In this episode of Beyond Compliance, co-host Luke Hladek is joined by AlignHR Senior HR Advisors Diana Harto and Lucas Mally to discuss one of the toughest responsibilities any leader faces: letting an employee go.

Firing or laying off an employee is never easy, but when handled properly, it can protect your organization, preserve culture, and even help the individual move forward in a healthier direction. The AlignHR team walks through how to handle terminations ethically, legally, and compassionately — avoiding costly mistakes while maintaining integrity.

Topics Covered:

• The difference between firing, laying off, and furloughing

• How to prepare before making a termination decision

• Legal and compliance considerations to avoid risk

• Why documentation and consistency are critical

• The importance of communication, privacy, and professionalism

• How to handle layoffs, protected classes, and at-will employment correctly

• Real-world examples of how not to fire someone (including a memorable “rowboat” story)

Whether you’re a small business owner, manager, or HR professional, this episode offers valuable insights on how to manage the most difficult part of leadership with fairness and respect.

Links & Credits:

• Visit: https://www.alignhr.com

• Take the Free HR Assessment: https://www.alignhr.com/surveys/hr-checkup/10

• Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alignhr/

• Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alignhrllc

• Produced by Strong Minded Agency: https://www.strongmindedagency.com