8 Reasons to Fire an Employee Immediately

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Performance issues should be documented with a verbal warning, written warning, and then a final written warning.

However, there are instances when an employee should be fired on the spot.  Here are some of the reasons:

• Fighting, assault, threatening or stalking others

• Theft from anyone regardless of the amount involved

• Refusing a direct work order – insubordination

• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Willful destruction of company property

• Falsification of records

• Dishonesty

• Egregious misconduct at work as drawing racist graffiti, or visiting pornographic websites at work

Why should you immediately fire an employee under any of these circumstances?  Aside from being completely unacceptable, there may be liability risks. 

Ensure that if you have a policy for progressive discipline in your employee handbook, it states it is just for guidance and that the employer retains the right to skip straight to termination at any time to help protect yourself from unfair treatment or discrimination charges.