation. This webinar will help you recognize common mistakes that can turn an otherwise legitimate dismissal into a costly and prolonged dispute.

Learn how to approach difficult termination decisions with greater confidence, maintain fairness and consistency, and handle sensitive conversations professionally. Gain practical insight into managing employee departures while minimizing unnecessary conflict and protecting your organization's interests.

Drawing on 40 years of hands-on HR experience, Bob McKenzie will share practical guidance on navigating challenging termination situations, including individual dismissals and reductions in force. You'll leave better prepared to make informed decisions, manage the separation process effectively, and treat departing employees with dignity and respect.

Who Will Benefit?

This webinar is designed for HR professionals, business leaders, and managers responsible for making, reviewing, or implementing employee termination decisions. It is particularly relevant to those involved in employee relations, disciplinary actions, workforce reductions, and separation procedures.

Those include:

• Human Resources Directors
• Human Resources Managers
• HR Business Partners
• HR Generalists
• Employee Relations Directors
• Employee Relations Managers
• Employee Relations Specialists
• HR Compliance Managers
• Employment Law Compliance Officers
• Labor Relations Managers
• Talent Management Directors
• Operations Directors
• Operations Managers
• Department Managers
• Regional Managers
• Supervisors and Frontline Managers
• Business Owners
• Small Business Executives
• Workforce Planning Managers
• Organizational Restructuring Managers