Reshare — content by Pedro Canali
“Taking care of your employees also means knowing how to fire them well.”
PayFit displayed it in the metro, Burger King answered right next to it.
PayFit, a payroll software, plays on both meanings of “virer”: to fire and to make a transfer.
The campaign lasts 2 weeks, with 400 posters in the metro and 250 screens.
PayFit also displays: “An employee fired quickly is a happy employee.”
The creatives laughed.
Metro users, less so: L’Humanité speaks of outraged users, L’Essentiel de l’Éco speaks of a “shocking and contemptuous” ad.
Burger King takes advantage of it with a poster: “We’re hiring, just in case.”
I’m not going to lecture PayFit, I’ve sold workshops with more provocative titles.
They just got the audience wrong: in the metro, it’s employees who read “fired.”
For an executive, the joke rings true: an employee who isn’t the right fit needs to be let go quickly, it’s better for them too.
One of my clients took months to part ways with his right-hand man.
He knew he had to do it, he was just waiting for someone to tell him out loud.
Part ways quickly and say it face to face.
PS: at Solveo Solutions, I support executives who have been putting off a separation for months. If you have someone in mind while reading this, send me a DM: we’ll prepare it together.
LinkedIn Sources
- Profile: Pierre Jean Duvivier dit Sage (LinkedIn)
- Shared author: Pedro Canali (LinkedIn)
The post “Taking care of your employees also means knowing how to fire them well.” appeared first on les plumes qui mordent.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Taking Care of Your Employees Also Means Knowing How to Fire Them Well
1 What does firing someone well actually mean
It means letting an employee go in a way thats respectful fair legal and clear You treat the person with dignity explain the decision honestly and handle the process without drama or humiliation
2 Why is firing well part of taking care of employees
Because how you handle a termination affects everyonethe person leaving the team watching and the companys reputation A poorly handled firing damages trust and morale A wellhandled one shows people you respect them even when things end
3 Isnt firing well just a nice way of saying layoffs
No Layoffs are usually about business needs like budget cuts Firing for performance or conduct is different But the same principle applies whatever the reason the process should be humane
4 What are the main benefits of handling terminations well
You protect morale reduce legal risk keep your employer brand intact and make it easier to recruit good people later Departing employees talkand so do the ones who stay
5 Whats the biggest mistake managers make when firing someone
Waiting too long Many managers avoid the conversation hoping things improve That usually makes it worsefor the employee the team and the company Delaying also weakens your legal position
6 Should I warn an employee before firing them
Yes in most cases Clear documented feedback and a real chance to improve are fair and often legally necessary Surprise firings should be rare and only for serious issues like misconduct
7 How do I actually have the conversation
Keep it short private and direct Get to the point early explain the reason briefly and dont overapologize or drag it out Have the logistics readyfinal pay paperwork returning equipmentso the person isnt left guessing
8 Who should be in the room
Usually the manager and an HR representative or another witness Keep it small The witness protects everyone and helps with documentation
9 What should I avoid saying during a termination meeting
Avoid debating the decision blaming others making promises you cant keep or giving false hope Also skip vague phrases like were going
