Would you fire someone who both parents were in hospice?

1. 94

   peeplesposted 10 years ago

   Would you fire someone who both parents were in hospice?
   
   I have a horrible employee. I don't know what to do. She is costing us money, but both of her parents will die soon as they are in hospice. I understand stress can cause poor performance but I believe this goes way beyond her stress and is just the way she is. So would you fire someone knowing bother of their parents were dying?

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2. 0

   JThomp42posted 10 years ago

   I would personally wait until they pass and see if her performance increases. Of course, she is grieving them already and is under a incredible amount of stress. In this situation compassion to me would be worth much, much more than money. Just my opinion peeples.

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   1. 94

      peeplesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      This one is hard for me. Part of me says wait it out the other says $200 a week is a big loss to continue. Thanks

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      JThomp42posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You are very welcome peeples!

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3. 59

   fpherj48posted 10 years ago

   peeples.......The fact that you have seriously considered the situation...and are "asking" what your fellow-hubbers would do......tells me that you KNOW not to fire this employee, at this time.  Whatever you need to deal with, under the circumstances, wouldn't be worth how awful you would feel, by letting her go.
   Of course, I am assuming that no one's LIFE depends upon this woman's job performance!
   I tend to agree 100% with JThomp......Good luck.  I just know, whatever you do, you'll be fair and kind.........

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   1. 94

      peeplesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks. I know it would be horrible. Just hard to keep the balance between business and kindness.

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4. 60

   R Creighton Gposted 10 years ago

   Here's hoping you don't suffer the sit-com fate of having her come to you after her parents have passed to say "Thank God for this job!  It's the only thing keeping me going!"
   
   I would recommend what others have said:  don't fire her before her parents pass.  I couldn't in good conscious say otherwise, because I know I surely couldn't do it, detriment or no.
   
   BUT...looking at the situation objectively, you wouldn't be WRONG if you did.  You'd just feel like crap about it, as any sensitive soul would.
   
   Good luck.

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5. 0

   ahorsebackposted 10 years ago

   Hi Peeples, I have been where you are now ,  No matter what you decide you will feel bad anyway !  Wait , don't wait ......This very question proves to all who know you  that you are a conscientious  leader   !  Thats the most important part !  Best of luck ! If it feels like its "soon " that they will pass , wait ! If it looks like a year or two , ditch her now !......The tough spot is yours , and , what you do  will show what kind of leader you are !

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6. 60

   duffsmomposted 10 years ago

   Oh that is a tough one.  I would talk to her and see if her performance is due to her stressful situation.  Ask her if she is happy working for you.
   
   I know this must be hard but I can't help but think how she will feel having both parents near death and losing her job on top of it all. Can you see your way clear to let her stay?  So my answer is no, I couldn't fire her knowing her situation.

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7. 84

   Bills Placeposted 10 years ago

   My question is, how long has she been your employee and is her situation new? I have to agree with not firing her yet, try to work with her first and see if there is anything you can do to help improve her performance. Stress can be a big part of things, keeping your mind wondering, etc.
   
   It could be that she needs more training where she is lacking, but with all the stuff likely going through her head, training right now would be hard. If she is costing you a steady $200+ weekly, I understand your in a hard spot. Maybe if you brought it up to her in a nice way, where she realizes it and she'll be willing to try harder, or if she doesn't think she can handle it right now, ask for time off.
   
   Good luck, just taking time to question this shows your a great employer.

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8. 39

   ChristinSposted 10 years ago

   I would not personally.  I think you should be very frank with her and tell her the truth though.  Say to her, I understand you are dealing with a lot right now and I am willing to work with you, but your work performance is a problem and we need to know why and try to get to the bottom of it.  Offer to help where you can, but let her know things have to improve.  If you do that, you have the best solution, because she will understand there is a problem that she needs to rectify, but will still have a job at least while she deals with the certain death of her 2 parents.  (at the same time, how awful!)
   
   I can see both sides.  You're not a charity, you're a business, but you are also human and can empathize with the situation she's in.  I see nothing wrong with telling her the truth though.  It could be maybe she doesn't realize how off course she's gotten at work.  At least with a frank discussion there are no surprises if you end up having to let her go later.   It would also make you feel that you've done both - address the business situation and still remained compassionate.

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9. 40

   Borsiaposted 10 years ago

   Yes I would fire someone in that situation while you have compaction you are not their keeper and your obligation is to yourself and those who keep your enterprise strong.

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