There was a small AP article in the paper the other day entitled “E-layoffs are on the rise”. According to a recent survey, some bosses are firing or laying off workers via email. Apparently, it’s easier and more convenient for a boss who’s traveling or bogged down with work to communicate that way. Hmmmmm, let’s see.

The employee is going to lose their job and suddenly be faced with an uncertain future, worries about supporting their family, stress of finding another job and meeting financial obligations, all with a bruised ego. And the boss won’t tell him in person because it’s inconvenient? Are you kidding me? Whose feelings are more important here?

Obviously telling someone they no longer have a job is not an easy thing to do but delivering that news via email is really cowardly. The only way to salvage any good feeling at all from this situation is to talk with the employee in person and explain the decision with as much empathy and support as you can muster. How could you do anything else?

Not to mention the fact that you  never know under what circumstances you may run into this former employee again. Tempted as I might be to twist out this ugly job responsibility, I would much rather be remembered for my caring and integrity than for the crummy way I treated another person, wouldn’t you? 

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