Avoiding Hiring & Termination Pitfalls
The second topic I presented on was “Avoiding Pitfalls in Your Hiring and Termination Processes.” Since this topic crosses over into a number of legal issues, I was joined by Shawn Mercer of Bass Sox Mercer. Shawn is a well-respected attorney that works exclusively with auto dealers across the country; he was also one of the keynote speakers at the NCADA event.
Clearly, this is a massive topic with too many threads to cover in 45 minutes. Our focus was on the fundamental issues that need to be addressed in a dealership (or any business for that matter) which are often missed. The three most consistent pitfalls we see during our work with clients are:
- Lack of Process: Most businesses we talk with simply don’t have a consistent process in place for hiring and terminating employees. This leads to all kinds of issues and opens up your business to claims for unfair labor practices.
- Communication Breakdown: As a business grows and adds staff and new locations, lack of process will lead to poor communication. This includes a lack of training for your managers that are executing the day to day of your hiring and terminations in your business without direction on what fits into your culture and the law, and what does not.
- Poor Documentation: “If it’s not documented…it’s not done.” We all have heard that saying, but it’s truly amazing how many businesses still shoot themselves in the foot by keeping poor records. Inevitably, that one sexual harassment training sign off that you can’t find is for the employee that sues you because they claim you never trained them.
There are countless pitfalls when it comes to hiring and terminating. But with solid process, communication and documentation you will be in a much better position to defend your business when called upon.
