Managing employees is an integral part of any organization. As a manager, it is necessary to have processes in place in order to ensure that employees are working towards the objectives of the business. Managing employees who are not performing up to the mark can be challenging, but it has to be done in order to ensure the maintenance of organizational standards. Here are some techniques on how to manage out an employee:
1. Document underperformance
Before making any decisions regarding an under-performing employee, it is important to document their poor performance. This documentation should include data regarding their poor performance along with details of the steps taken by the manager to attempt to rectify the situation. Having this documented evidence will ensure that the employer is protected against any potential legal challenges.
2. Identify the cause of poor performance
The reasons behind poor performance can be complex and varied. They may result from a lack of understanding of what is expected from the employee or a lack of skills to successfully perform assigned tasks. Whatever the cause, it is important to identify the reason why the employee is not performing up to the expected standards.
3. Provide feedback and support
Once the cause of poor performance is identified, it is recommended to provide feedback to the employee in a supportive manner. The feedback must be objective and constructive, and should be provided in clear and concise terms. The manager must ensure that any training or support required by the employee is provided to ensure that the employee is given ample opportunity to improve their performance.
4. Develop a performance improvement plan
If the under-performing employee does not rectify their performance, despite feedback and support provided, the manager should develop a performance improvement plan. This plan must identify the areas where the employee needs to improve along with specific performance targets to be achieved within a given time-frame. The plan must also have a clear communication strategy to ensure that the employee is aware of the expectations and target outcomes.
5. Terminate the employee
If the under-performance is not rectified despite a performance improvement plan being implemented, the employer may have no choice but to terminate the employee. However, before taking this extreme step, it is recommended that the employer refers to their employment policies and procedures, to ensure that they have followed due process and acted fairly.
In conclusion, a manager must use a careful and structured approach when managing out an employee. Every effort should be made to support the employee and ensure that their poor performance is given a chance to improve. However, if poor performance persists, the manager must use their discretion to implement the appropriate measures to protect the interests of the organization. By following these guidelines, a manager can manage out an under-performing employee in a fair and just manner.
