Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Employee Dismissal: Unpleasant, But Sometimes Necessary

Patricia, Terminating an employee is never a pleasant task but becomes the responsibility of those in a supervisory position. I commend you on the steps you took. Even though it was within the probationary period, you still took steps to help that individual improve her performance and you kept documentation regarding your conversations and expectations. I also like the fact that you had someone else in the room with you when you actually did the termination. That is just a good precautionary procedure should there ever be a lawsuit or dispute regarding what was said or done. Your calm demeanor… >>>

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Employee retention

Patricia, The recession and potential job loss has hit all businesses and occupations. The education industry is no different although we do tend to be anti-cyclical. We are seeing enrollments increase as the unemployed re-tool. But that doesn't mean total job security for our faculty and staff. Therefore, I agree with you that we have employees who are appreciative of the jobs they have and will work harder to keep them. We as supervisors, though, shouldn't take that for granted. I like your idea of acknowledging a job well done. It is those little things that cost so little but… >>>

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Delegating or Dumping

Susana, You did a fine job of differentiating between dumping and delegating. Delegating takes some thought where dumping does not. When you delegate, you need to put some thought into the professional development needs of your employees and who might gain professionally from doing the task you are looking to delegate. To delegate does not mean that you hand over a task and think no more about it as you might when you dump. You maintain ultimate responsibility for the successful completion of the task or project and should be available to guide and direct as needed. Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Employee Dismissal: Unpleasant, But Sometimes Necessary

Clytie, Also, make sure that you do your homework before you step into that dismissal meeting. You are delivering the facts in terms of the need to go your separate ways, so have the facts straight and plan for the delivery. The professional and calm delivery that you mention is key to getting the job done appropriately. I always try to have HR in the meeting as well. They can take over on the process of separation--COBRA, severance, collecting keys and equipment, etc. Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Do Employee Retention Strategies Work?

Susana, Those are great employee retention ideas. Employee turnover becomes an expense to the organization so finding ways to retain your employees can positively impact your bottom line. With the exception of the employee recognition program, the items that you mentioned have little or no cost to the company and yet can pay off handsomely through less turnover. Even the employee recognition program can be done inexpensively through certificates of appreciation, for example. Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Employee retention

Clytie, Although good employees tend to have many options and will move on, most employees hope to be retained with their current employer. Employee retention can also be negatively impacted by reductions in staff. People tend to be concerned about their job security which creates productivity as well as potential health issues from the stress. Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Delegating or Dumping

Clytie, You are right on target. As you delegate, it is important to think about the professional development of the individual to whom you are delegating. If done appropriately, that person will gain through professional growth and the supervisor will gain through better use of his/her skills on other tasks. Remember, too, that delegating does not meaning ridding yourself of the responsibility. Ultimately, the responsibility still rests with the supervisor so periodically touching base with the person to whom the task is delegated to assist and guide as needed is important. Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Retaining Your Top Employees

Salma, That is always difficult for the entire organization when turnover is that heavy, especially in key positions. Continuing employees are fearful that they might be next or are questioning who might be next. Turnover is also difficult because those continuing employees usually need to take on extra work to cover for the employees who have left. This can negatively impact employee morale. Some turnover is healthy and expected but when it becomes excessive, the entire company can be hurt from a productivity standpoint. Pat

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Employee Dismissal: Unpleasant, But Sometimes Necessary

Salma, That is interesting that your school has chosen to do dismissals on Friday. Do you know why? I am sure that someone has thought it through and found that to be the best time for your particular situation. Typically, a Monday gives the employee time to begin the job search process immediately rather than thinking negative thoughts about the school/company and himself or herself over the weekend. I like the fact that you pull everyone together so there is a common understanding of what happened and rumors are not allowed to circulate because of failure to share appropriate information.… >>>

Dr. Patricia Kapper

Discussion Comment

Recruiting the Best Person for the Job

Clytie, Welcome to the class. Great response. With so little advertising done these days for open positions, it is important to use other sources that will get you to those who are not only qualified but who would be a good organizational fit. Some companies will offer incentives for referrals, too. If morale is high, employees will proudly refer friends and family for open positions. In today's economy, those who are employed are reluctant to step out and apply for new positions for fear of retaliation from the current employer should he/she not be successful in the application. Pat