Be Nice or Be Burned

I’m all for those employees who are missing the accountability gene to find a way out of the Company. Just remember, how they leave dictates how “rid” of them you actually are. There’s nothing like the relief of a problem employee leaving and nothing worse than the sinking feeling that you’re stuck with them anyway when you get served with their claim against your company.

Usually, how an employee is treated on the way out the door can go a long way toward their motivations after the fact. Did you create the idea in their mind that you still “owe” them something, for pain and suffering if nothing else. Be fair, haven’t you ever looked back and thought you got a raw deal and wanted someone to feel your pain? That’s what your disgruntled former employee is thinking too.

I deal with employees that make questionable claims quite a bit. The smart route is to investigate them thoroughly so you have all your backup documentation ready should a claim land on your doorstep. Even if you think it’s crazy, you need to decide what your motivation is. Do you want to go the extra mile, appease the employee’s concerns by investigating and responding and hopefully have an employee (or former employee) that feels the Company listens? Or…..do you want the employee that feels ignored, spurned and wants to get back at you? To be honest, there are no guarantees with the former, but the latter is a dangerous beast.

Even when it’s frustrating, taking the time to listen and interact with an employee is the best route to take. Make treating people nicely part of your culture. Even when the message might be, “Sorry, we can’t find anything to substantiate your claim”, you’re less likely to be burned after the fact.

Have a great weekend!

Zach
www.azmobilehr.com