COURSE OUTLINE:
EMPLOYEE TERMINATION, BEST PRACTICES
INSTRUCTOR: CATHERINE D. FLOWERS
FORMAT: ON-DEMAND AND VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION

Method of Delivery: Online, In Person or Webinar Format
Course Requirements:

  • Reliable and consistent internet service
  • Basic computer skills
  • Note-taking skills

Training Objectives:

  • Understand the risk factors and consequences of workplace violence and retaliation in the
    context of employee termination.
  • Gain knowledge of preventive measures and strategies to foster a healthy workplace
    culture.
  • Learn the importance of appropriate policies and procedures in minimizing risk.
  • Understand the legal and ethical considerations in the process of employee termination.
    Learn to plan and conduct a termination meeting effectively and safely.
  • Gain knowledge of the steps to take post-termination to prevent retaliation or violence and
    maintain a positive work environment.
  • Apply the learned concepts through case studies and role-play scenarios.
  • Encourage open dialogue and knowledge exchange around the sensitive topic of employee
    termination.

Audience: This course is designed for all private investigators requiring continuing education
credits.

Designation of Credit: The PI Academy designates this continuing education activity for two
(3) contact hours.

Course Outline: Best Practices for Employee Termination to Avoid Potential Workplace
Violence and Retaliation

I. Introduction (15 minutes)

  • Welcome and Introductions
    Course Overview
    Objectives of the Training
    Importance of Proper Employee Termination

II. Recognizing the Risks (20 minutes)
A. Understanding Workplace Violence

  • Definitions and Examples
    Potential Causes

B. Understanding Retaliation

  • Definition and Examples
    Legal Consequences

C. Identifying Risk Factors for Violence and Retaliation

  • Personality Traits
    Job Roles
    Organizational Changes
    External Factors

III. Prevention and Preparation (30 minutes)
A. Promoting a Healthy Workplace Culture

  • Open Communication
    Fair Treatment
    Conflict Resolution

B. Policies and Procedures

  • Anti-retaliation Policies
    Workplace Violence Policies
    Grievance Procedures

C. Pre-termination Steps

  • Performance Management
    Documentation
    Legal Consultation

IV. Termination Process (30 minutes)
A. Planning the Termination Meeting

  • Choosing the Time and Place
    Who Should be Present
    Preparing the Message

B. Conducting the Termination Meeting

  • Expressing the Decision Clearly and Concisely
    Managing the Employee’s Reaction
    Providing Information on Final Paycheck, Benefits, etc.

C. Ensuring Safety During and After the Meeting

  • Security Measures
    Employee’s Removal from the Premises
    Managing Coworkers’ Reactions

V. Post-termination Actions (30 minutes)
A. Communication with Remaining Employees

  • Delivering the News
    Maintaining Morale

B. Legal Considerations and Follow-up

  • Unemployment Claims
    References for Terminated Employees
    Record Keeping

C. Handling Potential Retaliation or Violence

  • Warning Signs
    Responding to Threats or Acts of Violence
    Reporting and Investigation Procedures

VI. Case Studies and Role-Playing (30 minutes)

  • Review of Real-world Scenarios
    Role-play Exercise: Conducting a Termination Meeting

VII. Conclusion and Evaluation (15 minutes)

  • Recap of Key Points
  • Q&A Session
  • Course Evaluation

COURSE INFORMATION

Adult Education Methods Utilized

  • Downloadable handouts
  • Narrated slides
  • Textbook and Course Materials
  • Articles
  • On-demand video
  • Downloadable materials
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Course Requirements
  • Internet connection (DSL, LAN, or cable connection desirable)\
  • Access to the internet
  • Ability to use a personal computer

Course Offerings

  •  Certificate of Completion
  • 60-day unlimited course access

Course Structure

This course will be delivered online, webinar or in person through the ThePIAcademy.com
website. Participants will use website credentials to log in and access their accounts.
Participants will access online lessons, course materials, and resources. The course will be
broken down into modules for self-paced learning. Access to the course is limited to 60 days.
Following the completion of the course, students will receive a certificate of completion for

Continuing Education Credits and licensing renewal.

  • This course will be delivered online through a course management website
    ThePIAcademy.com.
  • To access this course online, you will need to access the Internet and a supported Web
    browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Chrome.